First BP + Starting Set Up

[Nathaniel1989]

Hello everyone!

Next week we are picking up our first normal Ball python! today we went and got some of the starter things we need! So I will use this thread throughout time to keep showing off our "Severus"!

Anyway, other then thermometer and heatpad etc... can you take a look at the pictures below and tell us your opinion (included a pic of snake) our first snake so any tips on what to look out for would be great!

It is a hatchling - born on the 12/09/2015 - 142 grms. eating small rat pups every 10/14 days.

[LittleTreeGuy]

A few things.... You should probably just look in the bp husbandry section for the sticky on setting up an enclosure. that will help you a good bit.

Is this going in a rack, or will this container be sitting on a stand with a lid on it?

You will need a heat source, preferably an under tank heater attached to a thermostat. the thermostat is a MUST HAVE. Otherwise you could burn the snake.

In my opinion, I would toss that half log. Get two small hides that are mostly enclosed with the exception of the bottom and a small door. Look at the small hides on Reptilebasics.com. that will give you an idea. You could use something like old butter bowls with a door cut out in the side of them. Simple, but the snakes seem to like tight little hides. If not going into a rack, it's ideal to have to similar hides in the tub. one over the hot spot and one on the cool side of the tank.

If this is going to be a free-standing enclosure, you may want to consider covering two or three sides of it, to make the snake feel more secure... they live in old termite mounds in the wild, so they are a-ok with dark, tight spaces. Big open areas can stress them out.

You will need a thermometer and a hygrometer. Accurite makes these that are available at Walmart/home depot/lowes, etc... You'll want to keep your humidity at 50% at least... during sheds, you'll want it to be at least 70%. (Mine is in the high 60's most of the time) You may find with all those holes in the side, your humidity will drop. if that happens, cover some of the openings. A lot will depend on your room temperatures and humidity levels.

Room temperature - What is it? You'll want the ambient temperature to be between high 70's to mid 80's. If your house is warm, using your UTH alone will likely be okay. My house is cool, so I had to put a small radiant oil-filled heater near my snake tubs to keep the ambient temps up.

Feeding - You should offer your snake it's food right in the container it lives in. You may want to pick up a pair of hemostats or tongs of some kind, especially if feeding Frozen/thawed prey.

Scale - I have found a kitchen scale that weighs in grams is great to have. this will allow you to weigh your snake, and the prey you feed it. You can find them for under $20.

I'm sure others will have more suggestions, but hopefully this will help a little. It's a little overwhelming at first, but once you meet the basic needs, and learn to keep them spot-on, it's fairly easy to maintain.

[Nathaniel1989]

Thank you sir for your reply!

The things you can see in that picture are what we picked up today from the petshop/ We get the snake Next Saturday and ordering the important stuff online!! I have been wanting a snake for years and taking a serious look into it the last few weeks/months and I can tell you I have spent hours and hours and hours and hours reading, looking, reading, looking. It is really difficult for new people to own snakes!

I also have to meet the mrs requirements and as usual she needs to be involved! She spoke to the pet shop keeper, who said this tank will be fine for a few months, until the snake grows. We have a vivarium. We will be blacking off the back end of this little set up (not permanent) and will cover some of the vents etc.. To make sure we keep temp/humidity to required levels. It might not be "perfect" but we will make it work.

I am not looking to breed snakes, just this one as a pet and maybe some more in the future. All i can take from what people say is follow the basics and then learn from doing.

I got a little excited earlier after setting this up and wanted to show off its finally happening!

Next Saturday with the snake in and all the thermometers/thermostat I will upload another picture!

Thanks again.