Im newb with BP's

[k1ingdomKaa]

Ive had many other snakes, 3 corn snakes, rosy boa- 15 years!, Gardener, and now a baby BP!

I named it Kaa, from jungle book.
Its about a foot and a half long.

Here is what ive got settup.

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/9295/1002572uk5.jpg
20 Gallon tank.
A house hold heating pad with like 7 temps low-1-2-3-4-5-High. (its at 3 for now.)
I put the cage by the heater because i might as well kill 2 birds with 1 stone.

I also have a lamp light that is uv.
Also i have newspaper for bedding.
2 Black chinese takeout boxes.
1 for water bowl, i put luke worm water in to start.
and another for a hiding place, idk if i should use it or the bark dome thing.
I have a SAT book that my bro never touched on the top to hold the top on.

I just got him dec 2nd. The guy at petsmart said that he fed them every week and they eat good.

What do you suggest i do to get him to eat. its time for him to eat. and i dont wanna have to worry about him starving himself.

I have held him everyday for about 30 mins a day scince i got him.


Sorry if pics are too big.


I can seem to get it to eat tho (frozen)
Ive tried leaving the mouse in the cage for about 15 mins.
Ive also tried Putting it in a cardboard box with it. Totally dark.

[Spaniard]

Since most of the information given out at pet stores is inaccurate I suggest you start off by browsing through this caresheet for a reliable list of requirements.

http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules....warticle&id=59

As for your difficulties feeding...

This is probably a result of the constant handling since being brought home. BPs require a one week period of no handling or disturbances to acclimate to their new homes.

If they aren't given this time to adjust you could run into problems trying to get him to feed. I would give him another week of no handling and attempt to feed again.

The human heat pad is not the best way to heat the tank but I will let you read the caresheet for yourself.

Welcome to the forum

[JoshJP7]

Welp lemmie give you some advice before some others tear you apart for your set up... You need better hides... those chinese things arnt gonna cut it... i guess you could use em for water bowls but not for hides... How are you measuring humidity and temps? I dont see anything in your tank to measure these... do you have a heat pad??

[juddb]

Spaniard said it all.

[giaach]

I'd say the first you need is a proper hide. Ball Pythons won't eat if they are stressed out, and by the looks of it your not giving him a proper place to feel safe. I suggest you either buy a rock cave $5 for him or turn that plastic container over and cut a hole in the side for him. They are mainly nocturnal so having that container with a clear lid is not a sufficient hiding place.
Once he/she gets comfortable with their new environment they should eat just fine.
Also since its new and unfamiliar with you or their new home I suggest not handling he/she as much. Over handling causes stress. That plus a new home, plus an improper hide can all cause your bp not to eat.
There are tons of forums on this site about setting up a terrarium for a ball python. Do some research.

Tank Set-Up:
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=55849

Ball Python Care Sheet:
http://ball-pythons.net/modules.php?...warticle&id=59

[Jonny2184]

OK, Here is my two cents, you can use the info or you can throw it right back...

Where do I start....

1st - your snake needs two hides. (one on the hot sdie and one on the cool side)
2nd- please buy a real UTH (Under Tank Heater) at the Pet Store
3rd- PLEASE buy a lid that can be secured to the tank properly!
4th- You need a digital thermometer that measures heat and humidity. You can get them at Walmart or a paet store. Digital are the best and don't make so many mistakes like analog.
5- I'd put a rock inside for the snake, because when he sheds he might need something to help him get the skin off... not a sharp rock but a nice dull rock will do.
6- Let him settle in, you dont need to hold him once a day right now. And that is probably why he isn't eating right now either! Give him a week or two and try to feed him again later!
7-Warm or cold water... it doesn't really matter in my own opinion. It will warm up by itself eventually!

Temps should be -

Hot Side - 87F-93F and Cool Side - 75F-80F
Humidity should be - 30% when not in shed and 60% during shed.
You dont want it too wet inside or he will get scale rot and too dry and you will have a horrible shed.
Always double check the shed for his eye caps ( I Do) just to make sure they came off ok.

READ READ READ! Read all you can about Ball Pythons. Hang around here a lot and you will learn tons.
If you ever have any questions don't be shy or afraid to ask. No question is a stupid question...
You might also think some people might answer your questions in a mean manner but dont take it to heart. They are just mean but they really care about snakes and all animals and really in the end only want to help! (I hope)


This is what my tank shorta looks like



anyway that is just the basics, and it's just my two cents. I probably have tons of spelling errors but I;m at work and came across your post and wanted to help!
Have a good one! and good luck to you and your new friend, and remember! READ ALL YOU CAN ABOUT BALL PYTHONS!

Oh and more pictures are cool too... we like snake pictures here!

ROCK ON BROTHA!

[k1ingdomKaa]

Thnks i re arranged the hid and flipped it over.
How about this so far.

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/2729/1002581og4.jpg

[Jonny2184]

Thnks i re arranged the hid and flipped it over.
How about this so far.

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/2729/1002581og4.jpg

Your getting better! Being picky - Both hides should be the same thing. I use kitty litter boxes. But I have a big boy. You don't want to give him the option of different hides because he might like one more then the other because it is more confined and he might feel more comfortable in one rather then the other. But he might be cold and want to move to the other side but he wont because... he likes the hide on that side better then the other!

Keep it up!

[Jonny2184]

Get him some fake leaves or crunched up paper to hide underneath. I use newspaper too. It works great!



PS - I took out one of my rocks because it was two crowded with two!

[juddb]

Keep in mind that bp's love warm dark tight hides, the less open space the more comfy they feel...