Few questions?

[kevinb]

Hi all I'm getting ready to get my first BP. I have a few questions however. Would a 29 gallon aquarium be okay for a hatchling....I'm looking to get a 2011 baby. Also will cypress mulch be good for bedding? I plan to make a custom enclosure but just to start out would that be okay? I have loads of questions. Looking forward to answers.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using Tapatalk

[Skittles1101]

20 gallon long is generally ideal. 29 gallon might be okay though. I'd be sure to black out the sides and back with black Con-tact paper especially for a baby to make it not feel as big as it is. Also be sure you have two tight fitting hides on either side. Cypress bedding should be fine, just don't overdo it because then the UTH might not give off enough heat. Take a look at our caresheet and welcome to the site

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ius)-Caresheet

[Cendalla]

Welcome! LGray23 gave great advice. They really do like to feel secure and if they feel to open they can really stress out. Feel free to ask more questions when they come up and be sure to post pics of the new baby when you get him/her.

[kevinb]

Should I just spray the sides, back, and bottom black? Also what would be an appropriate hide?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using Tapatalk

[Skittles1101]

Well the bottom doesn't need to be covered as there will be some type of substrate on it. Spray paint should be okay to use as long as you let it air dry for 3 days, and spray the outside not the inside. However I think a roll of black Con-tact paper from home depot is actually cheaper than a can of spray paint lol.

You can buy hides online or in pet stores, or you can make your own. Tupperware containers (the dark ones, I wouldn't use any that let in light) or tissue boxes, or something similar. I use these for babies (the small one)
http://www.reptilebasics.com/small-hide-box
My older ones use the medium size, but that would be way too big for a baby. I love those because they are cheap and easy to clean. You really can't go wrong with Reptile Basics products. Be sure the hides are identical so the snake doesn't choose the preferred one over it's health. For example, if it likes it's cold hide better, it will stay in it, regardless of how cold he gets. If they are identical then this prevents that.

[kevinb]

Okay I will check that link out. What should the humidity be like I heard between 50-60% is That right?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using Tapatalk

[Skittles1101]

Yeah 60%-70% is great, a little above or below is okay as long as it doesn't drop too bad.

[ed4281]

Hey here's a great link on how to set up a tank, I prefer a ten gallon for a small hatchling just because they really do like tight spaces, but if you really clutter up a 20 L you should be okay.

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...p-w-pics-*DUW*

[kevinb]

Okay so I don't need a heat lamp And such....just a uth?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using Tapatalk

[Skittles1101]

Okay so I don't need a heat lamp And such....just a uth?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using Tapatalk

A UTH and thermostat, but right. If your ambient temps are very low in your house you can supplement with a ceramic heat emitted, but I highly suggest no lamps.