Help! I'm a new BP owner.

Why is he in a cabinet? *blinks*

Like LGray said, he should have access to day/night cycles. I'm lucky enough to have a lot of good ambient light in my bdrm where I keep my snake, so his tank sits out on my desk and I don't use lights to provide the cycle. But if you don't have a lot of ambient light, he needs a day/night cycle so he doesn't get confused. It's just like a person.

You said you have a 20gal. Is there a lot of foliage in the tank?

Here is my tank set up:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...d/P1010959.jpg

I put in the fake vines to take up a lot of the open space in the middle, because the two hides weren't enough.

If you've got plenty of foliage + two hides (one on the cool and one on the warm side), then it's a waiting game for your snake to settle. It varies from snake to snake.

Yes, it's correct that they don't like bright lights such as light bulbs, but they need natural day/night cycles just like any other animal! The hides are provided to hide during the day, the natural day. I suggest taking it out of the cabinet immediately. Black out the back and sides, and consider switching to an under tank heater connected to a thermostat for belly heat. If ambient temps are low you could keep the light as long as you measure temps correctly and he doesn't over heat.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by youbeyouibei

x2 to both of the bolded statements. I started with Zoo Med thermometers too when I got my first snake (a corn) and they're crap. Not knocking your setup at all, as I didn't know either when I first started and some of the PetSmart people loooooooooove to sell you all kinds of "stuff" for your snakes, lol! As to his temperament, that may just be him. If he's a hatchling/juvenile, he should eventually settle down as long as you handle him for short durations to start and then build on those in terms of the length of time. And too, coming as he did from a commercial breeder, I doubt he's been handled all that much.

Of course, he may stay a snot, lol! I have a female that will eat ANYTHING, including my finger if I'm not careful, lol! I use a "touch" stick with her; I just open the tub, gently rub her near her middle with the stick to let her know I'm going to mess with her and then pick her up. Ever since I've done that, she settles down fine and doesn't strike or attempt to bite. That's been my experience, anyway. My other snakes are fine to handle and mellow as can be but they all have their own personalities.

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Well I sure hope he don't stay a snot lol. They do have personalities. When should I start to get him out for short durations? After this meal digests or wait till the next meal in 5 or 6 days digests?

You shouldn't handle your BP for up to 48 hours after you feed him. You can start handling him as soon as he settles--your biggest clue will be when he spends his time in his hides during the day and only comes out at night.

I think your biggest issue right now, maybe the reason he's wandering his cage during the day, is because he has no idea whether it's day or night since he's being kept in a cabinet.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by LGray23

Yes, it's correct that they don't like bright lights such as light bulbs, but they need natural day/night cycles just like any other animal! The hides are provided to hide during the day, the natural day. I suggest taking it out of the cabinet immediately. Black out the back and sides, and consider switching to an under tank heater connected to a thermostat for belly heat. If ambient temps are low you could keep the light as long as you measure temps correctly and he doesn't over heat.

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Okay can you suggest a good uth and thermostat? I can take the doors off the cabinet and black out the sides and back. I want him in the bedroom away from heavy traffic areas..

Quote:

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Originally Posted by k8nkane

You shouldn't handle your BP for up to 48 hours after you feed him. You can start handling him as soon as he settles--your biggest clue will be when he spends his time in his hides during the day and only comes out at night.

I think your biggest issue right now, maybe the reason he's wandering his cage during the day, is because he has no idea whether it's day or night since he's being kept in a cabinet.

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gotcha, I will take care of that tomorrow....

Any kind of UTH would work, as for thermostats I like the Hydrofarm from amazon.com. It's $30 shipped and works just as well as my other thermostats.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by k8nkane

Why is he in a cabinet? *blinks*

Like LGray said, he should have access to day/night cycles. I'm lucky enough to have a lot of good ambient light in my bdrm where I keep my snake, so his tank sits out on my desk and I don't use lights to provide the cycle. But if you don't have a lot of ambient light, he needs a day/night cycle so he doesn't get confused. It's just like a person.

You said you have a 20gal. Is there a lot of foliage in the tank?

Here is my tank set up:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...d/P1010959.jpg

I put in the fake vines to take up a lot of the open space in the middle, because the two hides weren't enough.

If you've got plenty of foliage + two hides (one on the cool and one on the warm side), then it's a waiting game for your snake to settle. It varies from snake to snake.

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I like your set up. I have two plants in mine I need more and will get those tomorrow...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by LGray23

Yes, it's correct that they don't like bright lights such as light bulbs, but they need natural day/night cycles just like any other animal! The hides are provided to hide during the day, the natural day. I suggest taking it out of the cabinet immediately. Black out the back and sides, and consider switching to an under tank heater connected to a thermostat for belly heat. If ambient temps are low you could keep the light as long as you measure temps correctly and he doesn't over heat.

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x2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7DQssbM0uk

This is a video of a breeder showing how to handle an aggressive ball python. Hope it helps!