New baby ball python. Need some help :{

Ok guys, I got a new baby ball python about 3 days ago and I have him in a 40 gallon tank. I've had snakes before but never a ball python or never anything big. First issue is I can't keep the heat up :{ I can't get it above 80 degrees. I have two heat lamps and an under tank heating pad. I put both lights on the opposite side as the water and the little pad to at least get one side up to a proper heat but it doesn't seem to be working yet. And ideas?? Second issue is my little guy wheezes when he breaths (whistles). I know that could also be because of the heating, or it could be an RI. Any ideas?? And last thing.... I have a vine that goes around his tank about 8" up. He loves going up there all the time but he falls.... Now I don't want my little guy hurting himself. Is this just a bad idea and take it down, or is this just cuz he is still a baby and he will learn how to maneuver eventually?? Please help, I want my little guy to have the best and most comfortable life I can give him.

Take a look at the husbandry page, especially the sticky posts on top including the BP Caresheet and the glass tank setup.

I would take the vines down until you can get the heat adjusted. If your snake has proper heat with a warm and cool hide, he probably won't use the vine very much. He's most likely using it now to get closer to the heat source. Ball Pythons will climb on their own, but they feel most comfortable on the ground in a nice warm hide. BTW, I'm not sure why you can't get the temps over 80 with three heat sources. Is he in a very cold room?

The wheezing may or may not be an RI. It could just be a stuck shed, but I would definitely keep a close eye on him and get him to a vet if it persists or if you notice fluid, bubbles or excessive yawning.

If you can post a pic of your setup I'm sure you will get many more responses and suggestions.

I think your tank is too big for a baby I got mine last august and have him in a 10 gallon and that is more than enough room for him. I have a uth under his warm hide and a lamp over the cool and it keeps the ambient at 80. If you have too big of a tank it can really stress them out cuz they like small spaces do if u can I'd get a 10 and keep the 40 until its an adult. You can also cover the top with tin foil, that should help keep in heat and humidity

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Originally Posted by xdeus

Take a look at the husbandry page, especially the sticky posts on top including the BP Caresheet and the glass tank setup.

I would take the vines down until you can get the heat adjusted. If your snake has proper heat with a warm and cool hide, he probably won't use the vine very much. He's most likely using it now to get closer to the heat source. Ball Pythons will climb on their own, but they feel most comfortable on the ground in a nice warm hide. BTW, I'm not sure why you can't get the temps over 80 with three heat sources. Is he in a very cold room?

The wheezing may or may not be an RI. It could just be a stuck shed, but I would definitely keep a close eye on him and get him to a vet if it persists or if you notice fluid, bubbles or excessive yawning.

If you can post a pic of your setup I'm sure you will get many more responses and suggestions.

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Ok how do I post a pic on here and where???

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Originally Posted by medic

I think your tank is too big for a baby I got mine last august and have him in a 10 gallon and that is more than enough room for him. I have a uth under his warm hide and a lamp over the cool and it keeps the ambient at 80. If you have too big of a tank it can really stress them out cuz they like small spaces do if u can I'd get a 10 and keep the 40 until its an adult. You can also cover the top with tin foil, that should help keep in heat and humidity

Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk

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X2 I would go to a 10 gal or atthe biggest a 20L to large of a tank can cuase stress issues. Pic would help I post mine to FB and then link them here

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Originally Posted by Anakalia6

Ok how do I post a pic on here and where???

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You will need to link a picture to your message. You can use one of the image hosting sites (including Facebook, Imgur, etc.) or use the gallery on this site. Just go to Gallery>Upload and follow the prompts to upload your picture. Then post a reply here and select the little picture icon on top of the text window, and paste the location of your picture.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/media/set...8478582&type=1

Here is the link to the pictures of my BP and my tank. I probably do need a smaller tank but there is no way I can afford a whole new tank right now....maybe i can block off half of it till he gets a little bigger?? I don't know :( my biggest concern though is his wheezing. Ill probably just have to take him in tomorrow... Im worried about the little guy though and dont really know what else to do.

The photos are now in my gallery if that helps at all....

My girl crashes and burns off her vine all the time about a foot up and she is fine. She is getting better at climbing as se gets older but I still hear a thump from time to time. By the way its your ground temps your talking about and not the ambient temp right? And as everyone else says pics help cause humidity will be your next issue running 2 lamps.

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Originally Posted by VEXER19

My girl crashes and burns off her vine all the time about a foot up and she is fine. She is getting better at climbing as se gets older but I still hear a thump from time to time. By the way its your ground temps your talking about and not the ambient temp right? And as everyone else says pics help cause humidity will be your next issue running 2 lamps.

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Im talking about the temp that shows on the upper thermometer like 3" below the lid... I just added the pics to my gallery. My room is in the downstairs of my house so its a little cooler but not so cold that two lamps shouldnt be able to heat....

I know im not that experienced with ball pythons but you should probably should add two hides one on each side

Alright just saw your pics and you need at least 2 hides for your snake. Balls like to be hidden and your tank is wide open. I also see your temp and humidity gauge it the to corner. You need to place your humidity gague IMO in the very middle of the tank length and height wise. Also your temp is only giving you the ambient temps. You need to measure how hot the floor is and not the air. Have a hot (90-93 degrees) and a cool side around (78-80 degrees) with the water bowl on the cool side or move it around depending on humidity. More humidity needed means more water or move it closer to the heat but you definately need more shrub and plants so you ball feels secure. This is all IMO and more experienced owners will answer your questions further if I am off on any info.

That tank is way too big and bare IMO. He needs a lot of hiding spots, a hide (identical) on the hot and cold side, and I'd pick up a good digital thermometer to measure temps and a temp gun to check direct hot spot temps (or you can get a digital themometer with a probe and put that on the hot spot, under the substrate). I don't like those sticky thermometers, they've never been acurate for me. Are you using a UTH or flexwatt for the hot spot or just a lamp?

Place that themometer on top of the substrate and see what temps it gives you. You may have to bury it half way to gat an accurate reading.

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Originally Posted by VEXER19

Place that themometer on top of the substrate and see what temps it gives you. You may have to bury it half way to gat an accurate reading.

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I do have another hiding place on the same side as the water bowl I had taken it out to clean it before I took the picture. So I need more stuff to fill it up, and what else? Im confused about the temperature... I thought I was supposed to be gauging the air temp of the warm side of tank, thats why I put the thermometer on that side... why did no one tell me all this stuff when I got him?? :( poor guys temp and humidity has been so wrong. I had two green tree snakes and they were SO different.

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Originally Posted by Daybreaker

That tank is way too big and bare IMO. He needs a lot of hiding spots, a hide (identical) on the hot and cold side, and I'd pick up a good digital thermometer to measure temps and a temp gun to check direct hot spot temps (or you can get a digital themometer with a probe and put that on the hot spot, under the substrate). I don't like those sticky thermometers, they've never been acurate for me. Are you using a UTH or flexwatt for the hot spot or just a lamp?

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I have been using a small undertank heat pad under one hiding place and two lamps during the day and I use one black light lamp at night.... I am so confused on the temperatures... all the guy told me to do was keep the tank between 80 and 90 with a warm and cold side.... I feel so bad I was so off :( he is probably freaked out. He uses the heat pad hot spot at night and the lamp hot spot during the day... Is that wrong too?

The air temp is your ambient temp and it is fine where it is now around 75-80 degreea. And the humidity should be between 50-60% and 70% for the shedding process. Don't worry about anything. Ask questions here and you will always get answers. Bp.net is a place you should be on everyday asking away until you are comfortable and familiar. You will learn a lot from our veteran ball owners as I have and many others. Good luck and congrats on your first ball.

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Originally Posted by Anakalia6

Ok guys, I got a new baby ball python about 3 days ago and I have him in a 40 gallon tank. I've had snakes before but never a ball python or never anything big. First issue is I can't keep the heat up :{ I can't get it above 80 degrees. I have two heat lamps and an under tank heating pad. I put both lights on the opposite side as the water and the little pad to at least get one side up to a proper heat but it doesn't seem to be working yet. And ideas?? Second issue is my little guy wheezes when he breaths (whistles). I know that could also be because of the heating, or it could be an RI. Any ideas?? And last thing.... I have a vine that goes around his tank about 8" up. He loves going up there all the time but he falls.... Now I don't want my little guy hurting himself. Is this just a bad idea and take it down, or is this just cuz he is still a baby and he will learn how to maneuver eventually?? Please help, I want my little guy to have the best and most comfortable life I can give him.

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I tried to check out your pic's on your fb? But, it tell's me it expired or I don't have permission. I'm sure there is other way's to post pic's here? But, what I did is I signed up a account with photobucket. It is free, you can upload as many photo's as u want.
As, other's said a 40 gallon is way to big but you know that now. It sound's like your bp is a juvi? I assume your lid is a locking screen lid? You could use aluminum to cover the whole top except for where you place your lamp. How many watt's is your uth, how many watt's is the bulb's your using in your lamp's? You may need to upgrade the bulb that will fit the 40g height and to give you a boost in heat. I would measure the distance from your lid to the tank floor and use the result as a guide when shopping for a stronger bulb. The package will tell you how far the heat from the bulb will reach. What kind of substrate are you using? Reptibark? Aspen bedding is decent for holding humidity.
I would put the uth and the lamp on the same side for the hot spot. I would put the water bowl directly above the uth and under the lamp. If, you have any gauges to tell you temp and humidity? I would post them up for now. I don't really use them anymore because I bought a temp gun. I still use the gauges for humidity, thou. The temp gun gives u instant feedback and you don't have to worry about your snake climbing and knocking down the gauges all the time. I would put a hide on each side of the tank. As, far as the vine I never used one or any kind of branch. It doesn't hurt anything more cosmetic I think.
Hatchling's are comfortable around 80-85 degrees with a humidity at 60. You could use a larger water bowl if your having trouble with proper range. Also, some bp's like to soak in there water bowl's. Just make sure if he does soak in it that he doesn't spend to much time in it. If he does,then you'll want to check the bottom of the water bowl for mites.
The whistling could just be temporary. I suppose you don't know when the last time he shed? Does he look like he is in the shedding process now? Does he only make the funny noise when he explores around? Is he silent when he is still?

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Originally Posted by Anakalia6

I have been using a small undertank heat pad under one hiding place and two lamps during the day and I use one black light lamp at night.... I am so confused on the temperatures... all the guy told me to do was keep the tank between 80 and 90 with a warm and cold side.... I feel so bad I was so off :( he is probably freaked out. He uses the heat pad hot spot at night and the lamp hot spot during the day... Is that wrong too?

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Is your UTH regulated? If not, pick up a lamp dimmer asap ($10 at Home Depot) and save for a good thermostat. UTHs get to over 100 degrees and can easily burn your snake if it's left unregulated.

I keep my BP's ambient air temps between 75-82, but your hot spot temps are the temps directly on the surface of the hot side (ie the UTH side). This temp should be between 89-92 on the surface, and you will be able to tell the temps of this by get a thermometer with a probe or a temp gun. I use the temp gun myself, and got mine for $30 at Lowes. You can check the cold side temps with the temp gun as well.

Leave the UTH on 24/7, and if you need to boost ambient temps use the light in the daytime too. Unless your house is freezing he should be fine at night as long as he has the correct hot spot temps at night where he can go to.

I still believe that the tank is too large, and if possible I'd move him to a 10-20 gallon. OR...you can move him into a tub setup until he gets large enough for his tank and if you want me to tell you what I do for that set up I can do that too: just ask or PM me.

You definitely need to get a probe thermometer. You can pick them up anywhere that sells BBQ equiptment if you just wanna grab a cheap one. You stick the probe into the substrate and it will give you an accurate idea of how warm it is. Think of it this way... your thermometers right now are on the side of the tank taking the temp of the air. You snake isn't usually in the air, his belly is down on the substrate where he curls up. You wanna know what the temp is there. The uth can get very hot, that won't show up on the thermos you have on the wall. So you need to measure the heat in the substrate. Also pick up a light dimmer, it plugs into the socket, then you plug the uth into it. You can then dim the power supply going to the uth so it does not get too hot. You can monitor that once you get the probe thermo.

Hope that helps!!!

You sound just like me when I got my first ball python! (Just got my second yesterday, and I'm talking like a veteran...) Don't panic, everyone on here gives great advice. It is funny how the pet stores convince you that these are such cheapie pets at 20-40 bucks and then you see how much specialized care they need... :mad:
I haven't had to deal with an RI yet, but I'm super paranoid about them and if I heard one of my babies wheezing, I would take them to the vet. (But I am a notorious worrier, so that might be an over-reaction.) Watch closely for fluids coming out of his face.
You do need to move your thermometers, your snake isn't typically going to be up that high and against the glass. (Although the pic of him wrapped around the thermometer is really cute!)
As far as the hides go- you don't need to spend lots of money. You can cut an opening in a cool whip container. I have an upside-down ceramic pot that I chipped a "door" into, it was 59c. Your snakes comfort is more important than aesthetics right now, you can make it look good later.
After getting an accurate reading on the temps, I have found that the red lights give off more heat than those white ones, and they also double as a night light for me! :P You should really look into getting a thermostat too. Mucho, mucho impotante. With a UTH and the lights, though, you might be surprised at what the temp is down on the ground where your snake is... it's just as important not to fry them as not to freeze them.
Stick around here and don't be afraid to ask "stupid" questions. The people here care a lot for the animals and are well experienced with them. :gj:

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Originally Posted by blueberrypancakes

You sound just like me when I got my first ball python! (Just got my second yesterday, and I'm talking like a veteran...) Don't panic, everyone on here gives great advice. It is funny how the pet stores convince you that these are such cheapie pets at 20-40 bucks and then you see how much specialized care they need... :mad:
I haven't had to deal with an RI yet, but I'm super paranoid about them and if I heard one of my babies wheezing, I would take them to the vet. (But I am a notorious worrier, so that might be an over-reaction.) Watch closely for fluids coming out of his face.
You do need to move your thermometers, your snake isn't typically going to be up that high and against the glass. (Although the pic of him wrapped around the thermometer is really cute!)
As far as the hides go- you don't need to spend lots of money. You can cut an opening in a cool whip container. I have an upside-down ceramic pot that I chipped a "door" into, it was 59c. Your snakes comfort is more important than aesthetics right now, you can make it look good later.
After getting an accurate reading on the temps, I have found that the red lights give off more heat than those white ones, and they also double as a night light for me! :P You should really look into getting a thermostat too. Mucho, mucho impotante. With a UTH and the lights, though, you might be surprised at what the temp is down on the ground where your snake is... it's just as important not to fry them as not to freeze them.
Stick around here and don't be afraid to ask "stupid" questions. The people here care a lot for the animals and are well experienced with them. :gj:

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Yeah, its crazy how different ball pythons are compared to the little green tree snakes I used to have. So much more maintenance. But I love him already :) he is only 6 months old so I worry about everything for him. I have finally gotten the heat/humidity up, and his wheezing has gotten a bit better, and Ive been making sure there are no bubbles or fluid. I also bought a Digital infrared thermometer so now I know where the temp is everywhere. I also got some shrubbery and another hiding place, making 3. I posted a new pic of my tank updated. Its still not perfect but its getting so much better. I so appreciate everyones help and encouragement!!! Thank you so much :)

http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php...type=1&theater

Another question..... At night I have my blue light above and the Uth directly under the log where he sleeps, but still the temp right inside the log is still between 78 and 82. Does he need more heat during the night?? Would a red lamp vs the blue make a difference?? I know my blue one doesn't give off near as much heat as my white one.

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Originally Posted by Anakalia6

Another question..... At night I have my blue light above and the Uth directly under the log where he sleeps, but still the temp right inside the log is still between 78 and 82. Does he need more heat during the night?? Would a red lamp vs the blue make a difference?? I know my blue one doesn't give off near as much heat as my white one.

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I don't think it would make a difference in red or blue at night. Red does seem to be the popular choice. I have a purple bulb for only one of my tub's for night time. I wouldn't say he need's more heat at night. Usually, it's ok if the ambient temp drop's like 5 degree's. The uth heat will stay the same thru out the night. He will decide on his own if he's to cool.

These recommendations are because you appear to be on a budget.

1. - Put your UTH on a thermostat - hydrofarm 30$ from amazon
2. - Get an Acu-rite thermometer with probe from walmart or amazon 10-12$

3. Insulate your cage back and sides - Anything thick will work (cardboard, foamboard, cloth, etc.)
4. Seal off the screen lid. cover 3/4 of it with 3 layers of tin foil and fasten it down with duct tape.
5. Identical hides for both sides of the cage(since its large put the cool one on a spot thats 80degrees until you can get the cage temps right!) - this may be closer to the middle if the far cool side is 70.
6.Get a room heater(and raise the temps in your room to 78degrees until you can get this sorted out or have more money to spend on the equiptment to heat that 40 gal.