First post. First Christmas snake. Pic and question!

[CLICKBANGBANG]

We've done many animal projects in the past. This year we took on two more. My wife wanted a cat. I told her only if the kids and I could get a snake. This is our first reptile. The kids got to unwrap him today, and we all took a peak and touch as I held him (trying not to over stress). My SIL decided to feel him real quick before I put him away (proof she touched my snake in the picture... She'll never live this one down lol). We have him back on heat now in the dark to rest. We'll try his first feeding late tonight.

I'm using 6" fexwatt and a Herpstat 1 with the 15q Sterilite tub seen. The heat is set at 91 ish and the temp inside the hide is 90 ish (probe and heat gun tested). Amazon hide and Walmart water dish. With eight 1/2" holes drilled, humidity is 56-59% with this much water surface area and no misting, spilling, or waste present. I built a wooden “one level rack” to house the two tubs (hehehe... more on this below). This is used to protect the Herpstat probe and flex tape, and keep the tub dark. I'm hanging a black Tshirt over the opening to keep the tub dark as the snake settles into the new home. We'll try f/t tonight that I picked up from Big Cheese.

He's a Fire Desert Ghost from JKR. At 150 grams, he's a little guy. I really love the pattern. I've only held him twice, but he seems to be a really freindly guy. Hasn't balled much and isn't jumpy. Usually just looks around and smells everything. I picked DG because it doesn't seem to just go to a brown snake as an adult. And the Fire gene can go into about any DG breed project and do good. He shed right before JKR shipped, so he looks even better than the listing pic. Yellow is brighter and blacks are very dark.

About the second tub... There is a female Pastel Desert Ghost on its way from Kicks Balls. Fred wanted to wait until the weather warmed and the shipper could be more reliable (post christmas). Here after we've gotten the snakes to breeding age/ size, we might shoot for the Fire Pastel DG. We only opened one snake today. The kids don't know the second one is inbound.

Anyone see anything I'm doing dead wrong? I tried to do as much research as I could before the snake was here. I played with temps and ventilation for a week before he arrived. Second tub is ready. I also need a name. Something not scary so my wife will warm up to the new cold blooded member of the family.

[SDA]

I would not feed for at least a week and don't handle him for at least 2 weeks. Regardless of where you got him from, let him decompress for a few weeks. Once you get 2-3 feedings under your belt, then you can start handling.

[CLICKBANGBANG]

I would not feed for at least a week and don't handle him for at least 2 weeks. Regardless of where you got him from, let him decompress for a few weeks. Once you get 2-3 feedings under your belt, then you can start handling.

Ok, got it. So far I've pulled him out of the bag and got him right into the tub for heat. It was chilly. Then for maybe two min today to introduce him to the family. Then back into the tub. Thanks for the tip!

[zina10]

What a way to get started with a BIG BANG !!!

Desert Ghosts are beautiful and my favorite by far

Sounds like you have done your research, kudos to that! I agree, let him get settled for a few days before attempting to feed.

Such a Beauty, and another one on the way, CONGRATULATIONS !!!

[Aedryan Methyus]

Beautiful snake and all of your husbandry is spot on! Enjoy!

[Regius_049]

Anyone see anything I'm doing dead wrong? I tried to do as much research as I could before the snake was here. I played with temps and ventilation for a week before he arrived. Second tub is ready. I also need a name. Something not scary so my wife will warm up to the new cold blooded member of the family.

Name him Fluffy or Pajamas.

[Craiga 01453]

Welcome to the forum!! Congrats on your first snake, and awesome choice!!!!

Good on you for your diligence ahead of bringing the animal home, you're off to a great start.

As for names, I tend to name my animals after musicians, movie/t.v. show characters I like etc...
Maybe to appease your wife choose a loveable character from a movie or show you watch together?

[rufretic]

Congratulations on your new pet snake and especially for jumping right in to possibly the best morph on the market! I’m sure you spent more than most for a first snake but it is so worth it, you won’t be disappointed. The DG morph is by far the best morph if you want a snake that looks just as good as an adult as the day you got it. It is also my favorite and becoming many others favorite as people are seeing how amazing they continue to look into adulthood. You made an excellent choice!

[B.P.'s 4me]

Congrats on your first snake. I'm confidant your wife will learn to appreciate him in time. Call him "Fido". LOL

[Godzilla78]

Fire desert ghost is a great choice, both “brightener” genes, and it shows in your glowing yellow snake. You will have that little glow-work for many, many years! Your housing sounds really well done, and healthy.