a couple of questions...

[Montys_Mom]

I will try to find a small amount of salmon to try...

I put a fake plant in his tank tonight and he immediately went over to check it out. Next thing he is climbing all over it and having fun. Will be getting more for him asap. My son was nice and bought a large water bowl but Monty refuses to take his food in it or even bother getting in the darn thing. He loves his small bowl, which he is way too large for but I guess it makes hunting easier. Am thinking of turning the large water bowl into a grassy area for him that I can easily remove and trim up as needed and the water will stay put. What would be a safe 'dirt' to do this with? Afraid to use anything plant related, and we have no dirt areas in our yard anymore. Would peat moss work okay and be safe for him? I also have some branches from a peach tree I am letting dry out and will bake...do I have to debark this?

Thanks for putting up with me.

[guidofatherof5]

Starting at the end.
The bark can stay. I've heard of other members using peat and it seem to work fine. I've never used it. I use a compressed Aspen wood pellet. Some members use paper towels, some newspaper. I like the wood pellets since they are large and not easily ingested. Even if they are eaten they will break down into very small parts and pass through the snake.
They do like getting new things. They can also be picky about what you get. I've tried the store bought hides but my snakes like cardboard boxes. As far as the water dish dilemma goes,,give him what he wants or only give him one choice. They do love their water time.

[Mommy2many]

I agree with Steve. Any bark from outside should be baked in the oven. I have used Peat Moss, but I would maybe bake that as well. You don't want to end up with mites. For water dishes, I have used small plates used to catch water from planters ($1.50 or so at a garden center) or even the chinese take out bowls. As for hides, they do pick their favorites. Though mine all like to go under the water dish at times! Card board boxes, toilet paper rolls, broken pottery (just sand edges) all work fine. I also use the hard wood pellets and the aspen bedding. Good luck with your baby!