New Ball Python

[Turtletania]

Hi there.... I just got given a baby (90 day old) ball python. She is 30cm long and has eaten 4 times, shed twice.
She is from a reputable breeder who is offering guidance and advice, but I like to know EVERYTHING about the animals I keep and like multiple opinions/support.

She is feeding on prethawed fuzzies atm on a 7 day cycle.
I have her in an exoterra 50x50cm terrarium, with a water bowl,hide and newspaper on the base. She also has a poly/backing that came with the terrarium.

She is in a room which maintains a constant 85 degree temp during the day and drops to about 70/75 at night. Humidity in the room varies from 60 to 80%

Any other advice?
Would love any ideas/advice current owners have to share.

[The Serpent Merchant]

Do you have a heat source for her?

it is best to have an 80 degree cool side and a 90 degree hot side (24/7)

Here are 2 great threads that cover all of the basics:

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

Cage Heating: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...t-Thermometers

Welcome to the site. If you have any questions feel free to ask!

[jbean7916]

I would get a couple smaller, snugger hides.

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[coldbloodaddict]

Is that tape on the hide? If so remove it immediately or it will end up stuck to your snake!!!

[Turtletania]

Thanks for the tips so far....

Tape gone!

How do I thaw the fuzzy to feed her....I know I have to just dip it in hot water for 20 to 30 secs to "heat" it before feeding, but not sure how to defrost it. Just leave it out till it is room temp????

[The Serpent Merchant]

Thanks for the tips so far....

Tape gone!

How do I thaw the fuzzy to feed her....I know I have to just dip it in hot water for 20 to 30 secs to "heat" it before feeding, but not sure how to defrost it. Just leave it out till it is room temp????

Pretty much, it's just like defrosting any other meat.

[Turtletania]

The breeder said she is a ball python (het for genetic stripe).... don't quite understand what he said when he tried to explain.

Can anyone put it simply?

[The Serpent Merchant]

Genetic stripe is a recessive gene. Basically this means that for there to be a visual difference (color/pater of the snake) both parents have to pass on the gene in question. If only 1 parent passed on the gene then it is considered a het (heterozygous) this means that it has 1/2 of the genetic information necessary to make the visual difference.

Here is a thread that explains the genetics in basic terms: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...Basic-Genetics

Here is what a genetic stripe BP looks like: http://www.worldofballpythons.com/mo...enetic-stripe/

This site has a list with pictures of nearly all of the BP morphs (think paint jobs): http://www.worldofballpythons.com/morphs/

[Turtletania]

Wow....Aaron.... Thanks for that... So interesting.

I had no idea there were so many variables in Ball Pythons.

She refused the prethaw fuzzy tonight, and is a little "jittery". The breeder suggested I cover her enclosure for 2 days so she can get used to her new environment then try again as soon as I open in 2 days.....

opinions? thoughts?

[C&H Exotic Morphs]

Covering the cage for a few days to let her settle in is a good idea. Also you may want to look into getting something to cover both sides of her enclosure permanently. It can help make it feel alittle more secure for her. I would also recommend getting her 2 smaller hides to replace the big pot you are using now. You want something that they can fit nice an snug in.
Also if she refused don't offer again for a week. Trying to feed to often can cause additional stress and actually make her less likely to eat.