New here!

[Highyeena]

Hello, I'm new to this site and joined due to getting my first ball python. I've cared for snakes in the past while visiting my grandma's job at the vet office, as well as learn about herpetology. I'm not a know it all no worries, but I studied my homework before I even bought his stuff. I won't be able to get him for a whole month due to trying to be smart in buying his stuff and getting well prepared before he arrives.

A list of what I am gettin' in case anyone would have asked:

A low 18x18" glass terrarium with a lock
Coconut fiber substrate
U.T.H small
Lamp with bracket (for the cold nights)
60W night light bulb (x2)
Thermostat to regulate heat
Power strip with timer
Thermometer and hydrometer
Temp gun
Snake Hook
Tweezers
Cool hide and basking hide
Water conditioners
Water dish
Moss (for shedding)
Log
Stick (short and thick)
Hanging vines plastic
Small bush plastic
Spray Bottle
Separate tub multi use


Phew. The morph we are trying to get is a Enchi Pinstripe, I have always digged how they look with their unique pattern
Also met with a vet and found a good place to get food for him.

I am super excited for the end of this month! Will post pictures if anyone is interested! Glad to join such a vast collection of info and care!

[Zincubus]

Looking very promising

Remember the two hides should be identical and not too big for the snake ... must only have one entrance not those two ended log things ..

I'd also get some branches from the local parks /woods and plenty of fake silk/plastic foliage from the pound/dollar shops ...


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[Dianne]

Welcome aboard. 😊 I'll second that they prefer hides with one entrance. If you already have one with two entrances, you can turn one to a cage wall or block it with vines to be more private.

[Ronniex2]

WELCOME!!!!
and Good luck .. cant wait to see him!

[Zincubus]

Oh and for Royals / Ball pythons it is imperative that you get a good feeder .... is try and buy off a breeder or a store you can trust ..


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[Craiga 01453]

Hello, first off, welcome!!!

I agree with what has been said above about the hides.

Everything else looks good, but just a few questions:

What kind of temps are in the room the snake will be in? I ask because a 60 watt bulb might not be enough. Considering the size of the enclosure, it likely will be, but if it gets chilly where you are you may need a higher wattage.

Also, you mentioned a seperate tub for "multi use". Are you planning on feeding in a seperate tub?

[Highyeena]

Heyo answering questions!

The hides are the small black hides with only ONE entrance, they are both the same, will get bigger ones as he gets bigger but he is just a baby python and doesn't need something big to go into.

The log I mentioned is NOT his hide, it is just something extra for when he is roaming at night or when hungry or if he decides to come out for a few he will have something he can go under and over. Plus to help aid in shedding as well as something to keep him calm during baths (read more below) due to being a plastic fake log!

The temp in my room stays a constant 70F, a 60W is plenty to bump that up to a constant 80F as even low watt bulbs can have a surface temp over 100F and make a ambient temp of 80-90F. Plus given that it is a night bulb it gives out only 2% light and 98% heat. I know I said "for the cold nights" I was makin' a joke tho I probably should have typed it "For those, cold nights in." Haha, the lamp will be on to keep that ambient temp for him. No worries.

Yep a separate tub!

Now this first use is something that will only really be done mostly for his first few feedings, I do not want him accidentally striking the glass and hurting himself. Ball pythons really do not pick up feeding behavior, constant handling can curb them to not always expect food, but they are ambush hunters and feed on opportunity, so this isn't a curbing technique nor for my safety, I have been bitten plenty of times by reptiles. From what I saw the breeder keeps them in bins which has a good open space to snatch food, a tub will act as a closed area while also being not as cornered and hard as the glass. I've done separate tub feeding before with balls and know when it is good to move them and how to do so without disturbing them much. Like I said, only for maybe the first two feedings just to be safe. I know it may sound silly but I just wanna be safe, however that is not the main reason for getting this tub, it is just a bonus.

This tub will also be used for if he ever needs a bath such as, being a... creative snake and finger painting with dung before I get home and get to it first by cleaning.
If ever he has the following health issues: mites, stuck shed and constipation.
They do not need baths frequently, just when it is necessary.

Also, should I ever need to move him (like taking him to a vet) it will be a container he can be in. This tub isn't going to be too big, enough for bathing room since that is it's main purpose. Nothing scary nothing too small, will post pictures when I find one suitable next paycheck.

(Note: I am being smart with how I spend money, but I am not cutting corners on what he needs. So I got most of that stuff this past paycheck, the rest will be this upcoming pay and finally at the end of the month I will be able to get him.)

I am buying from a well known breeder, not posting who in case someone reading tries to buy the Enchi before I can haha, inquired about feeding as well as weight. But this person is known for their videos and healthy snakes. Though do not take that as me being carefree, I will be inspecting everything when he arrives.

Of course I will post plenty of pictures! Mostly all you will see until around the 26th-27th will be just set up pictures however.

Thank you for all the warm welcomes! Again I am very excited to care for my own snake, I have loved reptiles for years mostly due to their nature and how zen it feels caring for them. I have waited years before trying to dive into getting one and even then being wise about how I get started up and making sure we got everything from a trusted vet to his supplies.