Heating advice

Hi,

I just got a baby ball python (120g, male, heterozygous Mojave). He is currently set up in a 10-gallon tank with a hide and a water dish. I don't have a heating pad yet so I am using a regular desk lamp to help heat up the air temperature for tonight. My apartment is kept relatively warm close to 70F. Tomorrow I am getting an under-the-tank heating pad, but I just want to make sure he'll be okay for the time being. Will the white light irritate him? I don't have a red bulb or thermal emitter either. Advice is appreciated.

Thanks

Well, you should of made some provisions for the snake before purchasing it. The light will have to do, just make sure he has hides. Get the UTH first thing tomorrow, and make sure you get a thermostat with it. The UTH will get to hot without a thermostat.

Even if you don't get a thermosts immediately, I highly reccommend getting at LEAST a dimmer from Home depot or something. It's 10 bucks there, just plug it in. Also at tempguns.com they are having a sale, their best temp gun is $35.00 and it is shipped very quickly. Home depot also carries temp guns also. At the very least, with the heat mat get a dimmer and temp gun, just make sure you monitor it a few times a day.

He should be fine until tomorrow, but yes, the white light will stress him out if you leave it on all the time, especially at night. So definitely get the heat mat and some sort of dimmer/thermostat ASAP.

Among with the heating suggestions above, please do not feed your ball for a week and don't handle until two days after feeding. He will need some time to settle in :)

Don't forget to share some pictures as well

Quote:

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Originally Posted by IlliniHerpEnthusiast

Hi,

I just got a baby ball python (120g, male, heterozygous Mojave). He is currently set up in a 10-gallon tank with a hide and a water dish. I don't have a heating pad yet so I am using a regular desk lamp to help heat up the air temperature for tonight. My apartment is kept relatively warm close to 70F. Tomorrow I am getting an under-the-tank heating pad, but I just want to make sure he'll be okay for the time being. Will the white light irritate him? I don't have a red bulb or thermal emitter either. Advice is appreciated.

Thanks

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First of all there is no such thing as a het mojave...whoever told you that was BSing you and I hope you didnt pay extra for it..

Also, I hope you have a top on your tank and that it is secure.

Second judging from your username, you're going to school at the U of I: Urbana-Champaign? If that's right then walk yourself over to sailfin pet shop and get a thermostat and a UTH today...it's within walking distance of campus and it's right on neil street(just south of green st.) I just graduated from UIUC last may so that's why I know..and I still live in Champaign. After you've done that make your way over to Lowes on Prospect and buy an accurite indoor/outdoor thermometer(best there is in my opinion and only like $8) so you can monitor your temps and humidity. Also review the caresheet on this website and make sure your conditions are correct and stable over the next few days.

Also since this is your first post, Welcome! Congrats on your first BP and if you have any more questions please ask them!