Hi everyone can you give me some advice please.

[mark27]

Yesterday i bought a 1 yr old female royal python and asked for a complete setup to go with it. What i was given was a clear plastic box with a lid, a ceramic bowl for her water some aspen and a heat mat.

Now after reading online and on a few forums im concerned that the box i have is too small for her and the fact that i wasnt told to buy a thermostat with the heat mat. I know the royals like to be in small spaces but i think her current box is too small. I measured her this morning and she's 31 inches long but the box she's in is 14" in length and 9 inches in depth. I was also told to keep the heat mat under the box and half way in which i have done but im concerned that as the heats not regulated by a thermostat, that she might suffer from the heat. But in my bedroom i have a simular type box that is 22" in length and 14" in depth so would i be better off putting her in there?

Also, i've held a few pythons before when given to me to hold but im abit weary when putting my hands in to get her out as i think she may bite and when holding her she tried to get away rather quickly. Can you give me some tips on how to get her out and make her feel comfortable and less stressed when im holding her and without her biting me?

I need as much advice as you guys can offer on these couple of problems i have.

Many thanks

[Wh00h0069]

Hi, the size of the box sounds right to me. You do not want a box that is too high, as it could stress your ball python out. They stress out very easily. If there is not a hide box in the tub, you will definitely want to put one in. You should buy a thermostat to control the heat pad. I buy mine from here: http://www.reptilebasics.com/Thermostats-p-1-c-250.html .

As for picking your ball up, I suggest using a snake hook. If you do not have a snake hook, I suggest buying one. You could also use something else to pick the ball up. Once the ball is out of its enclosure, it should calm down right away. You can transfer it to your hands, but do not put you hands right in front of its face or touch its head.

Good luck.

[euphuistical]

Don't worry about getting bit taking the snake out. Just don't smell like prey items and pick them up firmly around the body, don't make sudden movements(esp around it's head), project calm and assertiveness (really) make it feel secure.

You could use a snake hook but you really need one with balls.

[Strtaylor]

TUb size sounds fine i would probably get a dimmer or a thermostat to go with it though. And some people like to use snake hooks others dont. I dont use one doesnt mean others dont prefer it. Id say if your not gonna use a hook be sure to let the bp know your there before grabbing it. Dont make any sudden movments withy our other hand or anything, more so near the head then anything. And be comfortable when holding the snake if your not its not. Lastly if your doing all that id say your chances of getting bit by your bp are less likley then getting bit by a dog!

[wolfy-hound]

Am I reading something no one else is? The snake is over twice the length of the tub? I think a slightly bigger tub would be a good thing, also would help in making sure it doesn't overheat. A 14 inch long tub is practically a shoebox, and I think(IMO) that a 31 inch long snake has outgrown it.

The best is to use either a thermostat or at least a dimmer switch on your heatmat.

Most likely she will calm down, but even if she did manage to bite you, it's not a big deal. Just get it over with, and you'll laugh at yourself for being worried. When reaching in, you can use a piece of paper to shield your hand, so the snake doesn't see "Giant hand o doom" coming at it. Once you've picked her up, she should be fine.

[mark27]

Thanks guys. I've got a bigger box for her and have bought a thermostat, abigger heat mat and a couple of logs for her to hide under. Im gonna drill a few holes now on both sides for ventilation and i'll put her in when its warm enough.

[Vypyrz]

Am I reading something no one else is? The snake is over twice the length of the tub? I think a slightly bigger tub would be a good thing, also would help in making sure it doesn't overheat. A 14 inch long tub is practically a shoebox, and I think(IMO) that a 31 inch long snake has outgrown it.

Sounds to me like one of those Critter Keeper boxes. I use those as holding tubs or transport tubs, but not as habitats...


Rob

[mark27]

Here she is in her current box. Its a 9 litre handy one.

[Izzys Keeper]

you might wanna black out the sides somehow or put a towel over it. they like dark places. it might look kinda ugly but thats your best bet to keep the snake less stressed. if you wanna be able to see the snake, a tank with a solid lid (no screen lid, plexi or something idk) to keep in humidity would work better. search craigslist theyre a dime a dozen on there.

p.s. if im wrong someone please kindly advise me. im not exactly a pro but im pretty sure i got my fundamentals down packed. good luck with the new snake. be careful theyre addicting!

[Kaorte]

A tub will out preform a tank in terms of humidity 99% of the time.

Having a tank will not make the snake easier to see. They should be hiding all of the time anyway.

OP: did you get half log hides? If so, go return them and get some rock cave hides with a tiny opening. The snake should fit snugly inside, touched on all sides by the hide. Get two of them.

What kind of thermostat and thermometers did you get/have?