Help! I found a ball python in the wild

This thread is so full of win. :D

I love Kismet Straydog! Awesome job with your new sidekick!

This is such a cool story! I work in animal control and one of my normal girls was found trying to get into an SA.

Straydog,

I am pretty sure petland will have the UTH you are looking for but there are a few other pieces of equipment that you WILL need if you are going to get a UTH.

1. Something to control the UTH with. A UTH will get hotter than it should be for a ball python so you need something to control it with. Since I understand cash is a bit tight I recommend getting a lutron lamp dimmer from the home depot. It costs about $11 and will be sufficient to control your UTH and keep it at safe levels. Here is a great tutorial on how to use the light dimmer with a UTH: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=73275

2. A thermometer and hygrometer. This is just as important as the controlling device for the UTH. You need to know what the temps are because if they get too hot, you probably won't notice until your snake is burned. The Accurite digital weather station is all you need for this kind of setup. It is also found at the home depot for about $12. It has an external probe (which you will use to measure the temp of the UTH) and built in thermometer in the unit along with a hygrometer.

You will probably look to spend about 30-40 to heat the snakes tank but it is a one time thing. Once you buy these items you will probably never have to replace them.

I am glad you adopted this snake but I think it is time to get his setup fixed so he can live a happy and healthy life with you :) I have been keeping track of this thread since post #1 and I think its great what you have done so far. Just a little bit more to go :) :gj:

Thanks for the update! Glad to hear youre wanting to keep Kimset!

Storys like this make me smile. Glad you decided to keep him and welcome to the happy world of BPs

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kaorte

Straydog,

I am pretty sure petland will have the UTH you are looking for but there are a few other pieces of equipment that you WILL need if you are going to get a UTH.

1. Something to control the UTH with. A UTH will get hotter than it should be for a ball python so you need something to control it with. Since I understand cash is a bit tight I recommend getting a lutron lamp dimmer from the home depot. It costs about $11 and will be sufficient to control your UTH and keep it at safe levels. Here is a great tutorial on how to use the light dimmer with a UTH: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=73275

2. A thermometer and hygrometer. This is just as important as the controlling device for the UTH. You need to know what the temps are because if they get too hot, you probably won't notice until your snake is burned. The Accurite digital weather station is all you need for this kind of setup. It is also found at the home depot for about $12. It has an external probe (which you will use to measure the temp of the UTH) and built in thermometer in the unit along with a hygrometer.

You will probably look to spend about 30-40 to heat the snakes tank but it is a one time thing. Once you buy these items you will probably never have to replace them.

I am glad you adopted this snake but I think it is time to get his setup fixed so he can live a happy and healthy life with you :) I have been keeping track of this thread since post #1 and I think its great what you have done so far. Just a little bit more to go :) :gj:

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thanks for the advice! I definitely don't want to burn my snake but have already attached the tape to the underside of my tank. It's the smallest one they carried...

http://i45.tinypic.com/33nawzo.jpg

It's on the underside of the tank and I have about 1/4 to 1/2 inches of newspaper on top of it. I'm not really sure how these things work, but I will get a rheostat a.s.a.p., probably tomorrow. If I need to unplug it at some point (until I get the rheostat) or add more paper on that side of the tank just let me know, please?

With the thick layer of newspaper, he should be fine for a night.

You will need the thermometer as well though to measure the temps to make sure it doesn't get too hot. Even with the rheostat temps can spike.

12 pages and not one single BG post. A world record. Someone call Guinness.:D

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Originally Posted by Big Gunns

12 pages and not one single BG post. A world record. Someone call Guinness.:D

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I'll drink a Guinness in your honor BG, how about that? :gj: :beer:

This thread is probably my favorite one on BP so far. *heart*

I especially love all the pics!!!