Setting up for First BP

[hops523]

Hows it going? Ive been looking around these forums for awhile, and reading up on BPs for actually a few years now haha, and Im finally ready to take the plunge! But I do have a few questions still.

1. Ill be keeping the bp enclosure(tub) in a spot where the ambient temp is around the low-mid 70s. Ill be using a uth on the warm side with a thermostat, but do I need to put anything on the cool side? A Flexwatt or maybe another uth to bump the temp up a bit? Ive been reading mixed answers, some say if the cool side is too cool, the bp will just move to the warm side, and you dont need to add anything. Others say to add a flexwatt. What do you think?

2. Another question about a uth is do I need to somehow lift the enclosure, or lift the uth off the ground a bit? I think I think I read something like that awhile ago, but I just cant remember. If so, how would you all go about doing this?

3. I have a few tubs, some are 27qt, and some are 58qt. Should I use the 27qt for a juvenile, or buy another size? If the 27qt is ok, what size uth should I use?

4. Would you all suggest getting some type of bungees, or straps to wrap around the enclosure to prevent the bp from escaping, or are the tub lids strong enough to keep them in there?

5. When you all made your air holes in your tubs, did you use a drill, or did you use the glue gun method? Which would you suggest?

6. And one more question. Since this is my first bp, Im not really looking for any particular morph, maybe just a nice normal, or pastel. Does anyone know of a breeder in Colorado? I dont really want to pay $80 for a normal at the local stores, and I dont really want to pay the shipping costs for a bp online, since that would almost equal the cost of one at the local store.

Sorry for all the questions, Im just trying to make sure I get everything right

Thank you

[mr. s]

1. I would say that low-mid 70s is on the low side. I try to not let any of mine drop below 75, but better nearer 80.
Most of the time you just gotta set it up and see what happens before you need to fix anything. I have enclosures with no trouble, others I have had to do a little something here or there to fix the temps. You should be setting up the enclosure prior to purchasing a snake anyway, so it is not difficult to check all your temps previous.

2. No idea. I've heard of bottle caps.

3. The 27 qt is probably good for a while, but it is hard to say. Search for some threads on the subject, I know there are several.

4. The tub lids should have the locking ends that go over the lid. If it is a juvi, those are going to be fine. If it is not the type of container that locks shut like that, or the bp is much bigger, yes, you are going to want something to ensure it is sealed properly.

5. I used a knife, I'm not sure if one would save you any large chunk of time over the other.

6. ? (Where I live the cheapest males from breeders are $50....stores are well over a hundred usually).

Good luck.

[Sarin]

Welcome to BP.net.

1. You should be just fine with the one UTH. Mine don't seem to mind cool side temps in the low-mid 70's.

2. As long as there is some air flow allowed between the UTH and the surface you have the tub on, you'll be fine. This is to prevent potential overheating.

3. 27 quart should be fine for a juvie.

4. Yes, you need to definitely secure the lid of a tub. I use the Sterilite lockable tubs without a problem, though.

5. Niether, I use a cheap soldering gun from Home Depot ($8) and it works great. Just plug in and poke a few holes. Nice smooth edges.

6. Sorry, I am not familiar with local breeders in CO, but no matter what price you pay you will be happy with your BP and he/she will not be your only one for long.. Trust me! My advice is to at all costs try to avoid the Pet Store BP's.

Good Luck!

[hops523]

Thank you for your replies. I will be setting it up to see where the temp is at. And I think it actually might be a little higher than what I posted, but i'll see. The lids do lock shut, but I think I might grab some straps as a precaution.

So, the uth shouldn't be touching the enclosure? Ohh, maybe I was thinking of a soldering gun. Haha a few minutes after posting this, I found two very good breeders in my area with some really nice ball pythons for great prices.
Thanks again

[Seak]

Thank you for your replies. I will be setting it up to see where the temp is at. And I think it actually might be a little higher than what I posted, but i'll see. The lids do lock shut, but I think I might grab some straps as a precaution.

So, the uth shouldn't be touching the enclosure? Ohh, maybe I was thinking of a soldering gun. Haha a few minutes after posting this, I found two very good breeders in my area with some really nice ball pythons for great prices.
Thanks again

The UTH sticks to the enclosure, it should be raised off of whatever you have the enclosure on. There needs to be room for the heat from the bottom to escape.

[snakesRkewl]

The tub sits directly on the flexwatt which sits directly on the shelf.
I've used locking lid tubs for 2 years now, they work excellent.