need bp care sheet/supply list

im new to ball pythons and am geting my 1st one in a month and i need some care sheets and a supply list to keep a healthy and happy ball python thanks and reply! :salute:

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

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Originally Posted by baxter1209

im new to ball pythons and am geting my 1st one in a month and i need some care sheets and a supply list to keep a healthy and happy ball python thanks and reply! :salute:

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welcome and thank you for doing your homework.:D

thanks :)

also are screen cages ok for a bp? and does anyone know of a good website to buy just a regular bp from? thanks :snake:

I used to live near your area. There's a nice little place called Pet Bazaar that sells reptiles and feeder mice/rats.

i know the place i bought my 2 geckos from there but im just searching to find if theres anything cheaper on the internet but im 95% likely to buy my bp from pet bazaar :)

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Originally Posted by baxter1209

i know the place i bought my 2 geckos from there but im just searching to find if theres anything cheaper on the internet but im 95% likely to buy my bp from pet bazaar :)

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Normally it will always be cheaper in a store due to shipping fees. One place to stay away from if your going to be buying online is LLLReptile, that place is terrible and we actually just had some one from BP.net have there snake die that was from LLL. Here is a list of what you need.

List:

10 Gal (If the snake is a Baby.)
Cage Clips (You need at least 2.)
Cage Lid (If the cage didn't come with one.)
Water Dish (Big enough for your Snake to soak in.)
Aspen
2 Thermometers w/ probes
Acurite Thermometer/Hygrometer (You can find this in the Home & Garden section at Wal-Mart. Or some were online.)
Hide (Make sure its a nice tight fit for your Snake.)
Thermostat
Under Tank Heater
Lamp
75 Watt Red Heat Lamp

Here are instructions on how to get every thing setup.

Once you have all of the Supply's flip the 10 Gal tank upside down and find were you want to put your UTH (Under Tank Heater) read the directions on how to put it on. Once you have the UTH on tape the Thermostats Probe directly onto the UTH so the probe is touching the UTH. Once you have that all done flip the tank right side up and tape the the first Thermometers Probe directly on the UTH but on the inside of the tank. Once that is complete wire the cord up the tanks glass side and tape the cord right at the top so its a nice tight cord so the snake can't get tangled in it. Ok, now you can put the Aspen in. Make sure theirs a couple inches of Aspen evenly throughout the cage. Put the hide right above the UTH make sure the Thermometer Probe is right under the hide and don't worry it won't bother you snake if you put enough Aspen in. Find out were you wan't to put your water dish and put it in the cage. Ok, now its time to put the other Thermometer in, its the same step as before but this time the probe is going to be mounted to the side of the glass but on the opposite side of the the tank from were the hide is. Use the suction cup the Thermometer came with and suction cup the probe to the glass on the inside and make the cord tight as you did for the UTH Thermometer Cord. Ok, now its time to get the Acurite Thermometer/Hygrometer into the cage and working. Get it all setup so it shows the temps and humidity. Once that is complete pull the cord the probe is connected to off. On the back of the Acurite Thermometer/Hygrometer there is a place to put a suction cup get a suction cup and put it on the Acurite Thermometer/Hygrometer and mount it to the glass inside the cage (On the same side the hide is on.). Now all you have to do is put your snake in, put the lid on get the cage clips on and then put the lamp on top. Put the lamp on the opposite side the Hide is on. Also before you put your snake in make sure you have the temps and humidity at the correct setting. Feel free to add plants..ect just don't make it to cramped since its only a 10 Gal tank.

thanks that helps alot! :banana: do u know how much all that is at petsmart? (except the snake of coarse)

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Originally Posted by hunter94

List:

10 Gal (If the snake is a Baby.) Think about using a tub instead of a tank, your snake will thank you. They keep humidity and heat EXTREMELY well
Cage Clips (You need at least 2.)
Cage Lid (If the cage didn't come with one.)
Water Dish (Big enough for your Snake to soak in.) BPs don't generally soak unless there is an underlying health issue
AspenYou could also use newspaper or paper towel
2 Thermometers w/ probes
Acurite Thermometer/Hygrometer (You can find this in the Home & Garden section at Wal-Mart. Or some were online.) These are usually found in the DIY section at Wal Mart
Hide (Make sure its a nice tight fit for your Snake.)
Thermostat MUST HAVE IF YOU ARE USING A UTH
Under Tank Heater
LampDon't bother if you can keep the ambient temps up without it
75 Watt Red Heat LampDon't bother if you can keep the ambient temps up with out it, they suck the humidity out and cause bad sheds

Here are instructions on how to get every thing setup.

Once you have all of the Supply's flip the 10 Gal tank upside down and find were you want to put your UTH (Under Tank Heater) read the directions on how to put it on. Once you have the UTH on tape the Thermostats Probe directly onto the UTH so the probe is touching the UTH. Once you have that all done flip the tank right side up and tape the the first Thermometers Probe directly on the UTH but on the inside of the tank. Once that is complete wire the cord up the tanks glass side and tape the cord right at the top so its a nice tight cord so the snake can't get tangled in it. Ok, now you can put the Aspen in. Make sure theirs a couple inches of Aspen evenly throughout the cage. Put the hide right above the UTH make sure the Thermometer Probe is right under the hide and don't worry it won't bother you snake if you put enough Aspen in. Find out were you wan't to put your water dish and put it in the cage. Ok, now its time to put the other Thermometer in, its the same step as before but this time the probe is going to be mounted to the side of the glass but on the opposite side of the the tank from were the hide is. Use the suction cup the Thermometer came with and suction cup the probe to the glass on the inside and make the cord tight as you did for the UTH Thermometer Cord. Ok, now its time to get the Acurite Thermometer/Hygrometer into the cage and working. Get it all setup so it shows the temps and humidity. Once that is complete pull the cord the probe is connected to off. On the back of the Acurite Thermometer/Hygrometer there is a place to put a suction cup get a suction cup and put it on the Acurite Thermometer/Hygrometer and mount it to the glass inside the cage (On the same side the hide is on.). Now all you have to do is put your snake in, put the lid on get the cage clips on and then put the lamp on top. Put the lamp on the opposite side the Hide is on. Also before you put your snake in make sure you have the temps and humidity at the correct setting. Feel free to add plants..ect just don't make it to cramped since its only a 10 Gal tank.

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http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ight=tub+setup
^^Really good thread for setting up a tub. They are much cheaper, easier to clean, more secure, and hold heat and humidity perfectly with little to no maintenance

When you look for your thermostat, which you MUST buy, have a look at this one

Quote:

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Originally Posted by baxter1209

thanks that helps alot! :banana: do u know how much all that is at petsmart? (except the snake of coarse)

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Everything but the Acurite Thermometer/Hygrometer. And they might not have the Thermostat. I would suggest Adding everything on the list I gave you in the cart here http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/reptile-supplies/ and then compare prices to see what would be cheaper.

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Originally Posted by sarahlovesmiike

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Ha, probably should of added that information myself. =p

Please don't buy anything from LLLReptile, they have no morals apparently. A few of the members here have bought animals only to have them never eat and die shortly after getting them.

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Originally Posted by sarahlovesmiike

Please don't buy anything from LLLReptile, they have no morals apparently. A few of the members here have bought animals only to have them never eat and die shortly after getting them.

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I mentioned that in my post on the other page. I just wouldn't buy animals there, I don't see why not buy supply's?

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Originally Posted by hunter94

I mentioned that in my post on the other page. I just wouldn't buy animals there, I don't see why not buy supply's?

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Why support a business that is selling unhealthy animals? I would advise anyone not to buy ANYTHING from them, just like I would advise anyone to not buy from our local petco. We should only support businesses that care about the sake of their animals and the people they are selling to.


There are plenty of other sites to buy from. BigAppleHerp.com and ReptileBasics.com are good places to start.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sarahlovesmiike

Why support a business that is selling unhealthy animals? I would advise anyone not to buy ANYTHING from them, just like I would advise anyone to not buy from our local petco. We should only support businesses that care about the sake of their animals and the people they are selling to.


There are plenty of other sites to buy from. BigAppleHerp.com and ReptileBasics.com are good places to start.

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Alright, that makes sense.

Hunter I think you ought to get some reedumacation on setup. Do you realize you recommended FOUR thermometers and putting tape in the enclosure, along with a plethora of unnecessary stuff, assumedly based on misinformation?

To keep it simple, cheap, and easy to take care of, I'd just use (for a hatchling) a shoebox sized tub, a used buttercup with an entrance cut as a hide, and paper or paper towels for substrate. Then a little Flexwatt for heating because it's SO much cheaper than a UTH. This inexpensive digital thermostat. And the Accurite unit w/probe. Also some small water bowl that is hopefully difficult to tip. I'm using an ashtray right now.

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Originally Posted by stevepoppers

Hunter I think you ought to get some reedumacation on setup. Do you realize you recommended FOUR thermometers and putting tape in the enclosure, along with a plethora of unnecessary stuff, assumedly based on misinformation?

To keep it simple, cheap, and easy to take care of, I'd just use (for a hatchling) a shoebox sized tub, a used buttercup with an entrance cut as a hide, and paper or paper towels for substrate. Then a little Flexwatt for heating because it's SO much cheaper than a UTH. This inexpensive digital thermostat. And the Accurite unit w/probe. Also some small water bowl that is hopefully difficult to tip. I'm using an ashtray right now.

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I didn't really recommend 4 thermometers and I like to be safer then being sorry. 3 Thermometers is better then 1 and if its done correctly it wont bother the snake. A matter of fact my snake likes the mounted Acurite Thermometer/Hygrometer I have he likes to climb it sometimes. Yes, their are ways to keep it simple and cost effective but I would rather have a nice looking cage that my snake likes other then a bin with a water dish and a hide. I would only do that if I had over 3 snakes and only because the amount of space it would take up. Also flexwatt is really only good for bins because glass tanks have gaps so you can't stick it to the glass with out aluminum tape which can be pretty pricey. But flexwatt is perfect for racks,bins or rack like systems. Not trying to bash you or the items you recommend. But there wasn't any necessary reason for you to get "snotty" with me.

The AccuRite is a 2-in-1. Tape is a hazard. Ball pythons are more likely to thrive in a small, cramped environment. You can stick a section of Flexwatt onto the bottom of a tank the same way you would a UTH pad. It's recommended that you don't use the sticky part of the UTH to attach it anyway, because if you ever have to remove it, you're very likely to damage it in the process. Bending them damages them, causing them to short out and have hotspots etc. It's better to leave the sticky along and use foil tape anyway. Ball pythons don't need to soak and normally don't, so a water dish big enough to accomodate that is not necessary. The lamp is only needed if your ambient temperatures aren't high enough, which is yet to be seen. The thermostat probe is recommended to go between the UTH and the tank, not on the outside. TAPE SHOULD NOT BE USED IN AN ENCLOSURE. You don't need several inches of aspen and it's probably not a good idea to have so much because of it's insulating effect. On top it will be cooler, but underneath it will be too hot. Two hides are recommended, especially if you're putting a baby in a 10gal glass tank. WHY ON EARTH would you pull the probe out of the AccuRite? The very idea is ASININE! And if you add plants, they ought to be fake with any metal parts removed. The moisture and soil involved in real plants is a breeding ground for bacteria, increasing your chances for a respiratory infection or scale rot.

So there are all the unnecessary and ill-advised parts of your posts and setup. I'm sorry for my attitude, but you are wrong and there's why. Feel free to explain what is wrong with my advice.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by stevepoppers

The AccuRite is a 2-in-1. Tape is a hazard. Ball pythons are more likely to thrive in a small, cramped environment. You can stick a section of Flexwatt onto the bottom of a tank the same way you would a UTH pad. It's recommended that you don't use the sticky part of the UTH to attach it anyway, because if you ever have to remove it, you're very likely to damage it in the process. Bending them damages them, causing them to short out and have hotspots etc. It's better to leave the sticky along and use foil tape anyway. Ball pythons don't need to soak and normally don't, so a water dish big enough to accomodate that is not necessary. The lamp is only needed if your ambient temperatures aren't high enough, which is yet to be seen. The thermostat probe is recommended to go between the UTH and the tank, not on the outside. TAPE SHOULD NOT BE USED IN AN ENCLOSURE. You don't need several inches of aspen and it's probably not a good idea to have so much because of it's insulating effect. On top it will be cooler, but underneath it will be too hot. Two hides are recommended, especially if you're putting a baby in a 10gal glass tank. WHY ON EARTH would you pull the probe out of the AccuRite? The very idea is ASININE! And if you add plants, they ought to be fake with any metal parts removed. The moisture and soil involved in real plants is a breeding ground for bacteria, increasing your chances for a respiratory infection or scale rot.

So there are all the unnecessary and ill-advised parts of your posts and setup. I'm sorry for my attitude, but you are wrong and there's why. Feel free to explain what is wrong with my advice.

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Yes, I agree it is a 2-1. First of all if you don't have the money to replace a 10 Gal Tank you should not be getting a Ball Python. Second the only reason why I personally would pull the probe wire out is because I could easily solder the wire back on if needed which there is probably a 99.9 percent chance it wont be. Another thing is I never recommended live plants, any one would now I meant fake. And yes, I'm not retarded and 100% aware of what can happen if real plants are involved in a snakes cage. Tape is fine in an enclosure unless your snake is retarded enough to eat it. A matter of fact pretty much the way I have my tank setup is the way Ralph Davis set up a friend of his kids BP tank, so maybe you should give him a message and tell him how wrong he is setting up his friends kids cage.

What about money to replace a 10gal? You're using two other probed thermometers, why not just use the probe in the AccuRite? Or, why even buy the AccuRite if you're going to rip the probe off? Just buy one without a probe! TAPE I have the same misgivings about that Ralph Davis setup, and I have asked about it in the comments to that video and there was no response. Many others have done the same. He didn't even have a thermostat! My guess is he's unaware of the danger posed by the UTHs.

Hi,

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hunter94

Tape is fine in an enclosure unless your snake is retarded enough to eat it.

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I beg to differ;

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

Example 4

Example 5

Example 6

Example 7

Example 8

Example 9

Example 10

Example 11

Example 12

Example 13

Example 14

Example 15

Example 16

Example 17

There are heatmats designed to run at lower temps that claim they can be used without thermostats - they can, however, still malfunction and develop hotspots etc.

I'd rather there was some kind of control at that point that could shut them off before it affected the animal.


dr del

Man I really wish people would stop giving out bad advice. PLEASE listen to the more experienced members here. Don't even listen to me, I've only been in this hobby for a few years now. I spend a lot of time doing research on old threads. Do a forum search if you need advice or aren't sure of something. Chances are if you aren't sure someone else has already made a thread about it. Take everything you read with a grain of salt, listen to the members who have something like "BP veteran" under their name. Moderators know what they're talking about too, but if it says "Registered User" don't go ahead do what they say just because they are a member here. Certainly I wouldn't give you bad advice, if I don't know the right answer I will simply not reply or do a search and give you a link to a thread that has the right answer.


Please DON'T put tape or adhesive in the enclosure, it's an accident waiting to happen. Dr. Del was so nice to give many examples as to why you shouldn't. Your snake wouldn't eat it, but it WILL get stuck. Maybe not now, but it will happen sooner or later.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sarahlovesmiike

Please don't buy anything from LLLReptile, they have no morals apparently. A few of the members here have bought animals only to have them never eat and die shortly after getting them.

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I agree with that..... Dude the best place to buy a happy healthy ball python is Garrick Demeyer! Garrick makes sure your snake is delivered and healthy. He has a very wide variety of morphs www.RoyalConstrictorDesigns.com is the way to go!

Good luck,
-Payson!

I would start out with somthing simple untel he/she is big enough, you dont want to buy a 10 gallon, 20 gallon, 30, gallon, 40 gallon. If he/she is going to be a display snake I would use plastic tubs until he/she is big enough to be put in a 40 gallon breeder, so you dont have to buy so many tanks.

Starters...
- 6-15qt tub (depending on size) that have locking clamps on each end.
- bedding you dont need to go buy expensive bedding, newspaper and paper towls are just awsome!
- Under tank heater for the hot spot. (Dont try to cover the whole bottom of the tank with the under tank heater just cover one end)
- Two hide spots on each end of tank one on hot spot,one on the cool side. (Two are optional you dont want your snake to have to chose to be warm over water or anything like that. You can make your hides to, any sort of small box mini flower pots. Anything to that sort.
- temp and hummidity gage.
- Water bowl (Big enough to soak optional)
- For feeding tongs (Optional)

If I forgot anything feel free to correct me. =D

If your having trouble buying online, I would try looking up Garrick demeyer. He has a very good variety of morphs of ball pythons. I dont know what your looking for as far as morphs go. LLLreptile isnt really "Bad" you just have to wonder how they keep all there baby ball pythons at 100 grams for so long?

I wish you the best of luck, when you get your ball python and your encloser PLEASE POST PICTURES! WE ALL WANT TO SEE!

-Payson!

Listen up...This post is making my head hurt. I'm making this as easy as I can for you...

Shoebox bin- 6qt usually works best 1$
Thermostat- Zilla 50/Ranco 100(Had zilla for over a year (still do) and have had 0 problems. Just make sure you monitor temps daily...
Thermometer- 1 accurite thermometer with probe
Cypress mulch- Big bag from home depot cost me 4 dollars
Ramiken dish- water dish that can be bought just about anywhere
UTH heat pad- zoo med ones work fine 10-20
Small coconut hide- 6 bucks

Thats it dude. Don't over complicate this. Poke a bunch of holes in the tub 4 on the long 2 on the short side. Pour some cypress in, fill the water dish, and add the hide. Adhere uth to bottom, plug into thermostat, and plug thermostat into wall. Take thermometer probe and hot glue it to the INSIDE of the tub over the UTH. By doing this you monitor the exact temps the snake is sitting on works great. Tape tstat probe to the outside of the UTH on the bottom of the tub. So one probe is on the inside, and the other is on the outside. Not rocket science. Chances are if you think what your doing is too complicated, then it probably is. You don't need three thermometers thats rediculous! Humidity will be fine in the tub as long as you keep the cypress moist by misting a couple times a week if that. As long as your room stays at about 77-83 you should be fine. Only thing I monitor in my tubs are the hot spot. I know the temp in my room because there is a thermometer in my room, and I know that tubs keep humidity.

Listen up...This post is making my head hurt. I'm making this as easy as I can for you...

Shoebox bin- 6qt usually works best 1$
Thermostat- Zilla 50/Ranco 100(Had zilla for over a year (still do) and have had 0 problems. Just make sure you monitor temps daily...
Thermometer- 1 accurite thermometer with probe
Cypress mulch- Big bag from home depot cost me 4 dollars
Ramiken dish- water dish that can be bought just about anywhere
UTH heat pad- zoo med ones work fine 10-20
Small coconut hide- 6 bucks

Thats it dude. Don't over complicate this. Poke a bunch of holes in the tub 4 on the long 2 on the short side. Pour some cypress in, fill the water dish, and add the hide. Adhere uth to bottom, plug into thermostat, and plug thermostat into wall. Take thermometer probe and hot glue it to the INSIDE of the tub over the UTH. By doing this you monitor the exact temps the snake is sitting on works great. Tape tstat probe to the outside of the UTH on the bottom of the tub. So one probe is on the inside, and the other is on the outside. Not rocket science. Chances are if you think what your doing is too complicated, then it probably is. You don't need three thermometers thats ridiculous! Humidity will be fine in the tub as long as you keep the cypress moist by misting a couple times a week if that. As long as your room stays at about 77-83 you should be fine. Only thing I monitor in my tubs are the hot spot. I know the temp in my room because there is a thermometer in my room, and I know that tubs keep humidity within 40-60% so I don't need a hygrometer telling me the humidity all the time. It might be a good idea at first, but if you KNOW how it works you really don't NEED it. The only other time you need to watch humidity is during shedding, but just mist the enclosure daily when this occurs and no problems will result. People like to get a little tech happy with there setups, and to me its just unnecessary.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sarahlovesmiike

Man I really wish people would stop giving out bad advice. PLEASE listen to the more experienced members here. Don't even listen to me, I've only been in this hobby for a few years now. I spend a lot of time doing research on old threads. Do a forum search if you need advice or aren't sure of something. Chances are if you aren't sure someone else has already made a thread about it. Take everything you read with a grain of salt, listen to the members who have something like "BP veteran" under their name. Moderators know what they're talking about too, but if it says "Registered User" don't go ahead do what they say just because they are a member here. Certainly I wouldn't give you bad advice, if I don't know the right answer I will simply not reply or do a search and give you a link to a thread that has the right answer.


Please DON'T put tape or adhesive in the enclosure, it's an accident waiting to happen. Dr. Del was so nice to give many examples as to why you shouldn't. Your snake wouldn't eat it, but it WILL get stuck. Maybe not now, but it will happen sooner or later.

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Alright, don't go saying all the "registered users" give out bad advice, your making everyone seem stupid, I like to think I know what I'm talking about, and I'm just a registered user. I'm not an expert but don't tell a new person that all "registered users" don't give good advice. I do agree though with taking everything with a grain of salt. Don't go by what one person says. Everyone does it a little different. Veterans are definitely great advice givers, but I can name a few that I wouldn't trust, or touch their advice with a ten foot pole. So be just as careful taking their advice...

Whenever I post something on here I take opinions that "make sense" to me, and form my own methods. I like to wait until I get a bunch of responses and kind of weed through the bad advice myself. Do your own research, otherwise you'll never know if you taking bad advice. Theres people on here going crazy with three thermometers, 5 hides, 4 water dishes, etc. This is nuts lol. My setups are very minimal, and I have nothing but great feeders, and not one health problem! By going these extra lengths your not doing anything but spending more money, and being way too over critical. Just be smart. Good luck, let me know if you got anymore ?'s

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dr del

Hi,



I beg to differ;

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

Example 4

Example 5

Example 6

Example 7

Example 8

Example 9

Example 10

Example 11

Example 12

Example 13

Example 14

Example 15

Example 16

Example 17

There are heatmats designed to run at lower temps that claim they can be used without thermostats - they can, however, still malfunction and develop hotspots etc.

I'd rather there was some kind of control at that point that could shut them off before it affected the animal.


dr del

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Oh hell no, duct tape? I wouldn't use anything close to that powerful I use low adhesive tape that wouldn't even stick to my hand for more then 5 min it would just come off on its own.

Hi,

It's important you mention details like that in the posts - anyone looking via the search feature in the future wouldn't know it as they might not read the whole thread, which is why we keep reposting certain things. :)


dr del

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Animals As Leaders

Alright, don't go saying all the "registered users" give out bad advice, your making everyone seem stupid, I like to think I know what I'm talking about, and I'm just a registered user. I'm not an expert but don't tell a new person that all "registered users" don't give good advice. I do agree though with taking everything with a grain of salt. Don't go by what one person says. Everyone does it a little different. Veterans are definitely great advice givers, but I can name a few that I wouldn't trust, or touch their advice with a ten foot pole. So be just as careful taking their advice...

Whenever I post something on here I take opinions that "make sense" to me, and form my own methods. I like to wait until I get a bunch of responses and kind of weed through the bad advice myself. Do your own research, otherwise you'll never know if you taking bad advice. Theres people on here going crazy with three thermometers, 5 hides, 4 water dishes, etc. This is nuts lol. My setups are very minimal, and I have nothing but great feeders, and not one health problem! By going these extra lengths your not doing anything but spending more money, and being way too over critical. Just be smart. Good luck, let me know if you got anymore ?'s

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What I said was "if it says "Registered User" don't go ahead do what they say just because they are a member here", I didn't say "All the registered users here give out bad advice". Twist as you will, but clearly there are some registered users here who give out ridiculous advice, and people actually take it. Take everything you read with a grain of salt because not all of us do the research before posting a reply. I'm glad that you DO do the research, that makes you one of the better users here. I like to think I know what I'm talking about too, but it doesn't mean I'm always right. Hence doing research before giving advice that is not good.