Burning question that needs a answer!

I will be getting Ball python in a couple of days. My question is the 60 gallon tank I have with wooden decorations were given to me by my brother whom before had a ball python in the tank but had to give away because he went away for the military. I cleaned the tank with dish soap and water. Should i reuse the wooden decorations? I didn't wash those becaie I didn't want them to fall apart from the water. Will my new Ball python sense the others snake scent from these decorations and get aggressive or have any other emotion towards being in a tank with them? Or should I just buy new ones? Should I also use the tank or just get a new one even though I cleaned it out?

I would reuse it all as long as there weren't any parasites in it when the snake was given away. How long has it been since there was a snake in there? Whatever scent was in there may have dissipated by now.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Viol8r

I would reuse it all as long as there weren't any parasites in it when the snake was given away. How long has it been since there was a snake in there? Whatever scent was in there may have dissipated by now.

---

They,ve been in there months along with the previous snakes bedding and feces. How would I disinfect these if I could and needed to?

I read in several posts to preheat oven to 200-250F and let wooden decor 'bake' in there for a couple of hours.

How big is your BP going to be? Why I ask this is because typically they want smaller enclosures. Big enclosures can stress them out. But if you're getting an adult then I'm sure 60 would be fine!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by cnavalta14

How big is your BP going to be? Why I ask this is because typically they want smaller enclosures. Big enclosures can stress them out. But if you're getting an adult then I'm sure 60 would be fine!

---

Well I was hoping to get a baby. I know the enclosure is big but it has so many of those wooden decorations(things to climb on, hide under, ect) that the tank should feel like there in a very enclosed space. By brother used this for his ball python and never had any problems with him:). I've been researching and now concerned about something else. Do I really need a UTC heater? Would I put this on the hot side? I'm also gonna be using cypress mulch as the bedding from what I hear it holds humidity well.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by The Golem

I read in several posts to preheat oven to 200-250F and let wooden decor 'bake' in there for a couple of hours.

---

Ah that sounds helpful never thought of that to kill any bacteria on them without setting them on fire or getting them wet. Thank you :).

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Poltergeist04

Ah that sounds helpful never thought of that to kill any bacteria on them without setting them on fire or getting them wet. Thank you :).

---

You should also probably soak the wooden decor before baking it to avoid accidents. Bake until dry.

would freezing the wood work?

On the enclosure side...these animals live in Africa so a 60 g tank shouldn't be too large. What you would want to focus on is appropriate sized hides. Meaning when the snake is inside the hide he/she should be able to touch all/most sides. That's what they would look for in the wild so that should be provided for them in captivity. Sounds like you have a few options for him or her and you are on the right track! With a baby snake in a tank that size I would personally have a snug fitting hide on the hot and cold side then loose fitting hides on both sides as well. Sometimes after eating they need more room, and need a space to grow into. A UTH is highly recommended here along with the use of a quality t-stat. Bedding is up to what you would like your tank to look like and how much "extra" effort you may need to put in to it for good husbandry. Like I said you sound to be on the right track, so keep it up and let us know what animal you pick up and you your tank is progressing...