New baby BP owner with a question :)

Although might turn into more questions considering how I can be... lol.

Alright, well just got my first baby BP today :) Looks like a male but I've only ever really owned corns before, but I'm just assuming they're both sexed the same way... I don't pop or probe, but I look at the tail to try and see where hemipenes might be.

Now then, I have an indoor/outdoor thermometer with one probe for "outdoor" temps, which I use to check UTH temps on that side of the tank. The device connected to the probe (the display) has a built in thermometer/hygrometer for humidity readings as well. I suction cupped the device part to the inside of the tank close to the floor level to get a humidity reading and a cool side temp reading.
The cord from the device to the probe is quite long for a 10 gallon tank, so I bundled up the cord and ran both ends through a slit in the grooves that the lid slides into (it's a critter cage), which looks like this:

http://i51.tinypic.com/svnrds.jpg

It's quite tiny and thin and I'm quite certain he shouldn't be able to push through.

But with the device and the wires in the cage like that, the little guy keeps climbing on top of them and climbing up the wires to the top! I'm afraid it could hurt him or he could get tied up. Do you guys think it's a big problem or no, and should I remove the device from the cage?
My only problem with removing it, is that then I can't monitor humidity (I can monitor cool temps with some extra digital therms I have being shipped, should arrive soon) without the device part in the cage.
My room ambient humidity is 35%~ give or take, which is a little low for ball pythons I've read. I have a towel over majority of the screen lid to hold humidity and a large water bowl to raise it up. I also use aspen bedding.

((wow, even after editting over my post it's still pretty long... sorry haha [:))

I dont think the probe wire is too big of a deal, ive seen pics of people who have them right in the snakes tubs. If youre really that worried just run a piece of scotch tape down over the line.

Well I have never had a problem with any of my snakes getting caught in my Thermometer probe wires but I set mine up like this

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...38874278_n.jpg

I have the thermometer in the tank and the probe wire wraped up around it self and just under the substrate.

As for my humidity issue I just cut a peice of Plexi to fit over the screen of the tank and cut a few holes for ventilation and the CHE as so

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...64496118_n.jpg

Keeps my temps and humidity alot more stable hope this helps feel free to ask more question and be sure to check out the caresheet lots of great info there and feel free to ask any other questions you might have :D

I quit putting thermometers in my tanks, crazy snakes constantly knocking them over and messing them up, little buggers!

No tape in the tank!!!


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You have to pop or probe a BP for sexing it. There is not a reliable way to eyeball it.

How are you controlling the temp source?

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Originally Posted by tsy72001

No tape in the tank!!!


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Why not?

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Originally Posted by Mike41793

Why not?

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Because the snake can lift up a corner then get itself stuck to it. Depending on the tyPe of tape it can be life threatening (try ripping it off without removing flesh)

I agree with Jinx - there is unfortunately no reliable way to visually sex a BP - BUT if you don't have a vested interest in your snakes gender, then pick one! :P

Also - tape - bad idea! Imagine taking it off of yourself, ow.

Critter tank - If your tank is the one I think it is, there should be a small set of holes on the front, where you can lock it shut with a padlock. I have a few myself and I just slide a hook through the hole, its enough to keep the lid from sliding out - even the big snakes cant push it enough to bend/break whatever you put in that hole. :)

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Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

Because the snake can lift up a corner then get itself stuck to it. Depending on the tyPe of tape it can be life threatening (try ripping it off without removing flesh)

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X2 I use a suction cup in the back of the Thermometer tohold it in place and yse my snakes do like to play pull the thermometer off the wall:)

You have to probe or pop to sex, as others have said. No tape! I have seen a thread about a snake with a wound from getting stuck on a mouse trap, not good.

Thanks guys for all the help! And sorry for the late reply.

I don't use tape, but thank you very much for letting me know about that information. I didn't know balls liked to play with it :( I bundled the cords with a zip tie and the cords are outside of the tank.

Also, I control temps with a repti-temp rheostat which I find works quite nicely. Keeps the temps at a constant 90-91, give or take every once in a while. He shares one with my leopard geckos (it has two plug-in slots) and it has always worked well for them :) The tanks are also quite far apart in case anyone is worried about quarantine issues.

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Originally Posted by RestlessRobie

X2 I use a suction cup in the back of the Thermometer tohold it in place and yse my snakes do like to play pull the thermometer off the wall:)

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yep, mine loves to play "knock over the thermometer", "move the thermometer", and my personal favorite "bury the thermometer" ! :D