New Owner Advice

[Jessiek]

Hello everyone, I have been interested in reptiles for a long time and finally decided to get a ball python. My ball python will be here by 12pm and I have everything set up. 20 gallon glass tank, heat lamp, thermostats and hydrometer, etc. Temp is hanging at 90 degrees hot side and 78-80 degrees cool side with humidity at 60%. I have done a ton of research however there is nothing like experience. So I was wondering if anyone would be kind enough to share any advice with me since I am a first time owner. Thank you so much in advance!

[Moose84]

Make sure the animal has hides. A 20 gallon is going to be a little big for a smaller snake if that is indeed what you are getting. Leave the animal alone until it starts eating no matter how bad you want to go in there and mess with it. Figure out what the breeder was doing as far as feeding goes and copy that. If the breeder was feeding live don't shove FT in its face until you get it consistently eating in your set up.

[EL-Ziggy]

I concur with lots of hides and floor covering and no handling until the snake is eating consistently.