BP update, a few questions, and a late intro of sorts... {DUW}

[BigS06]

Hello again! I joined a few days ago and never properly introduced myself. I'm Nick, and I've got a problem. Been bitten by the herp bug you see. Seems as though every year I add another critter to the growing collection... No cure to be had, but at least I've got this support group. Anywho, down to business.

Quick setup run-down:

- 20L tank
- 2/3 screen top covered
- cypress mulch substrate
- 2 identical hides which are fairly snug
- largish water dish {gonna get a bigger one this weekend}
- warm hide 88-90f/cool hide 78-82f/hot spot 92f
- ambient temps 76-84 degrees
- 55-65% humidity
- UTH and CHE on a thermostat
- Temps checked with thermometer w/probe and temp gun


I aquired my as of yet un-named ball python on July 11th. He deposited some urates and shed in a single piece within a half hour of reaching his new home. I changed his water every other day and lightly misted the tank. Other than that I let him settle for a few days and offered him a F/T mouse on the 15th, which he ate immediately . I have him on a 5 day feeding schedule and he has eaten 2 times for me, both times with no hesitation.

Infact when he smells the mouse thawing he starts climbing about looking for his food. Now up until a day ago I was also caring for two corns for a friend. They also ate F/T and the lil BP came out to look for the mouse every time I would feed the young corn snakes.

Is it alright that hes still hungry? I thought that a 24-29g mouse was a good sized meal for him as he weighed 158g before he was fed and is 24" long. After both his feedings hes up to 212g and has yet to um.. "defecate". They generally poop after a shed is that correct? If he does not go next shed at what point do I start warm soaks and such?

I have also started handling him almost daily {except for 24 hours after feeding} for 5-10 minutes, and I put a worn t-shirt in his tank so he could get used to my scent. While I have him out I make sure the room is quiet, the dogs are out and let him crawl about me or on my bed. He usually stays curled up for a minute before starting to explore and poke around. If he starts to get at all jumpy, or tries to hide himself I put him back in his tank.
While in his tank he doesnt explore much at all, just switches hides every other day and occasionally comes out for a drink. Which from what I've read sounds about right.

Does everything sound alright so far? As for handling, I know a lot of it is going to come down to knowing the particular animal, but what signs should I look for in terms of knowing when hes feeling comfortable/secure while handling?

Oh and one last question... When I first got him I looked him over fairly well, and noticed a hard spot on his belly about 2" up from his vent. It doesnt feel like a bump, just a hard spot if that makes any sense. I thought it was just a poop, but he passed urates shortly after and the hard spot is still there. Is this anything I should be concerned about?

Anyway here are some pics of his tank and some of my other critters...

His tank: {temps are good in his hides, but far end is too cool waiting for a second UTH ATM}


A few "old" pics of the lil guy himself:




First feed video:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Bpkhf_dc0o4

My Leopard Geckos Tank {40 BR}:


My Leo {Pablo Jr.}: 10.75" & 98g of lazy bum.




My Hermanns Tortoise tub/tank/thing:


The two lil torts Huxley {1} and Chewbacca {2}: These guys have the most "personality" of any herp I've yet encountered




Thanks for looking and I appreciate any feedback you can offer!

[PrioBull]

i love that last picture of that turtle attempting to chop on your finger... so cute!