New Ball Python Owner. Checking in.

Welcome, and CONGRATS! It sounds as if you are enjoying the experience; love to hear that!!
Your setup sounds spot on! I think all good there, so don't worry :) My thoughts about feeding are, if the rat is about the size of the widest part of the body, it is good. Rat pups are probably okay - sad to hear that the snake was fed so little though - but ultimately it will be your call. You're going to do great, keep it up!

I personally am looking forward to when you tell us you're getting another one... ;)

All the best!

I plan on steadily increasing the size of her meals. I just didn't want to jump from something so small right away. She's been eating so well so I'm confident we'll get there.


And in regards to another one? oh it will happen. I've already been eyeballing reputable breeders here in Florida =P So if anyone has any experience with any great breeders Lemme know!

My previous house in Australia looked like a zoo with all the rescue animals I'd end up bringing home during their care. Can't wait to get a collection going again.

Welcome! That's a very attractive setup. Pretty snake too. I'm glad she found a good home with you.

As for meeting some Florida breeders, you should check out a Repticon show next time there's one in your area. Here are the ones coming up in south Florida:

August 9 - Sarasota
August 30 & 31 - West Palm Beach
September 6 - New Port Richey
September 12 & 13 - FIRExpo in Lakeland
November 8 & 9 - Tampa
November 15 & 16 - Fort Lauderdale
January 3 - Fort Myers

There's also the South Florida Herpetological society. http://www.southflherp.org/

Thanks a much for that post. Im actually near west palm beach myself, so will definitely make plans to go. Cheers

Here's a better photo of her from today. Shes finally starting to put on a bit of weight. Which is nice to see.

We'll get there... eventually. I've ordered some quality digital scales. So I'll be interested to track her weight over the coming months. I've also ordered some Animal Plastic stuff for my future 'collection' >.> This is going to get addictive

When I got her, the previous owner wasn't using a heatpad. Was using a 10 gallon fish tank. With fish tank pebbles lining the bottom. No hides. Feeding her a fuzzie mouse once a week. >.> They had her in their possesion for just over 12 months. :mad:


http://i.imgur.com/RmeHwnF.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/3c5a3Uc.jpg



Also have done a little re-arranging. I added a hide on the warmside next to the log, just to give her a little extra security. You can also see the hollowed out stump I spoke about earlier. She still favors the coolside hide despite temps being spot on, but I figure she knows what she's doing.

http://i.imgur.com/xToN2y4.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/zxGkYFW.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/49UIEJz.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/r9WEzZh.jpg

Nice. Keep up the good work and she will grow in no time. And yes this is addicting.

This is why I love glass tanks so much. A lot of work but gorgeous. :D She is lucky to have you! I'm loving the stump

Thanks Cyndy. I agree :D

http://i.imgur.com/7gENBIj.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/OdGgzAr.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/mBsR2uV.jpg


Just love this girl. She's gorgeous, and really makes my day when she pokes her head out as I walk past.

Just wanted to post an update. This girl is up to 600 grams. As of today. She's still feeding like a champ. I've been offering every 5 days, and she hasn't skipped a beat.

Thanks again for everyone's input.

I can't tell you how much I appreciate this community. <3 much love.

Will post some update pictures in a few days. She's just been fed, so don't want to disturb her.

Just another update to this thread, and my girl.

She had her first shed with me last week. It couldn't have been more perfect. From a girl with a history (with her previous owner) of bad sheds, she nailed it this time! Eyecaps and all!


It's nice to know everything your doing is spot on.

http://i.imgur.com/P85DJQT.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/xoAgB7D.jpg