New Ball Python Owner

I have an undertank heater on the warm side that keeps it at low 90's (though I have to watch it doesn't go higher), but I also use a lamp on the cool side to keep it at 80. Otherwise it falls below 80, and an UTH makes it too hot. So imo, don't toss the lamp, you might need it as an additional in the winter time. Just a suggestion!

Oh, and also, since you blacked out the back there, maybe your half-log hides are okay if you back them up against the back of the tank, making it three sides and therefore secure (assuming your snake fits in there snugly and its not to high or wide).

There are ways to make what you have work--though I am in total agreement with aforementioned posters about digital probe thermometers.

From my experience, pet shops feed in tubs because they generally keep more than one snake in one tank. You really can't feed 3-4 snakes in one tank. Don't worry about him eating any substrate. Usually they kick it out, but they can digest bones, so I don't think coconut husk will bother them.

I have 4 babies, use UTH on all of them (controlled of course). All are fed in their enclosures. He's basking because he is cold. If you use the UTH you will see he no longer will bask. BP's need belly heat to thermoregulate. It's easier for them to digest their food.

Welcome to BP.net by the way. Everyone here is extremely helpful.

Okay, so after work I stopped by the herp shop again and talked with two other snake specialists...and they again recommended that I not use under tank heaters.

They both said that 'belly heat' from an under tank source is not necessary, and that either continuing to use the basking and red bulbs that I have is fine, or I can switch to an overhead ceramic heat emitter (which is what they use in the shop). I'm just curious where the discrepancy comes in on this one.

I have an UTH, but am not willing to plug it in until I can afford a reliable thermo-regulator to plug it into so I can ensure that I don't burn him. I will almost certainly need it before fall/winter however because my house is old and does not retain heat well and I have a feeling that thermo-regulation is going to become a problem as things cool down after the summer.

I am looking into a more advanced/reliable thermometer and humidity gauge and will replace those as soon as possible. The dial therms I have now are accurate now, but like you guys said, they may not stay that way.

The guys at the shop also said that balls will bask and soak depending on their personality and their enclosure set up (ie, some may enjoy a soak if their water is on the warm side or right near a heat source). Mine is not interested in soaking, but since our last feeding attempt has been out exploring his cage when the room is quiet and dimly lit on a daily basis.

When I got home tonight he was exploring all around the front and sides of his tank, and he was doing the same thing this morning.

So really, I'm just more confused than ever. Every place that I talk to (in person and a few different sites online) I'm getting different information. :dead:

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Originally Posted by blackcrystal22

Get rid of that log hide. Those are extremely useless to ball pythons. Balls also don't need large water bowls because they don't need to soak, anything the size of a deli cup (2 in wide) is fine. They just need it to drink.

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I would recommend the water dish being atleast 4 inches across. Unless you are using a pvc holder for the deli cup to sit in, I wouldnt recommend them in the tank/tub they will get tipped over. The 4 inch crock style dish would be my choice. Those are what I use from babies to adults in my racks.

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Originally Posted by bella

Okay, so after work I stopped by the herp shop again and talked with two other snake specialists...and they again recommended that I not use under tank heaters.

They both said that 'belly heat' from an under tank source is not necessary, and that either continuing to use the basking and red bulbs that I have is fine, or I can switch to an overhead ceramic heat emitter (which is what they use in the shop). I'm just curious where the discrepancy comes in on this one.

I have an UTH, but am not willing to plug it in until I can afford a reliable thermo-regulator to plug it into so I can ensure that I don't burn him. I will almost certainly need it before fall/winter however because my house is old and does not retain heat well and I have a feeling that thermo-regulation is going to become a problem as things cool down after the summer.

I am looking into a more advanced/reliable thermometer and humidity gauge and will replace those as soon as possible. The dial therms I have now are accurate now, but like you guys said, they may not stay that way.

The guys at the shop also said that balls will bask and soak depending on their personality and their enclosure set up (ie, some may enjoy a soak if their water is on the warm side or right near a heat source). Mine is not interested in soaking, but since our last feeding attempt has been out exploring his cage when the room is quiet and dimly lit on a daily basis.

When I got home tonight he was exploring all around the front and sides of his tank, and he was doing the same thing this morning.

So really, I'm just more confused than ever. Every place that I talk to (in person and a few different sites online) I'm getting different information. :dead:

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Pet shops tend to recommend things that can be bought in their store, but aren't necessary usually. Just my opinion. I bought like 200 bucks worth of pet shop stuff back when I got my first BP...only to find out that a 6 dollar tub, a 3.60 sheet of 11" Flexwatt and a $109 Herpstat are allllll that you need. Weird ehh?

They have actually recommended that I buy nothing at all from their store. They don't even have some of the things that they were talking to me about.

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Originally Posted by bella

They have actually recommended that I buy nothing at all from their store. They don't even have some of the things that they were talking to me about.

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Then you're lucky. The pet store I'm talking about was a bunch of bloodsuckers.

Ah, yes, I'm familiar with those places...I think that my sister bough this little fella and all his original accoutremonts from bloodsucking pets inc. :)

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Originally Posted by bella

Ah, yes, I'm familiar with those places...I think that my sister bough this little fella and all his original accoutremonts from bloodsucking pets inc. :)

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Yeah the initial BLoodsucker Starter Set. The Premium Kit includes fancy climbing jungle gym things for your ground dwelling snake! Buy one TODAY!

But yeah, Petco and PetsMart can eat it. I only go there because my dog gets free treats and my fish is hungry.