Got my first BP

Another option for hides for a small snake are these plastic water bowls from Wal Mart. They have a small opening on each side that I am assuming are for picking up the bowl, but snakes will crawl under it and use it for a snug hide. A while back someone posted some great pics of a BP using one, but I can't seem to find the thread. Hopefully someone who remembers it will be able to find it...

I agree everyone makes mistakes. You really should read up about bp's they dont require a lot but can be expensive to set up.
You need to leave him alone for about 2wks. You will know when he gets comfortable when he starts to come out of his hide and roam around.
You will need a hide for him. He willl spend 99.9% of his life in there. That is just what they do. Also even when the 2wks is up bp's arent like dogs/cats they dont like to be held. Maybe 1 or 2 times a week and thats it.
I just advise you to read read read. That will be your best bet!

lol...you will get it. It seems like allot to learn at first!! If you are afraid of getting bit...you can also wear heavy gloves. I have never been bit but my husband was in a feeding accident. He said it was more shocking than anything else....did not even really bleed.

I agree with the tape thing.....I have seen bad things happen with tape in the enclosure. :confused: You can use a glue gun if needed to adhere the probe down.

Each BP has a different personality. I have one that is cool with hanging out with us for about 20 minutes....then she is done. On the other hand....I have a couple that want to be out ALL THE TIME. They have huge personalities. Just go slow and you will build a great trust with yours eventually.

I also might suggest getting some tongs for feeding time. This will help you with any bad strikes that might get your fingers.....lol

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ClemonsKimberly

This is what I did for a hide in my snakes enclosure. You can any plastic, I used a dishpan because I was making mine for a very large ball python, but in my smaller ones enclosure I just use the cheap plastic bowls from the dollar store. Here are my instructions with pics:

I went to the family dollar store and bought black dishpans, like the ones that busboys use, cut them half, placed one side over the other, then put tape on it so it doesnt slide apart. Lastly, I just used the razor to cut out a hole for the snake to go into. If you have a buck fifty and a razor blade, this is a good option I think. My big ones certainly do love it. Since I have 9 snakes I cant see buying 18 hides for about 20 - 30 bucks each at petco when this works equally as well. I am posting pics, but I am going to change the tape to shiney silver tape so you can see where it is taped, it’s usually black tape and you can barely even tell its been cut and taped. ;~) Just a thought! And the best part is its completely adjustable so you can make it larger for you snake as you need to!
step 1
[IMG]http://www.repticzone.net/images/56011/hideforsnakes014.JPG[IMG]
This one is just for size comparison - my snake is more than 5 ft long, use a smaller one for your snake ;~)
[IMG]http://www.repticzone.net/images/56011/step2.jpg[IMG]
Step 2
[IMG]http://www.repticzone.net/images/56011/step3.jpg[IMG]
Step 3
[IMG]http://www.repticzone.net/images/56011/step4.jpg[IMG]
Final product - dont forget to cut out a hole for the snake. ;~)
[IMG]http://www.repticzone.net/images/56011/hideforsnakes018.JPG/IMG]

I hear cheap is chic this year!! LOL I love dollar stores for this type of stuff!

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Just a note: Please do not put any sort of tape in with your snake. They WILL find a way to stick themselves to it and it you can rip of scales trying to get it off.

OP: Don't be afraid of getting bit. If you have a pillowcase, just throw it over the snake and pick the snake up. Put the snake in some kind of holding container while you make some changes. A ball pythons first line of defense is to ball up, not bite. Don't be afraid of the little one!

Shopping list:

Accurite Indoor/outdoor weather station with wired probe from home depot, lowes, or walmart - $12

Temporary light dimmer rheostat. (ask for a light dimmer that plugs into the wall directly that you can plug a lamp into AKA: a piggy back dimmer). - $11.

In the meantime, buy the reptitemp 500r thermoSTAT online. It is hard to find in stores and you should be able to find it rather cheaply online.


Just remember, this snake is way more afraid of you than you are of it! You are a big scary monster to the little one!

Hi,

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ClemonsKimberly

http://www.repticzone.net/images/560...rsnakes018.JPG

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Just to echo what the others have already said but this is a REALLY bad idea.

I would use silicon sealant or a hot glue gun to join the sides together instead.

Tape inside a snake tank is just asking for a horrible problem. :(


dr del

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ClemonsKimberly

Final product - dont forget to cut out a hole for the snake. ;~)
http://www.repticzone.net/images/560...rsnakes018.JPG

I hear cheap is chic this year!! LOL I love dollar stores for this type of stuff!

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Looks great - BUT, the Duct tape is scarey. Way too many snakes have been injured by getting stuck on tape inside the enclosure. Mix heat with humidity and the tape will start to pull up at the edges, and your snake will get caught on it, and will not be able to get loose.

Here are some hides I made with plastic cereal bowls from Dollar Tree - they cost me $.33 each (came packed 3). I used a $5 solder wand to make the entrances.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...Tub/Setup1.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...aEnclosure.jpg

Here's Deborah's great link for home made hides:

http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=59280

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Originally Posted by omega45820

Hey all im new to ball pythons i just got my first one today and not to for sure at how to take care of it. Today after i got back home with him (30miles for the pet store) i let kept him in the tank for about 15 mins just to let him get use to where he was and well after that i was going to get him out just to let him get use to me but he balled up in a S form and when i got my hand near him outside of the tank he striked at me twice is this normal. he is around 15 to 20 inches something like that he hasn't stretched out yet but is that normal for him to be that aggressive the pet shop said that there not and that she had fed him a couple days ago and that not to worry about feeding him anything till Thursday or Friday so ill have to go get feeder mice but is it rare if they bite and what is the easiest way of getting him out without getting bite

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no this isnt normal.. they are called a bp for a reason.. if they feel they are in danger they are suppose to ball up.. not strike. now a reason for them to strike would be he is in shed.. check his eyes and see what color they are.. if they are cloudy then he is striking because he cant see.. also dont keep the mice near him thats called pre scenting. make sure to keep ur cage at 75-no higher then 85 over all and a hot side of 90 to 94 and a cold side 75-80.. with a humidity of 50 to 60 and 70 during shed. dont keep really moise dirt or w/e substrate ur using.. he will get scale rot.. while handling him.. if he is in a ball just rub him lightly dont try and force him out of his ball.

thats it for now.. im sure someone else will post up aswell

Ball pythons WILL strike if they feel threatened, so actually it IS completely normal. Striking doesn't just happen when the snake is in shed.

Many people keep their rats or mice in the same room as their snakes and they have no problem eating regularly. You don't NEED to keep them anywhere else, but it helps to be able to pre-scent if you have a particularly picky feeder.

You only need two temps, not 4. A cool side between 80-82* and a warm side between 90-92*.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tizzle89

no this isnt normal.. they are called a bp for a reason.. if they feel they are in danger they are suppose to ball up.. not strike. now a reason for them to strike would be he is in shed.. check his eyes and see what color they are.. if they are cloudy then he is striking because he cant see.. also dont keep the mice near him thats called pre scenting. make sure to keep ur cage at 75-no higher then 85 over all and a hot side of 90 to 94 and a cold side 75-80.. with a humidity of 50 to 60 and 70 during shed. dont keep really moise dirt or w/e substrate ur using.. he will get scale rot.. while handling him.. if he is in a ball just rub him lightly dont try and force him out of his ball.

thats it for now.. im sure someone else will post up aswell

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They also strike when they are stressed out and scared.

I keep my breeding colony of rats 2 steps from my snake rack - and I've had no problems at all keeping them that close.