Ball python

Last friday i bought a ball python. She is about 4 or 5 months and approx 18 inches long. I am new to owing a snake. I have a 40 gallon tank that was recommended by the store. I have a red light on the top, and a heating pad (non-controled) on the bottom, and one hide. The temp on the warm side is 76 to 78 and on the cold side its about 70. I fed her yersterday (fthrawed, frozen smal mouse). I have been trying to handle her (or at least pet her) so that she can get used to me, she goes into a coiled state position or a ball like position. I want to start handling her, but am unshore on how to get her used to me. I hope i am doing things right. any information would be appreicated.

Congrats on the new BP

Some things:

40 gallon seems huge for a BP of her size, so I would recommend really cluttering it up for her so she feels secure and black out three sides with black construction paper. I always like to have BPs in tubs but if you're set on the 40 I'd do some cluttering for her to hide in. I also suggest having two identical hides for her (hot side and cold side).

You need your UTH (under tank heater) controlled by a thermostat. Without it being controlled it can seriously burn your snake. While you order a thermostat I'd either turn off the UTH completely or buy a $10 lamp dimmer from Home Depot and get it on there so it doesn't reach dangerous temps. The thermostats I use are ~$115 but I know someone has a link to a more affordable ~$30 one (can't remember the name of it).

Her hot side needs to be ~90-92, 76-78 is way too cold for her. Her cold side/ambient temps should be ~80. Her being too cold can cause regurges and other health issues. You need to know the temps, not guess. I use digital (Accurite) thermometers and a temp gun for direct hot side temps.

Work on your husbandry before messing with her would be my suggestion. There's a caresheet on here for BPs that I'd check out too, I'm sure someone will post a link if you can't find it.

What kind of thernometers are you using?
Your tempa are way too cold. Hotside should be 88-90, cold 79-84.

A heat mat should never be in use without something to regulate it.

Also you should give your ball at least 48 hrs after feeding to digest before handleing.

Sent from my LS670 using Tapatalk 2

Here is a thermostat that is recommended on a budget.

http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR.../dp/B000NZZG3S

I would also recommend checking out the follow post

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ius)-Caresheet

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...t-Thermometers

I would also recommended giving your ball more time to settle in, I would say give it a couple weeks and/or 3 or 4 meals before holding.

Ok thanks for all the help. With the under tank hear, on the bottom on the tank, I can get a thermostat to prvide the heat required? I appreiceate the help.

Ok thanks for the help. I can get a thermostate for the under tank heater? I am still new to having a snake but i am learning. Thanks for all the help

No if the UTH unregulated is not providing the correct temps a thermostat will not make it run warmer. Typically the issue is the air temps it looks like yours are 70º this is far too cool and under these conditions difficult to hold correct temps.