New snake owner

[Broseph]

My uncle gave me a ball python back in the middle of this spring to replace my six year old sons baby corn snake that got lose. My son was really upset so like a good dad i got him a four foot ball python from my uncles friend. Knowning just what my brother in law tells me about snakes( he has five) i never asked how offtend they shed(being an in law we don't talk much) this thing in the past 5 to 6 months seem to shed 4 times, is that normal?

[Nate]

sure it's normal. Welcome to the boards!!

[Broseph]

if her sheds are patchy should i mist her to help get the patches off?

sure it's normal. Welcome to the boards!!

[Nate]

yeah misting will help. Can you give some details on your setup?

there's a great caresheet posted on this site, give it a look:
http://ball-pythons.net/modules.php?...warticle&id=59

Don't be afraid to ask questions and keep in mind there is a search feature at the top of each page in case you think your question may have already been asked.

[Broseph]

20gal tank(getting a 55gal in a week) heat pad under tank, has one hide, and a water bowl. screened top with a light.

yeah misting will help. Can you give some details on your setup?

there's a great caresheet posted on this site, give it a look:
http://ball-pythons.net/modules.php?...warticle&id=59

Don't be afraid to ask questions and keep in mind there is a search feature at the top of each page in case you think your question may have already been asked.

[Nate]

alright well it looks like you're on the path to a great set up...a few suggestions for you and a few adjustments to your set up and you should be alright.

Snakes like to have a gradient; a cool side and a hot side. You'll need a hide on each side so s/he will feel comfy on either side.

get yourself a digital thermometer with a probe. I have an Acurite digital thermometer with an "out door" probe and i put the unit on the cool side and the probe on the warm side. The Acurite (found at wal-mart for about 13 bucks) will also measure your humidity. If you're having problems keeping the humidity up (i assume you are because of the shed you described), you can always get a wet towel and put it over the screen. This worked wonders for me when i used a tank.

[Broseph]

Thank you so much this has been very helpful.

alright well it looks like you're on the path to a great set up...a few suggestions for you and a few adjustments to your set up and you should be alright.

Snakes like to have a gradient; a cool side and a hot side. You'll need a hide on each side so s/he will feel comfy on either side.

get yourself a digital thermometer with a probe. I have an Acurite digital thermometer with an "out door" probe and i put the unit on the cool side and the probe on the warm side. The Acurite (found at wal-mart for about 13 bucks) will also measure your humidity. If you're having problems keeping the humidity up (i assume you are because of the shed you described), you can always get a wet towel and put it over the screen. This worked wonders for me when i used a tank.

[snake_lady83]

Well they gave you very good advice. I would add to it, but I think everything has been covered. Welcome to bp.net! If you have more questions you've come to the right place.