First ball with pics

Hey everyone,

Just got my first snake yesterday. Did quite a bit of research before I bought it. I also have quite a few different freshwater fish so I like to be knowledgeable first about what I'm getting into. We do have a vet that works with reptiles so I think I'll take him in next week when I have a day off. Pretty basic tank set-up but I get paid Friday so a little bit will be added yet.

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/1521/dsc04040r.jpg

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/363/dsc04036z.jpg

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/3161/dsc04038.jpg

http://img686.imageshack.us/img686/1824/dsc04042a.jpg

He's sure a little cutie! Congratulations!

May I suggest having a look at the thread 'Glass Tank Setup for Beginners' as you have a few things that I would suggest correcting to have the healthiest, happiest ball python...

-swap the heat lamp for an under tank heat pad and a dimmer or rheostat: heat lamps are notoriously bad for drying out the air, causing big problems with shedding, and they aren't as good for a consistent source of heat. The other issue with heat lamps and tanks is that its already a struggle to keep the humidity up in a tank, let alone with a heat lamp as the heat source...been there, tried that... SUCKS!

-swap the 'half logs' with something like a flowerpot drip pan with a hole cut in the side: balls like to feel like they are snug underground in a burrow, rather than sitting in a log in the open. you should also have two hides (identical) one on the cool side, one on the warm side

-get a digital indoor/outdoor style thermometer with a probe, those dials are junk, and not accurate... you want to know precisely what the temps are for the health of your snake. Ebay sells combo indoor/outdoor thermometers with humiditiy reading as well, which is REALLY helpful. They only run like 8$

-you might also consider purchasing some black aquarium background, and covering three of the four sides of the tank with it to give the tank a more closed in feeling.

if you change those four things, I think you'll have a happy ball that will eat well for you, shed well and be a great friend! :)

nice tank, but you don`t need the red light. Instead of the light put a heating cable under the tank.

regards Chris

Beautiful snake and a really nice setup!

Beautiful ball python!!! And I would change the hide and set up also.

Beautiful little snake, The only thing I want to add is I would cover the back and 2 sides of the tank with either a background or even just colored posterboard It will make especially young ball pythons feel much more secure in their tank, Or if you want to get your tempature up a little more you can use Elmers project board from Wal-Mart(The foam kinda stuff) to cover the sides and both insulate and raise the temps some.

Thanks for the advice. I'll have to get the other stuff Friday. Went out and got some stuff to help modify Oliver's tank! Also took him out and about for the first time!:gj:

Took out the log cave and put in these custom tubs I bought from Wal-Mart for 2 for $1. Added reptile bark on top of them to make them look like they're underground a bit. Also added a black background out of a table cloth I got for $1 too! lol.
http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/7696/dsc04059a.jpg

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/5481/dsc04058s.jpg

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/3117/dsc04043e.jpg

http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/9527/dsc04054d.jpg

Hope you enjoyed!