new to snakes, any pointers?

[ocylis]

hi ball python.net im justin, i just picked up my new boid this week and im looking for some new pointers for begginers,
i have... 10 gal tank w/cover, lamp w/ day/night bulbs, half log hideout, hollow tree w/vine, thermometers, and a hygrometer, small water dish, shreded bark bedding(is astroturf better?), a heating pad, and of course my snake which id say without measuring is 1-1.5 feet,
i got him healty at a local pet store that is pretty reputable,
i have fed him one pinkie which is what the lady at the pet store said to feed him but he ate it so fast and ass end first that it makes me think he should be eating something bigger?
my other major questions/concerns are..
1. what should be my humidity goal?
2. is my water dish too small?
3. how often do they shed/should i feed?
4. handling rules?
5. are pinkies big enough right now?
6. is it odd that it seems like hes been trying to escape on and off for a few days (searching all over the tank bumping his nose on the glass) or is he getting used to his new home.
so thats what i have please tell me what i need, im new to BP's and snakes in general so any helpful tips and im all ears..
im going to search the forums for some answers but any help would be appreciated.

heres a few photos i took today

keep in mind when using my hand as a scaler that i have very above average size hands

[ocylis]

http://s635.photobucket.com/albums/u...is777/ocylis1/ pics let me know if photobucket isent working

[cinderbird]

hi ball python.net im justin, i just picked up my new boid this week and im looking for some new pointers for begginers,
i have... 10 gal tank w/cover, lamp w/ day/night bulbs, half log hideout, hollow tree w/vine, thermometers, and a hygrometer, small water dish, shreded bark bedding(is astroturf better?), a heating pad, and of course my snake which id say without measuring is 1-1.5 feet,
i got him healty at a local pet store that is pretty reputable,
i have fed him one pinkie which is what the lady at the pet store said to feed him but he ate it so fast and ass end first that it makes me think he should be eating something bigger?
my other major questions/concerns are..
1. what should be my humidity goal?
2. is my water dish too small?
3. how often do they shed/should i feed?
4. handling rules?
5. are pinkies big enough right now?
6. is it odd that it seems like hes been trying to escape on and off for a few days (searching all over the tank bumping his nose on the glass) or is he getting used to his new home.
so thats what i have please tell me what i need, im new to BP's and snakes in general so any helpful tips and im all ears..
im going to search the forums for some answers but any help would be appreciated.

heres a few photos i took today

keep in mind when using my hand as a scaler that i have very above average size hands

Pinkies are much to small for BPs, you can easily give him a small adult mouse or rat pup. He can be fed every 5-7 days. Your bark bedding is fine . Humidity should be around 50% normally, you can bump it to 70% when he goes into shed. Take a look at the stickies on the forum, they have some awesome info.

[j_kszb]

Welcome to the furoms!!! Ill try to help where i can im still new to . First many people are goignt o tell you to get rid of the log hides, get two plastics bowls or something for the snake to feel secure in.
1.The humidity should be between 50%-60% for a ball python.
2. The bowl should be big enough for the snake to soak in if needed.
3. I dont know about the shedding part, but i feed my bp once a week.
4. Don't handle for the first week or so, then start at 15min a day. IF it stops eating it could be due to the stress of handling.
5. I think you can go bigger, but im not sure, some one with more knowledge will chime in soon.
6. What size is your tank, it might be too big. (mine had that problem)

Ah cinderbird beat me to it >.<

[CBI]

1. What should be my humidity goal?

50-60%

2. Is my water dish too small?

Take advantage of your bowl, big enough for him to get into it if needed and for you to manipulate humidity levels in his cage.

3. How often do they shed/should i feed?

Feed him once a week, he will shed depending on how often and how much you feed him, about 4-6 times a year minimum

4. Handling rules?

Let him be for now, at least until he gets used to him new set up, do not handle him for a few days after feeding

5. Are pinkies big enough right now?

rat pinkies/pups and larger, get him started on rats ASAP, you'll have better results on his growth rate

6. Is it odd that it seems like hes been trying to escape on and off for a few days (searching all over the tank bumping his nose on the glass) or is he getting used to his new home.

he could be hungry, snakes move around a lot when they are hungry or maybe he is not use to his new hooch, not sure if you mentioned it but make sure he has a hide box while he is small. Also make sure the temps are right, he could be looking for a warmer or cooler spot depending on what they are in his enclosure.

[ocylis]

thank you very much everybody ive made a few changes ill check back after work..