New BP owner

[Flirtycuddle]

I just bought my bp 4 days ago and I was wondering if using a heating pad like the zoo med kind would melt the rubbermaid container I have it in. My finace seems to think it will melt the bottom but I am not sure. The snake is about 2 feet and in a 20 gallon tank with a hide spot, a big water dish and a hard surface to rub on to shed. Also the guy that I bought her from said to feed her in 3-4 days a live mouse. I gave her a mouse yesterday but she wouldnt touch it....she smelt it and that but when the mouse moved towards it the snake jumped away. Maybe just more time to get used to its surroundings?

[Smynx]

Welcome to BP.net!

A Zoo Med heat pad should not melt a Rubbermaid, but you should leave a little space between the heat pad and the container. I like to use the little adhesive rubber feet they sell for stereo equipment and such. Just stick them on the bottom of the container to create a little space between the Rubbermaid and the heat pad. You might also want to think about investing in a thermostat to be sure the heat pad doesn't overheat.

Your snake should have 2 hides - one on the warm side of the enclosure and the other on the cool side.

You may want to give your snake a little more time to settle in before trying to feed it again. Leave it completely alone for a couple of days, then try feeding again. Once she has fed, wait 24 to 48 hours before handling her.

Be sure to read our ball python care sheet!

[Diceman]

If its hot enough to melt plastic it shouldent be anywhere near a snake lol

[DrEwTiMe]

Not really bud. My heat pad was up to about 120 degrees which was pretty much cooking my poor girl and not harming the bottom of my tank at all. If i were you, save yourself the grief and stress of possibly really hurting or killing ur snake and pick up a thermostat.

I didn't think one was needed until i almost lost my girl to thermal burns. They are a little expensive, but you will NEVER have to worry about ur UTH over heating. Even if its old, because the proportional thermostats will never let it get ovet the temp that you specify.