Few newbie questions

Hello all. I just got my first ball about 2 days ago (got a corn the same day). Both were free on craigs list from 2 different ads. I have lots of experience with furry animals and a few years with lizards but I have never owned a snake before. So I have a few basic questions. I am doing lots of internet research but I feel I can get more concrete information on a forum like this. I will list my questions.

Is there a video on the net that will show me how to sex my snake? I found one but it would not play very good.

It there any type of substrate I should stay away from completely? The corn snake came with aspen bedding and I was wondering if this OK for both of them. I know that one of the issues I need to be aware of is impaction.

Speaking of impaction. I was thinking of using a 3rd tank for feeding both snakes. Is that recommended or not really needed?

They should be feed about every 2 weeks correct? Because I was told that each of these guys ate about a week ago and both have pooped since I got them. (remember that was only 2 days ago.)

I am sure there are some more questions I will have but I think this is a good start. Thank you in advance for any advice you can give me.

Another quick question I had was about frozen mice. We already picked up some packs of mice from the store even though they are not due to eat for another week or so.

How long do mice need to sit out and thaw? I have fuzzies for the corn snake and full size mice for the ball python.

I have this feeling like impaction is not the biggest concern here.

You found free snakes and then decided to start researching? Thank you for researching, even if you have done it in the wrong order.
Ok, please tell me that the basics needs of these snakes are being met. Read this over a couple times and do everything it says, then find one for your corn and do the same.
http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules/...warticle&id=59

Aspen is fine. Impaction does not really ever happen.

If you have more questions after you have met your snakes needs, please ask away!
Welcome to the forum.

Thank you for the link I will check it out right after I watch a movie. Oh and it is not that I have done no research at all before getting the snakes. I have wanted snakes for a very long time and have read up on them before. Just trying to make sure my memory is correct on the questions I had.

But I do understand what you are talking about when you said I did it in the wrong order. I have seen it too many times where people have no idea at all what they are getting into. Thank you again for the reply.

Is there a video on the net that will show me how to sex my snake? I found one but it would not play very good.

YouTube - 8 Ball Pythons - Popping Lessons

Please be careful, though. If done wrong it could harm your snakes.


It there any type of substrate I should stay away from completely? The corn snake came with aspen bedding and I was wondering if this OK for both of them. I know that one of the issues I need to be aware of is impaction.

Aspen is fine for both of them. I wouldn't worry about impaction. Just be sure to stay away from Cedar and Pine bedding.


Speaking of impaction. I was thinking of using a 3rd tank for feeding both snakes. Is that recommended or not really needed?

Feed them both in their own enclosures. It is a lot less stressful for them this way. Impaction, IMO, isn't really much of a concern.


They should be feed about every 2 weeks correct? Because I was told that each of these guys ate about a week ago and both have pooped since I got them. (remember that was only 2 days ago.)

I am not sure about the corn but the ball should be fed every 5-7 days.


How long do mice need to sit out and thaw? I have fuzzies for the corn snake and full size mice for the ball python.

I leave my rats in the fridge over night then soak the rats in warm water. Basically you want to make sure there is no frozen insides in the rodent and that it is warm to the touch.



Congrats on the new snakes and I'm glad you came here for some advice. Maybe we could see some pictures of them and their setups? :) ;)

Thank you Nicole that was some great information. I think I will however stay away from that type of sexing, I think it would scare me too much. I will post some enclosure pictures within a couple of days. I would do it tomorrow but we are going to my families house for an early Easter dinner. Thank you again for the great reply.

Oh and quick reply to your post too I suppose.

Popping - Like I said I am not sure i feel comfortable doing that.

Impaction - I think I will change my ball python over to the aspen soon.

Seperat feeding tank - Thank you for the information on that. I was thinking it may be best to do it in their own enclosure rather then having to handle them again right after feeding to put them back in their enclosure.

Feeding every 7 days - I did not know that. The former owner feed every 2 weeks and that is what I saw on a few care sheets. But good to know that you feed more often.

Thawing the mice - Well the fiance does not have a problem with mice in the freezer so I do not suppose she will have a problem with them in the fridge....as long as they don't eat the cheese. :colbert:

Thanks again for your great reply.

You should be feeding your corns more often. Invest in a scale that weighs in grams. Give them 10 to 15% of their body weight. I just upgraded my corns to medium sized adult mice. I freaked out cause I thought that size was too large, but they take them just fine. My corns are about 150g atm. I feed them every 7 days and they still act like they're starved to death, so feeding response in corns is not an indication of how often they should be fed. :)

(oops, got Phoenix around around my wrist as we speak and she crawled up on the keyboard under my hand and got "typed" on. ow)

Edit: I should say the 10 to 15% guideline is as they are growing, adults are fed a bit less. Since you said you were feeding fuzzies, I assumed yours is small. (oops, Phoenix just fell to the floor, time to put her back)

Thank you zantedeschia for the reply. Well I suppose it is time to invest in that scale. I have thought about getting one for use with my lizards anyways. I just had to reply to your post because I wanted to let you know I LOLed about Phoenix getting typed on. I can just picture it. :rofl: