General Keeping Questions

[wolfy-hound]

Hi, new here, and finally have a few minutes to post.
I have several questions, and several ball pythons. Currantly all are housed in locking top(sliding top?) tanks with bark-like bedding that the store said was best for pythons. They have the pads that stick under the tank to heat it. All have large ceramic water dishes with fresh water constantly and each has a hide of various sorts. Now questions.
#1 General, what is the best set up for breeding pythons?
#2 Do they need a light? #2A I have a python in a dim section of house, and does HE need a light? What type is best? I don't want to overheat the tank either.
#3 How do you determine humidty? I am sure there is a sensor of some sort you could keep IN the tank with them, but haven't located it yet.(Well one but it is $700 in a lab equiptment catalog, I don't think it is what everyone is using)
#4 What makes snakes happiest? My Bill seems to adore being cuddled and held and will climb about playing and then climb back onto me. But if they are to breed, what makes them happy and feel like breeding too?
I hope I am not asking too much. I have kept snakes before and I love them, but was thinking here is the list of experts, let's ask them. I have never actually kept pythons before myself.
Thanks!
Wolfy

[kavmon]

for "breeding purposes" most people set their balls up in racks! lol

bp's don't need any special lighting, room light is enough.

a $15.00 temp/humidity (digital) from walmart or lowes will do fine.


i'm not sure about happy, but providing the right setup temps,humidity,clean water,routine cleaning and a steady supply of food seems to be ok with my collection.

welcome to the site!




vaughn

[frankykeno]

Welcome to the forum. Here's a pic of what a lot of us use to monitor temps/humidity (though certainly not the only option). This particular brand is found at Wal-Mart in the outdoor thermometer/weather station area of hardware and retails for around $12.00 (AAA batteries not included). Lowe's, Home Depot, etc. also sell something similar. They default to time, temp, humidity but with a few pushes of a button will read two temps plus humidity.


We haven't got to the stage of breeding yet so sorry no advice here.



There's a lovely caresheet here for balls that will give you tons of good information on their temp, humidity needs as well as hides (one for each side), etc.


~~Jo~~