New ball python help?

[Dextrad]

Hello a couple days ago i got my first ball python so i need some help. He is 440 grams and about 3feet long. The previous owner was feeding him a medium - large mouse every two weeks but I was wondering if I could switch him over to frozen rats. Im not really sure what to do about this situation. Also I only have a 10 gallon tank so it cant fit much. I know im suppose to have 2 hides one in the heat and one out of the heat but for right now I only have one hide above the heat pad and hes always under that on the right of the tank i have his water bowl. There isnt room for anything else. What should I do about this? Lastly I need to get some type of thermostat for the heat pad. I dont have much money so i need a cheaper one. Can someone help me with a good cheap thermostat link or tell me which type to buy? THANK YOU

[hypnotixdmp]

OK, so, as I learned when I 1st got into this not long ago, you can't really go tooooo cheap on stuff like a thermostat. I did get the hydrofarm thermostat off of amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR...ords=hydrofarm)

Now, the tank size, if you cant get a 2nd hide in on the cool side I would DEF get a bigger tank, at least a 20 gallon!!

As for the feeding frozen, the only thing you can do is try! Some snakes are just VERY picky eaters and won't eat it, and it's also t he same way for going from f/t to live sometimes!

Also, if you don't have one yet, you need a digital thermometer and hydrometer for your tank, analog just isn't as accurate! Here is a thermostat that is REALLY good and from what I have seen used by a lot of snake keepers and its cheap at walmart for about $12! I also use it, and its great, just make sure you buy a pack of 'AA' batteries and keep it with it just in case!!! http://www.walmart.com/ip/Acu-Rite-I...mometer/896347

[I-KandyReptiles]

OK, so, as I learned when I 1st got into this not long ago, you can't really go tooooo cheap on stuff like a thermostat. I did get the hydrofarm thermostat off of amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR...ords=hydrofarm)

Now, the tank size, if you cant get a 2nd hide in on the cool side I would DEF get a bigger tank, at least a 20 gallon!!

As for the feeding frozen, the only thing you can do is try! Some snakes are just VERY picky eaters and won't eat it, and it's also t he same way for going from f/t to live sometimes!

Also, if you don't have one yet, you need a digital thermometer and hydrometer for your tank, analog just isn't as accurate! Here is a thermostat that is REALLY good and from what I have seen used by a lot of snake keepers and its cheap at walmart for about $12! I also use it, and its great, just make sure you buy a pack of 'AA' batteries and keep it with it just in case!!! http://www.walmart.com/ip/Acu-Rite-I...mometer/896347

x2

The hydrofarm is supposed to be really great for the cheaper thermostats. I've never used one, but it's what everyone recommends.

Also agree with the bigger cage. If you can't afford one, use a rubbermaid tub. The hide on the cool side allows your bp to thermoregulate himself.

[hypnotixdmp]

x2

The hydrofarm is supposed to be really great for the cheaper thermostats. I've never used one, but it's what everyone recommends.

Also agree with the bigger cage. If you can't afford one, use a rubbermaid tub. The hide on the cool side allows your bp to thermoregulate himself.

X2 on the rubbermaid tubs!!! Cheap and is REALLY good for holding humidity and can supply you with a lot of room!!! It doesn't matter if you care abotu being able to see your little guy there, you need to make sure he/she is comfortable more than anything!!

[Lisn123]

Hello a couple days ago i got my first ball python so i need some help. He is 440 grams and about 3feet long. The previous owner was feeding him a medium - large mouse every two weeks

Isnt that a bit small of a mouse for snake that size??

our snake is 140 grams and we give her med. mouse every 5 days (mouse is about 17grams- 10-15% her weight)

[Dextrad]

Thanks guys. I plan on getting a bigger tank and that Thermostat also I already have a digital thermometer. Thanks again

- - - Updated - - -

Isnt that a bit small of a mouse for snake that size??

our snake is 140 grams and we give her med. mouse every 5 days (mouse is about 17grams- 10-15% her weight)

Im new to this whole snake thing so im not sure. but im going to bring him to my local reptile breeder store tomorrow and find out what I should be feeding him then im going to try to feed him for the first time.

[satomi325]

At 440 grams, you should be feeding weanling or small rats once a week. Or at least a ~2-3 adult mice once a week. One mouse once every 2 weeks is underfeeding.
And I agree with getting a larger enclosure.
For a ball that size, I recommend getting a 28qt tub. It's good for adults between 500-2000 grams and retains humidity well.
But remember, tubs only work well if your room temperature isn't too low (below 70-75*).

[Dextrad]

Yes the guy I bought him off of was underfeeding him. I'm going to work on getting everything I need and I will start feeding him bigger meals once a week. Thanks for the help everyone.

[Dextrad]

Where can I buy just a simple 28qt tub ? I plan on getting more ball python eventually so this would be the cheaper way.

[satomi325]

Where can I buy just a simple 28qt tub ? I plan on getting more ball python eventually so this would be the cheaper way.

Target, Walmart, CVS, Home depot, Lowes, etc etc.

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