First time owner - does this look right?

Hi everyone,

My husband and I are first time snake owners. He didn’t actually tell me he was going to bring one home but I’ve always had an interest in snakes so I wasn’t upset about it! However, I didn’t feel super prepared and I’m not really happy with the way he has gone about handling our baby BP.

As you would, I’ve done a ton of research and tried to make sure he has hides, water, the correct temperatures and humidity level. Most importantly, I’ve gathered that for these first few weeks we should leave him alone to let him settle until he’s feeding properly.

My husband thinks I’m being dramatic and has handled him several times, letting him loose on different services and held him up to take photos in the mirror with. Yesterday he spent most of the day hiding which I thought was a good sign until my husband put his feed in and then removed the hide from on top of him?! Since then he has not been back in the hide, he is curled up in an open corner of the tank (has been for 12 hours) and I’m worried we’ve stressed him. He hasn’t touched the food either.

Picture attached, I would love to know more experienced owners’ opinions of whether this looks right or he’s upset. And also whether the tank environment looks appropriate. I’ve learned a lot of great information from this site already so thanks in advance for any advice you might have.

https://ibb.co/CM6ySxs

Based on the picture:

*Ditch the analog hygrometer/thermometer and get a digital one. Analog ones are known for being very inaccurate.

*Aspen bedding in a tank can work, but it isn't best for humidity. Aspen is fine as long as you can keep the humidity 50-60%. EDIT: Is that Aspen? What bedding are you using?

*Just checking, are you using a thermostat?

*Hard to see in the picture, but he needs 2 identical hides. 1 on the cold, 1 on the hot. Small enough that his body touches the sides. BPs like to squeeze into spaces.

*Did you sanitize the leaf/branches and rocks before butting them in? Make sure there's no pesticides on them. Taking things straight from outside into the tank isn't recommended, as parasites and bacteria can be brought in. Unless you got them from the pet store.

*I would say your snake certainly doesn't look happy to me. Likely stressed.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by calislytherin

As you would, I’ve done a ton of research and tried to make sure he has hides, water, the correct temperatures and humidity level. Most importantly, I’ve gathered that for these first few weeks we should leave him alone to let him settle until he’s feeding properly.

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You are correct in that you should let him settle in for at least 3 feedings until you handle him. Not only is he probably stressed from your husband handling him but the hides in your cage need some help. Like the previous poster said, make sure you get identical hides on each end (hot and cool) where they are snug enough for your BP to feel safe. Also, make sure you have a thermostat to regulate your temps. Feeding can be very difficult at 1st so make sure your husbandry is on point and handling is minimized. In turn you will have a happy BP. Good luck!

* It has been on my mind to get a digital one, will do that today.

* The humidity is actually showing as 70% on the analog measure but not sure if that’s accurate.

* We don’t have a thermostat, he has a heating mat with one warmer and cooler side.

* Will get another hide today.

* My husband brought the leaves from outside. I’m going to remove them.

Thank you you so much for this advice, really helpful.

I'm sorry but a thermostat is mandatory, not optional. An unregulated heat source, even a heat pad, can easily get too hot and burn your snake.

Thermostats need not be expensive. You can buy an inexpensive JumpStart like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-Ger...mostat+reptile

Look on eBay, maybe you can get one for even less. I often seem these t-stats for $30 or so.

Also of note - looks like the pinky is sitting in a feed dish on the other end? Most snakes, especially ball pythons, will want the food to be quite warm (you can heat it up with a hair dryer or put in a zip lock bag and soak in warm water, never use a microwave) and most snakes want the food presented to them (although some will eat with food left overnight). Did you try offering the food via tongs to the snake or just set it in the tank?

I would remove the feeder and then once the other issues are sorted out (no more handling, two hides, thermostat) then try offering again at that time.
Good luck! I hope everything works out well!

I’m going straight to a specialist reptile store today armed with all of this info and will have a thermostat top of the list. Thank you!

We just put the food straight in. I’m going to remove it and try with the tongs when we’ve upgraded everything. Thank you so much for your help.

Thank you for being willing to do your best to take care of your little guy. Your BP will pay you back with lots of happy memories in the years to come :)