Bad Shedding :(

What is UTH?

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Originally Posted by LGray23

I have never heard of a ball python swimming, so if you are seeing him soak often I'd check for mites. Be careful the substrate doesn't get wet, damp substrate can lead to scale rot and bacteria build up inside the enclosure.

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MY BP swims in his pool quite often and hangs out in his fountain as well. And he does not have mites. Any substrate that gets wet is removed the next day. And I have never had a problem with him. Not ragging on you, but just wanted to post that not all BP's are the same.

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Originally Posted by Jaxx

MY BP swims in his pool quite often and hangs out in his fountain as well. And he does not have mites. Any substrate that gets wet is removed the next day. And I have never had a problem with him. Not ragging on you, but just wanted to post that not all BP's are the same.

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I am completely aware that not all ball pythons are the same, I am just stating that the norm behavior for a ball python is not swimming or soaking (unless breeding, low humidity, etc). I was pointing out a potential problem to someone who may not know mites even exist.

MinPin, a UTH is an under tank heater. Belly heat is more beneficial to ball pythons and most snakes in general (not all species) because it aides in digestion. Heat lamps are known to suck the humidity out of the air and generally run too hot and can cause uneven hot spots. I would suggest getting a UTH, can be found online or in most pet stores. You place the heater under the tank on the "warm" side, then get a thermostat to regulate the UTH. Thermostats can be found online easily, ranging in price. I can suggest a few to you if you like, I use three different types. UTHs without a thermostat can cause burns, which is why you will need a thermostat if you choose to switch to a UTH.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jaxx

MY BP swims in his pool quite often and hangs out in his fountain as well. And he does not have mites. Any substrate that gets wet is removed the next day. And I have never had a problem with him. Not ragging on you, but just wanted to post that not all BP's are the same.

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Thank You for saying that...I totally agree with you. Our python doesn't have mites and enjoys the occasional swim :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by LGray23

I am completely aware that not all ball pythons are the same, I am just stating that the norm behavior for a ball python is not swimming or soaking (unless breeding, low humidity, etc). I was pointing out a potential problem to someone who may not know mites even exist.

MinPin, a UTH is an under tank heater. Belly heat is more beneficial to ball pythons and most snakes in general (not all species) because it aides in digestion. Heat lamps are known to suck the humidity out of the air and generally run too hot and can cause uneven hot spots. I would suggest getting a UTH, can be found online or in most pet stores. You place the heater under the tank on the "warm" side, then get a thermostat to regulate the UTH. Thermostats can be found online easily, ranging in price. I can suggest a few to you if you like, I use three different types. UTHs without a thermostat can cause burns, which is why you will need a thermostat if you choose to switch to a UTH.

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We do have a UTH then underneath the thick carpet so that it is warm but doesn't burn him. Are you saying that if you have a UTH you shouldn't use a heat lamp?

It depends on where you live, some people need low watt lamps to keep ambient temp warm enough. I only need to use a lamp on a dimmer in the winter here in MA. IMO the UTH should be outside of the tank on the bottom, but with the carpet as long as he can't get underneath it I'm not sure it will be too bad of a problem. I'd still consider getting a thermostat though.

When I have a snake thats in a bad shed I will set it up in a box of damp moss for a while. (most of the time it only takes a few hours) it works. Then just read and fix your caging problem. good luck.

Try this...it works great for me:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5Sqzd9-HjI

Quote:

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Originally Posted by LGray23

I am completely aware that not all ball pythons are the same, I am just stating that the norm behavior for a ball python is not swimming or soaking (unless breeding, low humidity, etc). I was pointing out a potential problem to someone who may not know mites even exist.

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Sorry... I guess even when trying to be diplomatic about it and only stating my BP's behavior I was wrong and it offended you. I apologize for speaking up.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by LGray23

It depends on where you live, some people need low watt lamps to keep ambient temp warm enough. I only need to use a lamp on a dimmer in the winter here in MA. IMO the UTH should be outside of the tank on the bottom, but with the carpet as long as he can't get underneath it I'm not sure it will be too bad of a problem. I'd still consider getting a thermostat though.

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Yeah that is what I meant...it is under the glass under the carpet so I doubt I need a thermostat for it. Why do I need a different hide out and the paper around the sides and back? I believe I need to use both a heat lamp like we have and the UTH because to keep the temp up.