Got my first BP

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

Let him be. It's a new home for your snake and it should not be removed from it's place for a couple weeks. I know you are anxious to take out your snake and have him play, but snakes really aren't that kind of pet and for the most part do not like being handled, they only tolerate it.

You just got him, leave him alone for a week or more. Make sure you have a proper tank set up (Temperatures, humidity, enough *proper* hides, etc). He's stressed out.

give it a week to adjust then he will love for you to take him out!! :D

Quote:

---

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.

---

You need to do your homework BEFORE you bring a new pet home.

Sounds to me that you have a bit of reasearching to do. I'm afraid to ask what type of setup the store sold you, but for now you should probably leave the snake alone for a few DAYS instead of a few minutes so that he can get used to his new enclosure. Ball pythons are not an overly aggressing snake, but he is likely still scared to death from the move. I highly recommend looking around this forum to make sure you have his enclosure set up right. It's possible that the store gave you exactly what you need, but alot of the time this isn't true. Good luck, welcome to the forum, and after you have researched a bit, come back and ask any questions you still have!

Order this book, it's $10 in his shop, so I would assume you can find it for around the same else where.

http://www.ecouniverse.jp/images/book/ball_01.jpg

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dembonez

give it a week to adjust then he will love for you to take him out!! :D

---

Well i probably should have but it was a spure at the moment decision since ive wanted one for a while and what just curious that if anyone on here could tell me the proper way of setting up the tank its a 10 gallon i got with him and she gave me a heat pad that sticks on the bottom of the tank 4X6 i belive a couple rocks and of course the bow for water just curious of what the temp should be and stuff and what kind of bedding ....she gave me Cypress Mulch

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by omega45820

it was a spure at the moment decision since ive wanted one for a while

---

It wasn't spur of the moment if you have wanted one for awhile. It was irresponsibility.

If you have wanted one for awhile, didn't the thought "hey.. I want one.. maybe I should look to see how to care for one, see if it fits my expectations for a pet, etc" ever occur?

This baffles my mind.

However, atleast you are here now and seeking help. That's what is important! So welcome!

http://ball-pythons.net/modules/Sect...warticle&id=59

This will answer all of your husbandry questions.

http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules/...warticle&id=59

This is the best place to start for info. It is a very good base point and covers most anything you need to know to house your snake properly.

Enjoy your new lifelong friend!!!

Alright i was reading there it need a good hiding place well since the rocks really don't give it that what could i use for this and how would i go about getting it in there because i don't wanna scare it anymore then i have to and don't wanna get bit so i could probably use cardboard to separate me and the snake that way it might not get to scared

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by omega45820

Well i probably should have but it was a spure at the moment decision since ive wanted one for a while and what just curious that if anyone on here could tell me the proper way of setting up the tank its a 10 gallon i got with him and she gave me a heat pad that sticks on the bottom of the tank 4X6 i belive a couple rocks and of course the bow for water just curious of what the temp should be and stuff and what kind of bedding ....she gave me Cypress Mulch

---

i dont have mine yet but i got the tank and everything ready yesterday to get the temps ready once i get it its gonna be so hard not to look at it for a week! :P

Ok ok...we all make decisions and I too thought I knew what I was doing. Then I found this site....:rolleyes: The things they tell you at some pet stores are crazy. Read the care sheet module above....it is an awesome source of information and helped me out soooooooo much.

The hardest hardest hardest part of having a BP is leaving it alone for at least a week to let him settle in. Remember....as far as he knows you are a big monster out to eat him.

I am going to assume you probably have an aquarium set up. That is ok...lots of ppl do. Just make sure your set up is good. Have two hides for him....one on the cool side of the tank and one on the hot side of the tank. They should fit the snake tightly. Also obviously have a bowl of fresh water for him at all times. You will want the cool side around 82-83 and the hot side around 90-92. This is super super important...because I have heard lots of stores tell you that you will not need one. If you have an under the tank heater....YOU HAVE to have a thermostat to control it. They can and will get too hot and burn your snake. I might also suggest getting an accurite thermostat....it has a probe and will also tell you the humidity. You will want the humidity around 60%. In a tank...you will probably have to spray. You also might want to put some fake plants or something else in the tank to make the snake feel more comfy....they like it kind of cluttered...not too big. Also I might suggest covering up 3 sides of the tank....this will also help him to settle down and feel more secure. All in all BP's are very private snakes...they like to feel secure.

Ok...I have written you a book here....hope this and the care sheet helps. Please feel free to ask any questions you like. This is a really good site and there are truly some experts on here.

Welcome to the obssesion!!

like the post above of me i thought i knew stuff but im so glad i found this site

really helpful!

Omega ....for the hides you can get colored plastic bowls and cut a hole in it. Burn the edges so that it is not too sharp. Some ppl have used the bottom saucer of a plant pot. I think there might even be a sticky on here to help make hides.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by omega45820

Alright i was reading there it need a good hiding place well since the rocks really don't give it that what could i use for this and how would i go about getting it in there because i don't wanna scare it anymore then i have to and don't wanna get bit so i could probably use cardboard to separate me and the snake that way it might not get to scared

---

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
http://www.repticzone.net/images/560...rsnakes014.JPG
This one is just for size comparison - my snake is more than 5 ft long, use a smaller one for your snake ;~)
http://www.repticzone.net/images/56011/step2.jpg
Step 2
http://www.repticzone.net/images/56011/step3.jpg
Step 3
http://www.repticzone.net/images/56011/step4.jpg
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!

Ok so when i make a hide for him just one ?? that way i dont scare him and maybe get bit who would i go about putting it in the tank without scarying the crap out of him and maybe getting bit and outside rocks be used to as long at ya wash them and clean them up

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by omega45820

Ok so when i make a hide for him just one ?? that way i dont scare him and maybe get bit who would i go about putting it in the tank without scarying the crap out of him and maybe getting bit and outside rocks be used to as long at ya wash them and clean them up

---

You want to make TWO identical hides, if the tank will fit them. Basic setup consists of one hide on the warm end, water bowl in the middle, and the second hide on the cool end. This gives them the security they need AND the opportunity to regulate their body temperature. They LOVE to hide. If they have only one hide, and it's on the cool end, they will choose to hide and freeze to death, rather than be warm and out in the open. That's how shy they are.

If you're worried about being bitten, go ahead and use a piece of cardboard or plastic as a shield to protect yourself. The snake will be startled and annoyed at the time, but I'm sure he'll thank you later for the hides. :gj:

Are the rocks you were given heating rocks? If so, TAKE THEM BACK, or THROW THEM OUT. If not, then great, use a few to clutter up the tank. BPs hate empty spaces. If you use ANY outside materials, rock, wood, anything, bake it in the oven first, to kill any bugs or bacteria.

Good luck, and have fun with your new friend! :D


PS: Even if you do get bitten, it's no big deal. It really doesn't hurt that much, and hey, it's an initiation into our club! You're not a true BP owner until you've been tagged!

No offense to anybody, but I suggest you do not use any kind of tape on anything in your bp's enclosure. Duct tape is very sticky, and could become adhered to your snake.

If you have that heat pad plugged in right now, unplug it immediately. They can get over 100* and will burn your snake. Go to a hard ware store (lowes, Home Depot, etc...) and get a lamp dimmer until you get order a thermostat over the internet. Or you can get them at reptile shows.

A lamp dimmer will run about $10, and the cheapest thermostats are about $25. Though, the more expensive ones are recommended.

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:

---

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!

---

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:

---

Originally Posted by ClemonsKimberly

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

---

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:

---

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!

---

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

Quote:

---

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

---

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:

---

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

---

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.

Well i went out today to try to find a Thermo and i found a accurite thermo. it didn't have humidity with it but i got it anyways i have it where my heat mat is and the temp goes up and down between 90-93 not for sure about the ambient air but i dont believe the mat will get over 100. I had a bow laying around i found last night and made a hide out for it. I forgot to mention when i got the tank it was used and the women had Hamsters/Gerbals in it so i took the snake out today (homemade snake stick) and cleaned the tank real good. i put him back in and he seemed fine he didnt act like he was going to strike.

http://i756.photobucket.com/albums/x...hon/BPTank.jpg

http://i756.photobucket.com/albums/x...on/BPTank4.jpg

http://i756.photobucket.com/albums/x...on/BPTank3.jpg

http://i756.photobucket.com/albums/x...on/BPTank2.jpg

http://i756.photobucket.com/albums/x...BPHideOut2.jpg

http://i756.photobucket.com/albums/x.../BPHideOut.jpg


I still havent got to get a pic of him i forgot while i was cleaning the cage that way i could hurry and not stress him out to much

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dr del

Hi,



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

---

I guess I should have been more clear - the tape I used isnt regular duct tape...my husband does heating and air and this is HVAC tape, which is made for high temps, high humidity, and yes even cold temps...look in you attic around your ductwork and you will probably see a lot of this. Its what it used to keep your ductwork together. It will not come off because of heat or humidity. I kinda assumed that with the pics it would have have been evident that this isnt duct tape just by looking at it as it silver and shiney, and comes in many colors also. But I neglected to remember that not everyone is exposed to heating and air like I am everyday...sorry. And I would completely agree about not using regular duct tape in the enclosure for that reason. In my post I advised him to use plastic bowls also because it sounded to me he had a very small or young BP..I was just using this as an illustration. Sorry.

Heres a Pic of my BP .....He looks mad


http://i756.photobucket.com/albums/x...allPython2.jpg

http://i756.photobucket.com/albums/x...BallPython.jpg
He look mad here

He's still stressed out but I'm sure the hide is helping. Leave him alone for a week or two. If you have to, throw a blanket or something over the enclosure.

yea ive been keeping the tank covered up just to help him out.. i changed his water this mourning so i figured id take a pic since he was out and about for you all to see

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ClemonsKimberly

I guess I should have been more clear - the tape I used isnt regular duct tape...my husband does heating and air and this is HVAC tape, which is made for high temps, high humidity, and yes even cold temps...look in you attic around your ductwork and you will probably see a lot of this. Its what it used to keep your ductwork together. It will not come off because of heat or humidity. I kinda assumed that with the pics it would have have been evident that this isnt duct tape just by looking at it as it silver and shiney, and comes in many colors also. But I neglected to remember that not everyone is exposed to heating and air like I am everyday...sorry. And I would completely agree about not using regular duct tape in the enclosure for that reason. In my post I advised him to use plastic bowls also because it sounded to me he had a very small or young BP..I was just using this as an illustration. Sorry.

---

ANY kind of sticky tape in with snakes is a bad idea.

hey good job buddy, that is a fine looking enclosure there and it will do just fine. yeah I have had my guy for almost 8 months and when i remove the hide he still gives me that s shape and an agry look, but give him a couple minutes to realize your not threatening him and he will uncoil lol.

Just like the others said give him a week or two and you will be good bud. good job again

Hey thanks ... Well today i went and got incandescent Basking bulb 75watt ill be running all day and at night im going to use a 60watt black light for at night the basking area is staying between 90 to 95 depends on the room temp i think. i got a humidity meter for my tank to and been misting it with water twice a day and keeping the humidity around 50-65. i got tank graphics for the sides and rear to for better privacy for him. tho tonight was the night he was supposed to eat so i went and got 6 mice that the lady at the pet store told me he had been eating and i tried feeding him tonight in a tub ware and he didnt eat i gave him 30 mins and put him back in. now he is roaming and trying to get out with everything in him LOL i put 5 small books on top of the tank like 5 to 10 pounds so i dont think he can get out tho you all got any advice on feeding him is it to early because the lady at the petstore told me it should be alright and when i had the rat in there (live one) he stared at it but wouldnt strike he ended up climibing to the dipped in handle of the tub ware and getting in it up and away of the rat is this normal and is it normal for him to roam after back in the tank and trying to escape for 2 hours LOL


Ill post pics tomorrow for you all

Wait one week from today and try feeding him again. 3 days after you got him is too soon. especially since you have been making changes to his enclosure

loll..........OMG omega......you are soooooooo pretty much just about like me when I was new. You are almost there!! Great job so far. Couple of suggestions for you.

get rid of the tape that you are using to hold down your wires. Either just let them hang down against the glass or you can get a cheap glue gun and tack them to the tank.

You don't need a night and a day light. If you are going to use a light....just get a heat lamp.

awesome hide you made....just make one more so you have two.

Also when feeding...the best and most simple thing to do is feed in the enclosure. This will get rid of the stress of moving to another place for feeding. I also tried to feed outside of the enclosure at first and it was the ONLY time I had refusals. The whole thing about it will make them attack your hand later on is bologna.


Ok....the next thing you can do is go to Reptile Basics online and they have inexpensive thermostats (that are reliable) for you to regulate your under the tank heaters. They also have temp guns....which are really really cool...(not neccessary now)...but they are awesome. You will also find some cleaners that I love and some inexpensive scales....not that you need those now....but let me tell you....YOU WILL TOTALLY LOVE THEM...if you ever order that stuff. ;););)

Get a thermostat mate, its dangerous not to have one.

Buy a hide and not a homemade one with tape.

Hides are cheap.

Its not to late to sort everything out for him. Soon as possible go to the pets shop and buy EVERYTHING.

And then leave him for 2 weeks :D

then u can hold your new friend.

I think his hide is great...there is no tape on it!! :D

But I do agree with the thermostat...super important. In the interim you can use a heat lamp. I used the red ones until I got my other stuff.

Hey all .. yea i got a thermostat very simply actually to make you can take a light dimmer and just cut the wires on the Heat mat and put the dimmer in between the plug and hit ill take pics and post to so that way you all can see but on the plug the (widest one is the "Neutral Side") and just wire it up. ive got mine set in the middle and its staying at about 92F on hot side cold is about 80-85. Oh BTW yea i took the tape off and at the pet store they had a double-sided probe holder they gave me for my probe on the floor of the tank so im using it that way he cant move it around or get stuck on it


here is the pics
http://i756.photobucket.com/albums/x...ython/Tank.jpg

http://i756.photobucket.com/albums/x...thon/Tank3.jpg

http://i756.photobucket.com/albums/x...thon/Tank2.jpg

http://i756.photobucket.com/albums/x...thon/Tank4.jpg

http://i756.photobucket.com/albums/x...eedingTank.jpg

http://i756.photobucket.com/albums/x...edingTank2.jpg

http://i756.photobucket.com/albums/x...ython/Mice.jpg

http://i756.photobucket.com/albums/x...Thermostat.jpg

http://i756.photobucket.com/albums/x...hermostat2.jpg

What you made for the heat mat is a rheostat, not a thermostat. A thermostat measures temps and adjusts accordingly where as a rheostat only limits the amount of power going to the heat mat. It cannot tell if it gets too hot or to cold, that is your job to check it a few times a day.

Yea lol thats what i meant hehe but yea it gets the job done ive keep a check on it every other hour or so i just checked it and hot side is 93.3 and cold is 84.2 and humidity is at about 40 -50 ive added a humidifier to the room to they way i dont hopefully have to mist the tank so im going to keep check on it and see if it works but for 5 bucks for making the rheostat i couldnt go wrong im going to eventually build a circuit for it that way i can set the temp and with the dimmer and have the circuit control the power that way it will be easier