BP n00b with some questions

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Fish

Should I remove the hide while feeding? Also, I could get a 2.5' from a rescue, would I want to put him in the 16q for a while or just right away in the 42qt

---

I'd start with the smaller tub, since they might feel too exposed in a 42qt at that age/size... I started all my young'uns in 15qts, moved them to 32qt at around 500g, and then 42qt for those over 1000g (and one boy who likes his space). My biggest girls don't have hides, since they simply don't fit into any - at least not ones that would fit in their tubs - but my others have at least one. I don't remove the hides for feeding, since they love to "ambush" from inside... just a personal preference, but it does seem to help with the shy feeders. And it definitely won't hurt them to strike from the hide, at least not in my experiences. :gj:

OK, thanks. I hope I get an easy feeder for my first ball python.

Here's a question, does it matter if I use newspaper with print on it, especially since I will mist to keep moisture up?

I don't use news paper but some have said that the print got on their snakes and recommend using unprinted news paper, while others say they use printed news paper with no problems. I tend to think it will vary and the only way to know for sure is to try it and go from there...

I've heard of people with white ball pythons being able to tell that the ink has gotten on the snake, but never with royals.

The best way to find cheap morphs online is to look around. I am your age too i am 15 years old and i plan on spending every penny i make on herps. i reccomend googling ralph davis, Garrick Demeyer, lll reptile, pro exotics, kingsnake.com, mike wilbanks, and bhb enterprises all are amazing ball python breeders and really care for the animals. As morphs for 90 bucks i can only think of male pastels and male yellow bellys, but if you can continue saving save for a bumblebee, personally one of my favorite ball pythons.

Aren't bees like $700?

The tub I got is clear, what should I do to keep the light out so the snake is secure?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Fish

The tub I got is clear, what should I do to keep the light out so the snake is secure?

---

Provide the snake with two dark hides..

I'm trying to prepare myself in case I have to feed live.. Is it better to dangle the mouse by it's tail or to just let it run loose in the tank?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Fish

I'm trying to prepare myself in case I have to feed live.. Is it better to dangle the mouse by it's tail or to just let it run loose in the tank?

---

I just let it run loose in the tank. Make sure you pay attention to it though, dont just bung it in the cage and leave it. :P

Also to keep the light out of the enclosure it helps to put 1 inch plastic foam around 3 sides of the cage, it helps insolate the cage as well as darkening the cage.