Looking to get my first Ball Python, need some advice

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Originally Posted by MsMissy

you have said you have an enclosure for a baby and need guidance but haven't told us what that enclosure is. The guys here can't provide the info you are asking for without first knowing what you are working with.

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I have a 10 gallon tank, a UTH that spans the length of that cage regulated by a thermostat, and a CHE with a Zilla temperature controller.

A smaller UTH would have been fine but at least you will already have a larger one for your next tank. Just be sure you have the Che only on one side to create a hot side and cold side and you should be good. 80-82 on cold, 85ish ambient and a hot spot about 90. Might want to pick up a decent hygrometer to measure your humidity. The ones they sell on on amazon or eBay for humidors are better than most but nothing you find will be 100% accurate. Also, Walmart sells an Acurite thermometer with a probe that you can use for ambient temp, as well as temp on the UTH <by placing the probe inside affixed to the glass, under substrate> to ensure your thermostat is working properly and also measures humidity <not very accurately>. A tank that small humidity won't be too difficult. If you have that issue, there are many options you can use to fix it. You want it at or above 50% and upped to 60-70 for shedding time.

Two identical hides, one for each side and a water bowl that he or she can't tip over and you're golden. Oops, almost forgot... Might want to blacken the back and sides of the tank given that they like dark areas and feeling secure is essential for successful feeding.

My numbers might be slightly off, there is a care sheet in the care sheets forum that will give you 'exact' ranges.

a ten gallon should be easy to keep the humidity up in. :) So no worries there. If it happens to drop a little low its no problem. Mine drops all the time but I fix this by misting the tank with a spray bottle about 2 times a day. Also if you have problems with low humidity putting plastic wrap over half of the top or a towel over half of it, really helps keep the humidity up. Also, as a though, if you are ever interested, live plants help boost humidity. So if you are looking to have an astetically pleasing set up you can always put a sphagnum moss soil down in the tank and plant a few small tropical plants in the corners. then cover that with reptibark or whatever substrate you will be using. This is a little more work, but drastically helps with my humidity for my crested geckos. plus large leaves can off more coverage and security for your new baby. :) Doing live plants is deff more work though, since you have to water them still, but it looks great and doesn't harm the snake. I do about 90-95 on my hot side and 78-82 on my cold side with a hide on each side. I use a moonglow bulb, but those killll humidity. so that might not be an option for you if you are concerned about that.