New Ball Python owner Many questions :)

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Originally Posted by Michi

I just bought PAM and a reptile spray from illreptile and a kritter cage to put him in during the cleaning process. I plan to get another hide to put in the hot side of the tank. will any paper on the outside of the tank be fine? I'm worried about the heat lamps and possible fire. Thank You for the help with photo upload^ I'm not the greatest with computers lol. And since he is still new what should I do about soaking him warm water should I just wait it out or should I Soak him and handle him regardless of his recent relocation? I don't know which would be more uncomfortable :confusd:. also will the mites affect my cat? should I start her on advantage 2 to protect her as well?

And what other suggestions for the future should I do to make him more comfortable?

Thanks for the help!

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I would wait at least 2-3 feedings before you soak and handle him. This allows him to settle down without the added stress. You don't want him to go off feed since he does look a little thin in my opinion.
The mites will not affect your cat. They're species specific and will only infest other snakes.

And I agree with the above post.
Maybe put in some fake plants and/or black out the sides and back of the tank with paper or a background to give your snake a little more cover. Open spaces aren't the best for a ball.
(the paper shouldn't burn if they're outside your tank and not too close to the lamps)

Other than that, you're on the right track! :)

I got the same tank a month ago and i hate it... it is causeing me so many problems i am waiting for my tank from http://www.apcages.com/ to come in. I have the same tank right now and it has caused me so many problems. If you have the money i would invest in one of these tanks for your snake :)

Well, you are making positive steps in the right direction and that's wonderful.

Like myself and many other ball pythons owners before you, you are discovering that pet shops are just about the worst possible place to ask advice on/purchase things for a ball python, but you live and you learn.

This is a LOT to absorb all at once, so try not to freak out.

Hit the big stuff first:

The PAM is on it's way, so the mites thing will be history in no time. Just READ the label completely, and you'll do fine. The biggest thing is not to drench the tank. A LIGHT spray is all it needs.

If you don't already have a thermostat to control your heat source, that is next on your list. Unregulated heat sources, whether a lamp or under tank mat, can and will severely burn your snake.

You also need a good thermometer to know what his temps are. Those dial types are not worth the plastic used to make them. Get yourself a digital. And the best cheap one is the Accurite someone else linked for you. Those do temps and humidity all in one.

Those are the big three. After that, then you can start tweaking his enclosure to get it how you both want it.

Feeding time will no doubt be a trial, ball pythons from pet shops are notorious for being poor feeders. Be patient and persistent, and you'll get him eating. And it wouldn't hurt to have him on a 5 day feeding schedule for a little while, he could stand to gain a few grams.

I wish you and your new friend all the best.

Gale

Thank you! I have gotten the humidity up to 60 with an extra bowl of water and a blanket over half the mesh temp is still 85ish. From his feeding chart he hasn't eaten in the last three weeks from the pet store and now a week from me :( but he is getting more comfortable because he is out and about more often I will try feedding him again tomorrow and I will buy an accurite temp gauge on my next paycheck