New Ball Python owner questions

[JediSamReye]

So I just bought a new ball python today, and the lady at the pet store said that it could go the 36 hours without an under tank heater, my house is always running hot, about 80 in the room i put it. So on Friday im going to get it a under tank heater. I have been looking around and some sites have said that they need a basking light, and then some are saying no bright lights so im confused on what to do.
Also tonight when I came home from work it was curled up under a branch, and then i moved the branch to double check everything was ok and it balled up. and its been about 2 hours and i have been glancing at its cage, and its loosened up a little but its still in a ball like form but with its head mostly out. Am I just being stupid and everything is ok? I'm just a little nervous, thanks

[Andybill]

It is a BALL python! lol!

[JediSamReye]

I know its a ball python, I just wanted to make sure that wasnt too much because its too cold. The temp is the biggest thing Im wondering about

[Andybill]

If you just got the snake it will need some time to adjust to its new surroundings. Get a UTH asap and leave it alone for atleast a week then offer it a meal wait a couple days and then slowly start integrating yourself into its life.

[Andybill]

Also a thermostat is a must for the UTH as they do get very hot and can burn the snake. The temp for those should be around 88-92. How big is its cage?

[masonhall]

Well the temps are fine for now. They can stay in the 80s for a couple days no problem. Just if you get a Uth or heat lamp always get a thermometer heat controller with it.


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[JediSamReye]

its in a ten gallon glass

[I-KandyReptiles]

Have you read the caresheet?

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

[el8ch]

Welcome to BP.Net!

Keeping your ball python healthy and happy means you have to have good husbandry. First thing you should do is read the caresheet here.

Since your ambient air temps are around 80 there is no need for a basking light. Typically basking bulbs or infrared lights are used in aquarium setups to increase the ambient air temperatures. Go out and get a UTH and a thermostat to control the temperature and set it to 90 to provide your Ball Python with a nice hot spot. Regulating heat sources with a thermostat or rheostat is a MUST to ensure your snake does not get injured due to excessive heat. Pick up a couple of digital thermometers (the probe style ones) and put one on the hot and cool side to monitor your temps and make sure everything is good. Make sure you offer your BP an identical hide on both the hot and cold size so that they can thermoregulate as needed.

Please let us know if you have any questions and we will do our best to help you on your way...

[I-KandyReptiles]

To add:

You're going to find a tank a PITA. A tub or pvc enclosure will be much easier to keep temps/humidity.

If you're set on the 10 gal, check out this thread:
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...p-w-pics-*DUW*