First time owner with questions

[KC-Jones]

Hi everyone!
I know there are a whole lot of threads with this same exact question but...
My ball python is roughly 2 1/2 feet long. I have fed her once, an adult f/t mouse, and she seemed to do fine. I had no problems with her taking it, but I'm a little concerned that I have the wrong size.

Also, I think I have my humidity right (Between 50 & 60%), but I'm not so sure about the temperature. It fluctuates between 83 (lowest I have seen it) and 87 degrees. I am using a side mounted heating pad as my heat source.

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

[dr del]

Hi,

This is a good place to start - it lists what we feel works for most bp's.

For more specific advice we would need to know more about your current set up as there are different tips for most kinds of enclosure etc.

[KC-Jones]

Thank you for the link, I did find some useful information there.
As for my setup: I have her in a 40 gallon glass tank. I started with a cypress mulch substrate but found mites and have changed it out for towels on the suggestion of a friend who also owns a ball python. She has two hides one on the cool side and one on the warm. The one on the warm side I have converted into a moisture box because of the drop in humidity when I had to take out the mulch. Her water dish is on the warm side of the tank and she has something to climb on set across the center of her tank as well.

[Regius_049]

I haven't seen your snake, but at 2.5 ft, I am guessing you could move her up to small rats. The general rule is the maximum width of the snake = prey size.

You might want to re-configure a few things though as it is better to have the whole enclosure of a sufficient humidity level than just one side as a "moisture box", also be wary of wet paper towels being the enclosure for too long. If you need to increase humidity, you can try aspen shavings, which I have never found mites in or potentially changing the lid. Do you have a screen or solid top?

Generally speaking the ambient temperature in the cage should be between 77-82 degrees (cool side) and 88-92 on the hot side (hot spot).