New owner help

[blueeyez]

Hey everyone I found this website in the hopes you would be able to help me!! I rescued a small python from a horrible owner and I have him or her in a new home temporarily is there any tips I could get for a new snake owner. I did go to the pet store and bought some frozen "fuzzies"? I fed her one last night not sure how long it has been since she ate but I barely put the mice in the cage and she ate it. Should I attempt to feed her another one I just don't want to overfeed and cause her to become sick or anything of that nature. Also if you have a heat lamp do you need a heat rock is there any difference? Instead of fake plants can I put real plants and sticks for the snake to climb on? Any good advice that can be given I will gladly take. Also one last thing until I get a new tank I have in like a bin, she was in like this small box with holes on top and it was all dirty in the box will she be ok in that. THANKS FOR ANY HELP!!!!!

[C2tcardin]

First off welcome to the site, second thanks for rescuing an animal in need. For BP's their needs are fairly simple you need heat, shelter, food, water, and places to hide. For now I would suggest on making sure your husbandry (temps. humidity, etc) are all correct. The biggest mistake people make is not providing a regulated heat source. This can be in the form of a heat lamp though it's tricky to set up in a plastic tub., or a heating pad called an under tank heater (UTH). The single most important thing is to make sure the heat is regulated by some kind of thermostat to keep the hot spot around 90 degrees. Do not use a heat rock they get too hot and are notorious for going bad in the on position and seriously burning your snake. My suggestion is to take it slowly and get a tub or tank properly set up with a UTH on a thermostat connected to it before worrying about live plants vs fake.
BTW: this is being provided on very little info about what you do have currently so providing more details on everything you have will make answers more accurate.

[bcr229]

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

and here:
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ALL-caresheets!

I wouldn't run off and buy a tank, as plastic tubs are much better at retaining humidity.

Don't waste your money on a heat rock.

I wouldn't advise using live plants or even wood cage decor. Plastic plants and hides are easier to clean and disinfect, and live ones tend to get smooshed and die.