few ? about BP's before i get 1

[new2BP]

i am thinking about getting a BP. i am new to keeping reptiles in captivaty and i have a couple ?'s that are concerning me.

1. I have a cat, and is there a chance of getting a bite from the python if someone handles the cat and then handles the python?

2. another concern is loud noise from our suround sound system when we want to watch a movie. what concerns me is the lower sound of a sub box and it possibly causing the snake stress.

other than that i guess its all for now. i have checked out the care sheet and found out a lot because of it. we are currently in the prossecc of setting up our aquirium and making sure we can regulate the temperatures and humidity b4 we purchase the BP. also any hints or tips on regulating temperatue u pros could give me would also help. thanks in advance, nate

[Smulkin]

1) Not likely but worth guarding against- I am frequently abound with Eu De Maltese, Shepherd and Cat and have not had a problem HOWEVER I would still reccomend you wash your hands before and after handling - if to just get into the habit. ESPECIALLY after handling. And I would never have the cat and ball python near each other - more for the protection of the python from the cat.

The chance for SFEs (stupid feeding errors) usually come when trying to feed by hand or handling a snake while your hands still have rodent scent on them. The relatively big heat signature of your hand and the smell of rodent are just hard to pass up.

2) BOOMIN BASS - subwoofers - 5.1 systems - TVs - "bouncing" floors (older houses) - highly trafficked areas - amps/drums/musical equip -all these things can result in stressing your BP. Keep it somewhere out of the main thoroughfare and not subject to a lot of noise or vibration.

For regulating temperature - what sort of heat source were you planning on using?

[new2BP]

sorry the heat set up we are planning on using is heat from underneath. we are getting or going to try a digital thermometer/hygrometer along with a thermostate to help.
we do have some heat lamps that we had for some previous green iguanas that my sister had if the other setup doesnt work.
in a 20 gallon tank, how large should the heating source be that will be underneath the tank? the tank is about 20" and i think 12" wide. would 8x8 do the trick for my hot side?

[Adam_Wysocki]

in a 20 gallon tank, how large should the heating source be that will be underneath the tank? the tank is about 20" and i think 12" wide. would 8x8 do the trick for my hot side?

It all really depends on the type of heat source and the ambient air temps in your home. That's why the digital thermometers are so important. You might have to try a couple of different sizes to get the right temps ... and then in the winter, you might have to adjust sizes again.

When it comes to maintaining proper temps, there is no "one size fits all" answer.

-adam

[Smulkin]

Agree - and to add - the more stable your ambient temps at home the easier to stabilize/maintain the temps. So if you have fluctuating temps the thermostats become important too. You'll hear no shortage of cheers for the digital thermometer/hygrometers - I think most folks who started with or experienced the analog (dial) ones saw what a huge disparity there can be between the reported (analog) temps and the real temps once benchmarked.

[frankykeno]

Wow amazing all the cat vs snake questions this week LOL. I just posted some suggestions re cats and snakes in another thread you might want to read. We handle both our cat and our 4 pet rats daily but make it a habit to wash up well prior to handling the snake.

Cats are naturally curious and even the most lazy house cat retains a strong hunt instinct. A snake seems to really fascinate most cats so start teaching your cat to not approach the snake's tank even before the snake gets there. Most problems with the cat will occur at night when you aren't around to intervene so it's best to teach kitty that snakes are NOT for harrassing (which is very fun for your cat LOL). Thankfully cats are very smart and absolutely hate the deterrents I listed so will quickly give up and find something with less hassle to do with their time.


~~Joanna~~

[Smulkin]

Good time of year to whip out ye 'ole squirt gun for that ferocious feline.

[frankykeno]

LOL sure is! I've used those techniques to train every cat I've ever owned to stay away from other pets, to stay off countertops, to stop climbing curtains and to stay away from baby's playpen or crib, hasn't failed me yet. Well other than I end up with cats that see a watergun come out for kiddy playtime and dive for cover

Ya just have to think like a cat and any self-respecting cat puts it's own needs first LOL and that sure doesn't include getting wet, having balloons pop in it's face or a sudden noise near it's butt!


~~Jo~~

[new2BP]

thanks for teh info guys, i am sure it wont be my last question that u will need to answer. cheers

[alexrls]

just remeber that the more u ask the more u know and the more u know the better off u and ur pet will be