new ball python owner

[bp-guy]

what is the lowest the humidity my tank can get without my ball python getting sick and should i get a thermostat for my zoo med under tank heating pad my room temperature is 78 degrees farenhieght durring the day and gets down to 74 degrees at night. not too sure exacty what my hot side is on the ground under hot side hide i just ordered a temp gun it will be here in 2 days. any info will help thank.

p.s. my ball python was hatched on june 26, 2011

[Ezekiel285]

Welcome to BP.net!

Humidity should stay 50-60% and i would get a thermostat regardless of your room temperature because i have heard of heating pads malfunctioning and harming snakes.

[mues155]

Welcome to you and your new addition.

I would suggest checking out the Caresheet that we provide here on BP.net.
BP husbandry is VERY important. If not properly met this can increase the chances of getting a sick and unhappy snake. Try to replicate the caresheets temps and humidity as best you can in your snakes tank.
A thermostat is needed because is regulates the heat that comes from your heat pad. I assure you it is nessicary. Snakes can become burned and die from malfunctions. A thermostat will turn off the power to the pad if the temps reach a dangerous zone.
Trying to constantly guess temps is no fun.
Please read up on the caresheet and let us know if you have more questions.

[bp-guy]

i read the care sheet and i have zilla green terrarium liner with a layer of paper towels on top of it to monitor her the first time she goes to the bathroom on the bottom of tank, so it is impossible for her to burrow and get burnt but i was wondering if the heating pad gets too hot durring the day cause the temp in my room goes from 75 at night on cool side to 82 on cool side durring the day i cant take exact temp of my hot spot cause i dont have a temp gun yet and on the heating pad box it says it is supposed to keep it 20 degrees warmer than room temp, i am going to get a thermostat on thursday though, any advice on a good thermostat to buy. and my humidity is 52 percent right now.

thanks.

[llovelace]

Order a hydofarm thermostat from amazon $28.

[bp-guy]

is 75 degrees too low for the cool side of tank at night?

[mues155]

I use the VE-300 from Reptile Basics but most people use a Herpstat or Helix thermostats.
I would just get a thermostat as quickly as possible so your temps can be consistant.

[llovelace]

Yes 75 is a little cool

[mues155]

is 75 degrees too low for the cool side of tank at night?

Yes 75 is dangerously close to being harmful.

Temperatures should be as followed...

80-82 cool side
86-87 warm side
92-93 hot spot

Anything below 75 is unhealthy.
If these temps continue the snake can have problems such as failure to eat, and can also lead to fatal respiratory infections.
Temps are VERY important to keep accurate for a reptile.

[bp-guy]

ok thanks i turned my heater on in my room so room temp is at 80 an both hatchlings ate on sunday night 48 hours ago