In need of advice

[Lil'unlucky]

I'm not entirely new to ball pythons since I had one for two months which unfortunately died under freak circumstances and the other has been around for almost 2 months. For advice I would like to know the temp ranges for ball pythons, does it matter what kind of olive oil you use on them for mites? how do you tell if they have respiratory infections? what size tank do they prefer? can they swim? how do you prevent them from getting out of their tanks? mine has escaped a few times, he's a baby and I did not expect for him to lift half of what he has. I've been handling him every other day but his attitude hasn't seemed to mellow down so I was wondering if there was something else I could do for him. I was also wondering the best way to get a ball python off live mice. I hear it makes the snake less aggressive, or is it a myth?

right now I have him in a 20 gal tank with a snug hiding spot which is cool for him. I also have a little rock bathing tub thats just enough to cover him and a leafy green vine to provide hiding area for him. I also have one of those heat mats that lie beneath the tank and I've made sure it didn't get too warm (originally I had heat rock but deemed it evil since i burned myself with it) currently my room is usually at a average 80 temp. (many reptiles live in my room) for substrate i currently just have paper since he has been having a very persistent mite problem

[aff19802]

Seems u should read the stickies from the husbandry section mainly the care sheet section. All ur answers are posted and mostlikely easy to find just take the time to look a little... The seach section works very well.

[Kaorte]

I'm not entirely new to ball pythons since I had one for two months which unfortunately died under freak circumstances and the other has been around for almost 2 months. For advice I would like to know the temp ranges for ball pythons, does it matter what kind of olive oil you use on them for mites? how do you tell if they have respiratory infections? what size tank do they prefer? can they swim? how do you prevent them from getting out of their tanks? mine has escaped a few times, he's a baby and I did not expect for him to lift half of what he has. I've been handling him every other day but his attitude hasn't seemed to mellow down so I was wondering if there was something else I could do for him. I was also wondering the best way to get a ball python off live mice. I hear it makes the snake less aggressive, or is it a myth?

right now I have him in a 20 gal tank with a snug hiding spot which is cool for him. I also have a little rock bathing tub thats just enough to cover him and a leafy green vine to provide hiding area for him. I also have one of those heat mats that lie beneath the tank and I've made sure it didn't get too warm (originally I had heat rock but deemed it evil since i burned myself with it) currently my room is usually at a average 80 temp. (many reptiles live in my room) for substrate i currently just have paper since he has been having a very persistent mite problem

Well no offense, but it doesn't sound like the BPs death was a freak occurrence. None the less, I will offer my knowledge unto you!

First of all, when it comes to temps, you need to be getting accurate readings. Get a good digital thermometer with a probe for this. The hot side should be 92* and the cool side or ambient temp should be 82*.

Don't use olive oil. It will cause layers of their skin to flake off. If you need to treat for mites, get Provent-a-Mite or PAM. This is the only thing that I believe helps to get rid of mites once and for all.

RI symptoms include a mucousy mouth or nose (or both) and wheezing or a pooping sound when breathing. This can only be treated by a vet. Home remedies will not be enough.

a 20gallon long tank is good for an adult BP over the weight of 700g. Anything under that (juvie or hatchling) should be in a 10gallon in my opinion.

Kind of all though they are not really built for swimming. I wouldn't give them baths if thats what you are wondering.

Cage clips are a must. They sell them at major pet stores.

I don't think there is a difference in aggression between live feeders and f/t or p/k feeders. I would go with myth on that one.

First of all, you need to control the heat pad with something so it doesn't get too hot. They can get up to 115* and that will easily burn your snake. If you can manage the $30, a reptitemp 500r will do you some good.

I would also invest in another hide, identical to the one you have now and place one over the heat pad and one on the other side of the tank.

If you have any questions feel free to ask. We are all here to help and I am still learning myself.