Couple questions

[imitha]

So I'm soon adding a bp to my snake collection and I have a couple beginner questions I asked one of these before but didn't quite get a straight answer anyway first for heating. I know for example corn snakes have to have a uth but do bps need anything specific and if not and I use ambient light should I have a 12 hour day time running bulb or a 24 hour dark light. I have a window so there is natural light coming in my room. Second the new snake is only a couple months old so what should I start the feeding on. I've heard to get him on rats as soon as possible but should I start him on mice while he's so young and how much would you feed him at this young age. Thank you!

[JoshSloane]

There are many options for heating depending on what enclosure type and your preference. You can use an UTH pad, infrared heat bulb, ceramic heating element (CHE). I would stay away from incandescent bulbs as the snake will not appreciate the added light output. The most important thing is to have a way to control the heat source. Dimmers can be used with all the above options, while a thermostat is your best bet, but cant be used with a heat lamp. Shoot for 90 hot side, 80 degree cold side. The prey item should be just about as thick as the thickest part of the snake. Rats in my opinion are best to start out on when they are young.