I am new as both a BP owner (my first snake! wooot!) and a member to the forums and wanted to say hello.

This past Monday (3 days ago) I decided to go out and get my first snake (and first reptile since I was a little kid and had an iggy), ball python to be exact.

I am a 27 here old male and have always wanted a ball python but never "got around" to buying one. After stumbling upon this incredible world of morphs and awesome patterns to an already fantastic creature, I was addicted to the idea of getting one.

This is where I started making my few mistakes

For one, I went to a pet store Little did I know at the time this was frowned upon within the reptile community. But as I went "just to look" I quickly fell in love with one.

Immediately licking me and seemed pretty active. On impulse, I decided to buy it.

Anyway, fast forward a few days and its starting to get used to its new home (10 gallon temporary, 60 watt red light, UTH, 2 hides, big water dish and a sweet climbing stick). I have had it here for a few days now but really never got a chance to REALLY look at the snake.

I know I shouldn't have bothered it, but I just wanted to take it out quick and give it a nice check over. Here is what I found:

PROS:
- Very active, seemed to like to crawl around on me once it realized I was no threat. Just seemed pretty curious and overall "healthy".

- Didn't attack or show aggression. Little scared, but I tried being extra gentle and slow with my actions.

- Flicking its tongue a lot. I heard that's a good thing as its aware of the environment.

CONS:
- Well, one nostril seems a little dry and has a tiny bit of "crust". I was devastated when I saw it as its something I thought I looked for at the store. Its only on one and really doesn't look too bad, but there is a bit of dryness and crust

- Also seems to be a tiny bit on the thin side. Has a good muscle tone and definition but could use some solid feeding, which I intend to give it.

I have not fed it yet and am expecting my shipment of frozen fuzzies by Tuesday. I also think I might go get a small mouse in the pet store to feed it this weekend to hold it over till the fuzzies get here. Once arrived, I plan to feed once every 4 days or so to help add some needed weight.

Anyway, are those "CONS" I listed ultra serious and might risk the welfare of my new baby? I am a big time animal lover and plan to bring to the Vet but I was hoping the first Vet visit would be in a month from now.

I plan to rectify the weight issue by starting a quality feeding regiment. But unsure what this dryness on one nostril means.

Thoughts and advice appreciated. Pics will come in a week or 2 after adjustment period.