My first BP

[iHAZreptiles]

Yesterday I got my first Ball Python. He is 4 months old and about 16 inches (I haven't been able to meeauser him yet). He is in a 20-Long tank, with 2 hides and the water bowl. I got him from a petstore, (I know it's better to get them from breeders but I couldn't find any where I live) and they were feeding him one pinkie every 4 days. I'm going to feed it for the first time tomorrow and I want to know when I would be able to handle him and any tips to make his life happier and longer. Any and all info will be helpful.

[Kinra]

Tip 1: Feed something bigger than a pinkie those are way too small

Tip 2: Black out the back and side of the tank, it will make him feel more secure

Tip 3: If you are using a heat lamp, switch to a heat pad controlled by a thermostat

Tip 4: Don't start handling him until he's started eating

Tip 5: You should probably give him a week to settle in before you offer food

Tip 6: Make sure you've read the Care Sheet

Good luck and welcome!

[iHAZreptiles]

Tip 1: Feed something bigger than a pinkie those are way too small

Tip 2: Black out the back and side of the tank, it will make him feel more secure

Tip 3: If you are using a heat lamp, switch to a heat pad controlled by a thermostat

Tip 4: Don't start handling him until he's started eating

Tip 5: You should probably give him a week to settle in before you offer food

Tip 6: Make sure you've read the Care Sheet

Good luck and welcome!

Thanks, and were could I get a heating pad at and how much do those cost?

[RetiredJedi]

I got my heating pad from the pet store for about $20 and got another one from Reptile Basics for $14 at a reptile convention. The one from the pet store can get really hot and burn your snake so you will need a way to control it. I have two of THESE and they work really well. I put the sensor between the glass of the tank and the heating pad.

[iHAZreptiles]

I got my heating pad from the pet store for about $20 and got another one from Reptile Basics for $14 at a reptile convention.

Thanks I will be getting one soon then. Do I need one on each side and do I still need the heating lamp?

[Kinra]

Yeah, you can find them at a pet store or online. You will need a thermostat, rheostat or a dimmer for it though because they get really hot. With the rheostat or the dimmer you will need to monitor it daily and adjust it.

Edit: You should only need one and you shouldn't need the lamp any more.

[RetiredJedi]

I only have one on one side of the tank and no heat lamp because it sucks up the humidity. I also have my screen top covered like THIS but the only difference is I did the treatment to a piece of cardboard I cut to fit the screen instead of actually taping the screen. I have had two perfect full sheds and the temps/humidity stay great.

[iHAZreptiles]

Yeah, you can find them at a pet store or online. You will need a thermostat, rheostat or a dimmer for it though because they get really hot. With the rheostat or the dimmer you will need to monitor it daily and adjust it.

Edit: You should only need one and you shouldn't need the lamp any more.

Ok thanks and I was going through some of the guides and earlier when he was exploring his tank i noticed his belly was slightly pink, though it was also pressed against the glass. Could he be about to shed? His eyes and body didn't seem dull but I don't no what he looked like before, if he is dull.

[iHAZreptiles]

I only have one on one side of the tank and no heat lamp because it sucks up the humidity. I also have my screen top covered like THIS but the only difference is I did the treatment to a piece of cardboard I cut to fit the screen instead of actually taping the screen. I have had two perfect full sheds and the temps/humidity stay great.

Thanks, but I don't think my tank will be able to do it because the screened part slides on and off so I wouldn't be able to tape that part.

[Kinra]

Pink belly is usually one of the first signs they are going to shed.

Mine get a pink belly, then they get darker, then they get dull (go blue), then they clear up for a day or two and then they shed. ^__^

When you see his eyes starting to cloud up that's the time to really leave him alone until he sheds. They can't see like that and the oils from our skin can dry them out. Try to bump your humidity up if you can too, it will help him shed.

Also he might not eat right away if he's going to shed. I feed mine while they are shedding but I know a lot of people don't. Some ball pythons also won't eat when they are in the shed process.