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Welcome to our newest member, Pattyhud

First Post, First Snake!

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  • 12-21-2011, 11:21 AM
    MikeH
    First Post, First Snake!
    Hey guys. My name's Mike. I'm 20 years old, and yesterday I just got my first Ball! Still unknown on the sex, but will be taking it for a check-up and will have it vented. It's name is Kaa (10 points to whoever gets the reference). But without further adieu, here it is:

    http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...13058574_n.jpg
    http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...53556300_n.jpg
    http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...67595728_n.jpg
    http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...87852651_n.jpg
    http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...12972646_n.jpg
    http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...33426527_n.jpg
  • 12-21-2011, 11:23 AM
    Simple Man
    Congrats and :welcome:

    Regards,

    B
  • 12-21-2011, 11:28 AM
    interloc
    The reference is obviously Jungle Book!!! Nice snake and welcome to the addiction!

    Sent from my BlackBerry 9800 using Tapatalk
  • 12-21-2011, 11:31 AM
    ball python 22
    Re: First Post, First Snake!
    Somebody beat me to it but the Jungle Book is the reference. Kaa is the name of the snake.
  • 12-21-2011, 11:36 AM
    MikeH
    I'll give interloc 7 points, and ball python 22 3. :D

    Thanks for the comments, guys. It's doing really well. From most of the information I've read, these are typically very timid and reclusive for the first few days/week, but it's been exploring its tank, flicking its tongue constantly, and it even ate a small f/t mouse!
  • 12-21-2011, 11:38 AM
    crazyj83
    Hey Mike welcome to bp.net, and congrats on the new bp. I'd like to first ask these question about your husbandry. what are your temps, hot/cool, humidity, how are you heating your tank, are you planning on using a different substrate, adding hot side hide? I am normally nowhere near this fast about asking new members these questions but pic #3 has me worried due to what looks to me drool or something coming from the bps mouth. If i'm correct you may need to have it checked for an RI. I sincerly hope i'm wrong and you have everything under control, I just like to bring attention to things that a new owner my over look or just not know what to look for. Anyways, again, welcome to the site, please feel free to ask any and all questions you have and most of all have fun here and enjoy.
    :gj::salute:
  • 12-21-2011, 11:47 AM
    MikeH
    No problem at all!
    The hot temperature is currently at 89F
    The cold is currently 79F
    Humidity is currently sitting at 58%
    I have a 100w Full Spectrum ExoTerra light on the hot side, and a low wattage heating pad under the tank on the cool side
    Substrate will be replaced with shredded coconut husk
    I will be adding another hide and some fake hanging plants, as well as a climbing branch
    Pic #3 is just after the snake had taken a drink, so it's just water. I witnessed it, otherwise I'd be as worried as you.

    I've spent the lat 6-7 months doing research, so I feel like I have the jyst of it wrapped up. My only original concern was that the store owner was feeding live, and I won't do that. He was extremely quick to take a f/t mouse, though. Breathing has been very steady and normal-spaced breaths. Skin is silky smooth and seems to be well-hydrated. Anal opening is in tip-top shape with no signs of prolapse. I'll still be taking it to the vet for a check-up and a stool analysis, but right now, I have little concern. :D
  • 12-21-2011, 11:55 AM
    crazyj83
    Awesome, then no worries. Thanks for understanding my concern. Alot of new owners tend to not do research before getting their bps and have no clue what illnesses look like, so I tend to be the one that asks the questions...lol... Amyways great job with everything. Looks like your bp will have a great home. Keep us posted. Look forward to seeing more pics as it grows.:gj:
  • 12-21-2011, 08:08 PM
    MikeH
    Just got back from the LPS. Got a couple of climbing branches, a nighttime bulb, a hanging plant, and another hide.
  • 12-21-2011, 08:26 PM
    enchantress62
    Congrats! Ball python's are so cool aren't they? The only other snake I have is a baby corn and although I love him just as much as Baloo, he's not nearly as interesting. Frank, that's his name, hides constantly, where as Baloo comes out at night to cruise around and play. Enjoy Kaa he's really cute.
  • 12-21-2011, 08:33 PM
    MikeH
    Kaa is even out during the day! Constantly exploring, but occupying his hide at the moment. He's not bashful at all.
  • 12-21-2011, 08:58 PM
    therunaway
    wow, very pretty, glad you got another hide for him, and yeah switch to the husks asap, newspaper makes me sick in a tank, no idea why, just seems more suitable in a tub, when you breed and need cheap substrate.
  • 12-22-2011, 05:33 AM
    Vypyrz
    Re: First Post, First Snake!
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by MikeH View Post
    Kaa is even out during the day! Constantly exploring, but occupying his hide at the moment. He's not bashful at all.

    Hello Mike, and :welcome: to BP.net.
    Day time roaming is a sign of stress. I would suggest leaving him alone for about a week, with no handling, to acclimatize to his new surroundings, except for changing his water or spot cleaning the enclosure. It's also a good idea to not handle them for about 2 days after feeding. They need the time to digest their meal.
  • 12-22-2011, 01:00 PM
    MikeH
    Thanks for the info. He has been sitting a lot more lately. I will definitely still take your advice, though. I'll just leave him alone until next feeding time.
  • 12-22-2011, 02:22 PM
    MikeH
  • 12-23-2011, 06:59 AM
    smithy
    Hello and welcome to the site, so exciting picking up your first bp putting him in his living quarters watching him grow etc. Pics are great and looks very happy in there well done
  • 12-23-2011, 08:30 PM
    MikeH
    He's occupied his favorite area all day. Right beneath the plant. Should there be a set schedule for how long I leave the daytime and nighttime lights on? I usually have the daytime on from about 10am until 8pm, then the nighttime for the rest. The daytime sits at around 91F and the nighttime at around 86F (basking side).
  • 01-08-2012, 10:51 PM
    MikeH
    Just a little update:
    Feeding #2 and shed #1 (with me) were a success. He'll get another small mouse Tuesday. BMs have been regular and seems to have no problem passing. Humidity has been constant, giving him fresh water everyday (which he drinks), and I get him out from time to time and let him roam. He has certainly become more calm and stays put for the majority of the day. Things are going well! Here's a couple more pictures of him in his favorite tree.
    http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g/DSCN0629.jpg
    http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g/DSCN0631.jpg
  • 01-09-2012, 12:18 AM
    Anya
    Congrats. :D He looks like he's growing like a little weed! :D :gj::gj:
  • 01-09-2012, 01:09 AM
    meowmeowkazoo
    :welcome: to BP.net!

    Lovely little snake you have there!
  • 01-09-2012, 09:15 AM
    DooLittle
    Re: First Post, First Snake!
    I too would get rid of the newspaper. Try Eco earth, it will also help to keep your humidity where it should be.
  • 01-09-2012, 09:39 AM
    nikitajane25
    Congrats! Welcome to the forum =]
  • 01-09-2012, 04:20 PM
    MikeH
    Re: First Post, First Snake!
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by DrDooLittle View Post
    I too would get rid of the newspaper. Try Eco earth, it will also help to keep your humidity where it should be.

    I already did. ;) I have some coconut bark in there now.
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