Brand New to BPs

Yesterday i got my first Ball Python. Actually it was my first reptile. His name is Ash and he is a Fire Spider.

https://i.gyazo.com/980ce276643f5556...fdcab2c324.jpg

Also had some quick questions. Right now i have a Ceramic heater above the tank and im not sure whether to leave it over his hide or the water dish. The water seems to have gotten semi cold but the temperature over his hide is about 89 Degrees Fahrenheit.

On saturday when i go to get his food, I will be buying some stuff for him to climb on but this is the setup as of right now. Is this ok?

https://i.gyazo.com/ca5a066f5f76ab64...a9145f6307.jpg

Instead of the branches, I would get another hide for the opposite side of the tank and put the water dish in the middle. Skip the wooden stuff for plastic leaves and foliage from Michaels or a 99 cents store. The little guy is going to need places to hide in the tank. It does look nice and the tank looks pretty good. I would let the probe of the thermometer touch the floor of the enclosure. How is the thermostat set?

Not a bad set up. I agree with Albert about adding another hide. It provides security and allows them to thermo regulate. The cheap plant foliage is great. My ball pythons (I now have 3) love them. Do you have a way to measure the humidity? I keep my little kiddos between 50 and 60% and haven't had a bad shed yet! Congrats on your new little guy, he's precious!

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Get an under-tank heater (UTH) and a thermostat to regulate it. Ditch the light, cover the top with either foil or Glad Press n Seal to keep humidity in the tank. A ceramic heater + open top will be too dry for your ball python, they need 50-60% humidity.

I agree with going to Michaels or a similar craft store for fake plants. Soft, bushy/viny ones are good. Just inspect them carefully to make sure there are no wires or sharp points that can scratch your snake.

I will add.... it would really be good to stop by walmart or a store like that and pick up two Accurite digital thermometers. Get the ones that measure humidity as well. They are about $12 each. Put them both inside the tank, one on each side. That will give you better temps and better readings. I have one like you have here, and it has never matched the three accurites I have. They have always been within a degree or two of each other, so I trust them more than the one like yours.

Aside form that, what the others have said... some dollar store fake vines/leaves would be great. Just make sure there are no "rings" on them that your little guy could get stuck on or in. two hides, some fake leaves/plants and if there is still extra room in there, toss in an empty toiler paper or paper towel roll.


Congratulations on your first reptile. I got my first in November, and I still adore her more and more every time I look at her. They're amazing!

Nice looking guy you've got there. I like to see your trying to do everything the right way and not cutting any corners. As others have said, get a humidity gage just so you know where you are. Good luck!

[emoji7] He's so cute! What a pretty little guy. [emoji4] Looks like you've got lots of tips for the enclosure, good luck with your new snake! They are so addicting!


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