I need advice on my new and first ball python

[Bunddeutschermadel]

I got my spider ball python two days ago. It was sort of spur of the moment and I did not yet have the tank set up. As of now he's in a 20 gal with two hides, water in the middle, a little humidity hide with spagnum moss in it and a heat lamp with 60 watts on the warm side. I've ordered a UTH, thermostat and thermometer and they should arrive soon!!! I'm not sure if the temp now but I'm guessing only 75-85 in the hot side... I know this is not ideal. I also handled the poor guy the first two days because I was so excited before doing my research... now I'm going to leave him alone for a week; then try and feed him. (He did not appear shy or nervous when I was holding him; merely curious). I'm a little concerned at his weight, I bought him at a reliable local reptile store. He was the smallest of all the bp in the tank and the man guessed he was 4-5 months. I weighed him and he was only 69g! ( maybe the scale wasn't accurate??) I just really want to give him the best life I can and would love any advice or suggestions in doing so. Thanks!!

[BigJay]

He sounds a bit small but with proper feeding will be fine, Did you ask when he was last fed and what he was eating? I would suggest to try to feed smaller sized rat pups

[RickyNY]

I just really want to give him the best life I can and would love any advice or suggestions in doing so. Thanks!!

Start by reading all this:
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...ll-Python-FAQs
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...Husbandry-FAQs
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...-hatchling-101
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...thon-CARESHEET
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...ing-Guidelines
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...n-eating-again

[Bunddeutschermadel]

He sounds a bit small but with proper feeding will be fine, Did you ask when he was last fed and what he was eating? I would suggest to try to feed smaller sized rat pups

Apparently he was a good eater and ate every Saturday. He ate live fuzzy mice. I was going to do the same just in hopes he will eat well. I tried to feed a f/t mouse today and he just balled up. I'm going to try again in a week with his usual live.

[Zincubus]

Apparently he was a good eater and ate every Saturday. He ate live fuzzy mice. I was going to do the same just in hopes he will eat well. I tried to feed a f/t mouse today and he just balled up. I'm going to try again in a week with his usual live.

To be honest I'd try defrost frozen again in about 7 days when he's settled in ( presuming you can get his set up , temps correct , two hides ( one each side of Viv ) etc ..

It's best to start on defrost as soon as possible IMHO

This method WORKS if done properly ...
I wait until evening as they're nocturnal of course . I let the rodent thaw out in the reptile room so they get the smell ..
Then I warm up the mouse / rat with a hairdryer and offer with tongs IMMEDIATELY whilst still warm . If refused simply repeat the heating and offering as many times as needed. .
A couple of mine will only strike feed from within their hides so I dangle the warm rodent in front of the hide's entrance - usually works but if it fails simply reheat the rodent with a hairdryer and immediately offer again whilst it's still warm continue until it's grabbed ...


Incidentally , if it shows no interest at all not even a tongue flicker maybe it's best to leave for a week or so.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[sleuthsayer]

Oh, and if he's used to eating live, and he won't take f/t, try dipping the food item's head in hot/warm water. When using the feeding tongs, don't take the food item by the tail; take it by the scruff of its neck and move it around some; if the snake won't eat right away, bop him on the nose with it to elicit a feeding response. That way, it seems more like live prey to him. And because he is a spider, watch out for severe head wobble, that's a trait of the spider morph and it may hinder his feeding, but if you got him from a reputable place he should be fine. Only feed live as a last resort. And maybe try to do some research on a vivarium or a tub setup. For a novice, glass isn't really the best material for a BP habitat (you can make it work, though). Best of luck with your new snake!