First time ball python owner

I got my first Royal last year and one peice of advice I'd give you is keep calm and don't freak out over feeding issues, this site is great for advice and info :)

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Originally Posted by bcr229

You need a thermostat to do that for you. Hopefully you have one on the UTH at least.

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It's a spliced thermostat.

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Originally Posted by Smitty33

I used aluminum tape to cover my screen top all but where my light sits. Red light keeps my ambient temps about 80-82. You will need a hydrometer to keep track of humidity as a tank set up will dry out fast. I mist mine about every day to keep it around 60% and twice a day at least during shed.
You may also consider getting a background or black paper to cover the back and sides of your tank to help your snake feel more secure. He looks really good and healthy!!

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Noted, once I get the chance I'll do that. Thanks, he's pretty active and he seems to be warming up to me quite fast.

I would get a PVC cage with a RHP and a real good thermostat. It has been much easier for me to deal with a PVC cage rather than a glass cage.

http://i934.photobucket.com/albums/a...psjd1po4bo.jpghttp://i934.photobucket.com/albums/a...psb6ibzwyy.jpg

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Originally Posted by Skeletor

I would get a PVC cage with a RHP and a real good thermostat. It has been much easier for me to deal with a PVC cage rather than a glass cage.

http://i934.photobucket.com/albums/a...psjd1po4bo.jpghttp://i934.photobucket.com/albums/a...psb6ibzwyy.jpg

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How much did your whole setup cost?

I got my first snake in November and got another one in February and there are two rules, above all else, I would recommend....

1.) The thermostat. You'll see it mentioned ad nauseum on these boards and there is a very good reason for that. Had I not lurked here for months prior to purchasing my lesser I probably would have just got a heat mat and called it good, then poor Howie would been screwed, all burnt up and whatnot. I got myself a hydrofarm thermostat off Amazon for 35ish bucks and just ordered a herpstat 1. If there is any one thing you shouldn't skimp on its how you regulate your heat source.


2.) Don't trip. There quirky little fellas and will sometimes do weird stuff. My lesser gets scared by his own body on a routine basis and I once saw my black pastel wrap it's tail around its neck like a choke hold, then tried to fight it's way out for a few seconds til she realized she could just let go of her head. Try to get to know your specific snake and then go from there.

$425 for cage, 40 watt RHP and Vivarium VE200 thermostat.

So I'm curious now, how often should I handle him? Without over stressing him but attempting to bond with him rapidly

I don't mess with my BP after he eats for 2 days after or he's going through a shed. During other times I can literally come home from work, let my BP know Im home by turning on the light. I will come back 20 mins later and he will be out of his hide. When he does this, I can pick him up without him flinching one bit. It's almost as if he wants to be picked up. I handle him for a little bit every single day. As long as he didn't recently eat or in a shed. If he's in a shed its a good 2 weeks you can't even bother with him. He will warn you with a little sound he makes. Nothing aggressive just like air blowing out of his nose.

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Originally Posted by Walkingdragon

http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7mka7ae3.jpg
http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/...pssohrbaik.jpg


That's the little guy, he's approx 18" and I'm not sure on weight though.

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So cute. Congrats on the purchase [emoji4]


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Originally Posted by Skeletor

I don't mess with my BP after he eats for 2 days after or he's going through a shed. During other times I can literally come home from work, let my BP know Im home by turning on the light. I will come back 20 mins later and he will be out of his hide. When he does this, I can pick him up without him flinching one bit. It's almost as if he wants to be picked up. I handle him for a little bit every single day. As long as he didn't recently eat or in a shed. If he's in a shed its a good 2 weeks you can't even bother with him. He will warn you with a little sound he makes. Nothing aggressive just like air blowing out of his nose.

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And what about regularly? Like how many times a day and for how long when nothings going on?

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Originally Posted by Megz

So cute. Congrats on the purchase [emoji4]

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Thanks :3