Hello from Florida~

[Shawnee]

Hi everyone My name is Shawnee.

I don't actually have a ball python yet, but I am preparing to get my first one! I've fallen in love with a young male lesser pastel yellowbelly, so I'm /really/ hoping he doesn't get taken before I can buy him!

He will actually be the first snake I've ever owned and ever touched...haha. I've been in love with reptiles and tarantula's for a long time but have finally taken the leap to owning these precious animals. I'm also getting a Gargoyle gecko very soon (Have him picked out, just waiting on shipping) and am getting a T soon as well. So I guess I've taken a big jump into the reptile/invert world, haha!

I've only ever owned mammals my entire life. I have a dog, 2 cats, and 7 hamsters already. (One of my dwarves, Spitfire, just gave birth two days ago, so I have anywhere from 1-18 more hamsters! Haven't been able to count or see them yet, but I can hear the little ones)

I'm really really excited for this boy to come into my life. He's so so pretty.

But I'm also worried. I want to take really good care of him, and I do have some concerns.

I know it's not really recommended to use tanks for them, but he's about 23 inches long right now, and I'm planning on housing him in a 20 gal long tank. It will be coconut fibre substrate, undertank heating pad, daylight bulb, hidey home, humid hidey home, water bowl, and some fake plants, and maybe a long stick or something. I've heard it's good to put a damp towel on top of half the tank to help keep humidity in, and I'll have to mist multiple times a day. (I'll already be misting twice a day for my gecko so misting is no problem to me)

Does this all sound ok? Is there anything I'm missing? I'm just super nervous, I don't want to get anything wrong and make him suffer because I was stupid! D:

Anyways, it's nice to meet you all <3 I look forward to learning all I can!

[Reinz]

Welcome to the forum Shawnee.

Sounds like you have things planned out pretty well. No need to be nervous.

A few things to add for now; be sure and get a thermostat for your UTH to prevent belly burns, get a combo digital thermometer/hygrometer (Acu-Rite) from Walmart in the hardware section, and get a infrared temp gun at a tool place or Amazon.

Humidy and temp issues can tweaked if and when they arise.

Please post pics of your new snake when he arrives!

[Shawnee]

Thanks for the welcome, Reinz!

I spent all day today going to like 6 stores getting everything I needed, and I finally got his tank all setup! I did purchase a thermostat so his heating pad doesn't get too hot, and also got the Acu-Rite thermo/hygrometer!

So since I was able to get everything he needed....I purchased him today!!! I'm so glad no one bought him before me. I can't tell you how excited I am! I also got some frozen mice so I have them on hand in case he wants to eat, though I know he might fast when he first gets here until he gets acclimated.

Man...I can't believe I'm finally doing it. Finally getting a snake like I've always wanted. Ah, feels good x3