Im getting really upset over my new ball python

I you want your snake to be stress free and eat for you the first step is to leave it alone, NO handling until you snake eats 3 to 5 consecutive meal for you.

You should also make sure that the enclosure is cramped enough, 20 gallons is HUGE for a 75 grams animals (most animals that size are kept in shoes boxes or something similar in size). Security is the number one issue with young snakes.

Also make sure that your husbandry is OPTIMUM http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ius)-Caresheet, and keep in mind that hatchlings are defensive and see you as a predator, they do not hate you, they do not like you they just tolerate being handled but at this size handling should be very limited and only when eating consistently.

The more you handle the more stressed your new snake will be, they grow out of it over time but this is a very young animal, hopefully one that was started and is established.

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Originally Posted by 200xth

What's the hot side at? Low 80's is fine for cool side, but make sure your hot side isn't too hot.

Make sure her hide is completely enclosed. You only have one hide as well. Put two hides in, one at each end (hot and cool).

What are you using to measure the temps and humidity? If you're using analog gauges, understand that they can be wildly inaccurate at times. If you're using digital gauges, they're probably fairly accurate.

Once you have both hides in and you are sure your temps and humidity are correct, cover up the tank on three sides, and let her sit for a week, no handling. Just check her water a few times and let her acclimate in peace. After 7 days of peace and quiet, try feeding her again. If she eats, let her sit for a couple of days to digest. Try handling after that.

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Im pretty sure the other side is in the 90's. Im using an analog gauge :confusd: I literally just separated the tank and turned it into a 10 gallon, then added another hide. Now its small and snug. Im gonna leave her alone for a while.

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Originally Posted by elimillz

Im pretty sure the other side is in the 90's. Im using an analog gauge :confusd: I literally just separated the tank and turned it into a 10 gallon, then added another hide. Now its small and snug. Im gonna leave her alone for a while.

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You can pick up a digital gauge at petco, it works really well and runs around $30. Also pick up a no contact thermometer, the kind with the laser. That is good for measuring surface temperature. With the analog thermometer you're getting an "ambient" temp, not surface. When we ask what the warm side and cool side temperatures are, you need something more specific to measure those temps with..

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Originally Posted by elimillz

Im pretty sure the other side is in the 90's. Im using an analog gauge :confusd: I literally just separated the tank and turned it into a 10 gallon, then added another hide. Now its small and snug. Im gonna leave her alone for a while.

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If there's still space in the tank, just crumple up some newspapers or something to fill in the space for her.

Definitely try to get the digital gauges. They're not the expensive and they're much better.

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Originally Posted by Deborah

I you want your snake to be stress free and eat for you the first step is to leave it alone, NO handling until you snake eats 3 to 5 consecutive meal for you.

You should also make sure that the enclosure is cramped enough, 20 gallons is HUGE for a 75 grams animals (most animals that size are kept in shoes boxes or something similar in size). Security is the number one issue with young snakes.

Also make sure that your husbandry is OPTIMUM http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ius)-Caresheet, and keep in mind that hatchlings are defensive and see you as a predator, they do not hate you, they do not like you they just tolerate being handled but at this size handling should be very limited and only when eating consistently.

The more you handle the more stressed your new snake will be, they grow out of it over time but this is a very young animal, hopefully one that was started and is established.

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Can you recommend any good thermostats for my heat pad?

I 100% agree with Deb. Patience is needed wait for 3-5 meals (typically with babies 5 days apart so wait at least 15-25 days assuming she eats what you offer)

I personally recommend herpstats thermostats by spyder robotics. Helix controls takes the second place, Ecozone and herpkeeper behind that. It is hard to beat the herpstat.

Stats are needed but so is heat if the hot spot is below mid 90s don't turn off the heater if it is over this try adding a spacer to allow the temp to lower. turning off the heat depending on the room temp can lead to the death of the snake. Many modern heat pads don't offer tha same level of risk as the old school ones did.

(the old pads would get to over 130ºF sometimes into the 160ºF most modern pads are low density elements that do not get over 100ºF and some even have degradation switches that will never allow much higher than this.)