guess what I found on the porch

So we went out to check the mail the other day, and saw this fella curled up under the mailbox.
http://a202.ac-images.myspacecdn.com...16f089f531.jpg

We've taken him in (think it's a he) and haven't seen any missing ads, so we named him Nathan, Nathan Scott Phillips. He's about 4ft, so we got him a 55gal aquarium and have been looking online for how to care for him.

Any suggestions/advice on how we can best care for our new friend?

Here's the setup we have him in now. All of those lights are to do as much as we can for heat until I can go get a heating element tomorrow (we bought a ceramic one when we got the tank a few days ago, but it's messed up and won't screw in to any light socket, so I'm gonna take it back tomorrow and exchange it for one that works.) The good thing is we've had a heat spell here recently, so we've managed to keep it above 75. How long do we have before it really needs to be 85-90? ASAP?

http://img466.imageshack.us/img466/6...oto0023du7.jpg

I know it's not perfect, but we've been strapped for cash from getting the tank and stuff. Will Nathan be ok until my next paycheck?

Heres a great caresheet to take care of that sweet looking bp you have :sunny:

http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules....warticle&id=59

here is also a great setup too. id get rid of the carpet because it will house bacteria. Use newpaper. also you might want to keep the humidity up by spraying/misting it and also get an acu-rite(walmart $12). to measure temps.
http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=32800

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Krazy99CL

here is also a great setup too. id get rid of the carpet because it will house bacteria. Use newpaper. also you might want to keep the humidity up by spraying/misting it and also get an acu-rite(walmart $12). to measure temps.
http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=32800

---

That's not carpet, more of a porous astroturf kinda deal. Got it at a pet store. Will that be ok?

And do I still have to worry about humidity if the outside humidity is 77%? I'll get one of those acu-rite things, though, and I guess that'll say.

lucky.

i wish i found one everytime i went to the mailbox. id be in heaven.

good luck with the snake! feel free to ask any ?s everyone on here is super nice and quick with responds!!

nathan scott phillips... ATHF for ever!

lucky guy to have found a good home by accident! i wonder where he came from? oh well! he's yours now! lol! congrats! just follow everyone's advice and you'll do great!

If you're short on cash, it would be best to take the tank back so you can get your money back. You could then use that money to buy a proper tub set up($6 for a tub, money left over for flexwatt, quality thermostat, hides, digital thermometer). You can use newspaper for bedding.

Since the snake was found outside, he really should see the vet. Who knows what kinds of animals he encounters and he may have contracted internal or external parasites from them.