Newbie from FL

Well, this is my first post and first snake ever. Last month I bought my ball out of impulse and I couldn't be happier with it. I have known people with snakes and always thought they were fun animals; always wanted one. So anyways, I hope to learn a lot from this forum, I already have just from browsing. Here is my normal , (male i assume) I have yet to weigh or measure it.

The day I got it 4/11/13
http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/w...412_205101.jpg
http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/w...413_111704.jpg

Tank Setup
http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/w...411_184347.jpg
http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/w...411_184902.jpg
http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/w...422_160233.jpg

Feeding: 1 every 5 days. I think these are too small
http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/w...504_155558.jpg
Today
http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/w...504_151242.jpg
http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/w...504_151354.jpg
http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/w...426_170651.jpghttp://i718.photobucket.com/albums/w...504_151451.jpg

Thanks For Looking!

Thats a fun themed setup!! i like the carrots (:

Cool normal. I think he needs a different hide. Two hides with more privacy.

Very pretty boy! How are you heating your setup? The substrate is much too thick to provide any belly heat and those stick-on thermometers are completely useless.

I'm not really providing any belly heat, I need to grab an under tank heater. But as of right now I'm just using the heat lamp. And which type of thermometer should I get?

Thanks

You're going to need an appropiate-sized UTH that will cover 1/2-1/3 of the bottom of the enclosure, a thermoSTAT to regulate it, and a thermoMETER to measure both your temps and humidity.

Budget thermostat:

http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR...ords=hydrofarm

High-end:

http://www.spyderrobotics.com/home/products.html (A Herpstat Basic is perfect for a single UTH and is definitely what I would recommend if you can afford it)

There's really only one thermometer that most people on here will recommend. It's a single unit with a probe, that will measure your hot spot, ambient temps, and humidity. Best part, it's available at Walmart.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Acu-Rite-I...mometer/896347

Here's a good topic that will help you get your tank set up so your little one will be happy and healthy:
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...p-w-pics-*DUW*

Fuzzies are also much too small. I'm going to say your snake can take small adult mice or rat pups. To know for sure, you'll want a digital kitchen scale that will measure in grams. A perfect meal for your baby will be a feeder that is 10-15% of your snake's body weight. So if your snake is 100 grams, feeding a prey item that is 10-15 grams every five days will more than keep them satisfied.

Wow, I definitely need to get a lot of things. Had no idea that this little snake would be so pricey. Haha thanks for all the information, definitely a huge help.

I'm leaving for vacation in 3 days. that's not enough time to get a thermostat off of amazon to control that UTH. My substrate is very thick, but he could burrow down. So my question is, should i use the UTH or leave it off. i will be gone for 3 weeks.

Thanks

3 weeks?

what is the snake going to drink during that time? No food for 3 weeks is no problem, but no water for 3 weeks (if it dries up quickly), i dont know.

in that case i would go for less heating. slower metabolism, and the whole enclosure, including water bowl and the python, wont dry out so quickly.

with only 3 days left to test the UTH and then 3 weeks of absence, i dont know. Do you have someone to check on the snake maybe once a week, replacing water and checking temps and humidity?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bigball23

Wow, I definitely need to get a lot of things. Had no idea that this little snake would be so pricey. Haha thanks for all the information, definitely a huge help.

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Yeah, I'm a couple hundred into a "free" snake myself. There are some things you can totally cheap out on and some you can't. An under tank heater is really important- but I plugged mine in and it hit 105 in minutes. So a thermostat is really important- you don't want to cook your baby! Thermometers with probes are really important too so you can get totally OCD about what the temperature is where.

Beyond that- you don't need all that bedding- your snake isn't going to be any less comfortable with half that. Also, they don't need fancy pet store heat bulbs or special spectrum lights, except maybe a nightglo to keep the air temperature up in the tank at night. A regular light bulb will get the tank plenty warm. For privacy- I cut a paper grocery bag up and taped it to the tank. It was an emergency measure, but I really like the color- it goes with my tank decor. Go to the dollar store, get a spray bottle to mist the tank a couple times a day, some kind of plastic something he can hide in, and have fun with it! The carrots rock, maybe he needs a pumpkin too. Keep an eye out on Craigslist for cheap 20 gallon long or larger, up to about 40 gallon tanks. He's going to outgrow that tank pretty fast.

I'm really hoping you didn't mention having a snake-sitter because you thought it was obvious you'd have one.
And congratulations! That's a nice looking snake. Have you named him?

edited to clarify: Tape whatever you use for privacy to the OUTSIDE of the tank, not the inside. Never use tape on the inside, because your snake will find a way to get stuck to it.

I put a Huge water dish in the tank so it would last most of the week. But a buddy is coming to check on everything every 3-5 days, feeding as well.
Okay, do you know of anywhere that i might be able to buy a t-stat locally ?
All the bedding was an accident, i just left it, didnt care that there was a ton in there. The tank is practically right up against the wall in a corner so i didnt put up any paper on the sides. And i believe i have a 20 gallon tank right now. I have yet to name him , have no clue what to call him hah.

Thanks

I got my thermostat at a hydroponics store. We have medicinal marijuana in Cali so there's one on every corner. The website for the budget thermostat has a store locator link. I cheaped out on the thermometers and got two zoo meds for $9.99 each, and an analog humidity gauge. We have a good reptile store locally, and that was the owners advice- that and get a temperature gun instead when I can afford to replace the thermometers. I personally would not put any new electrical/heating stuff in without being around to keep a really close eye on it for a few days- but I might be a little OCD about that. As long as its what she's used to and the tank isn't too cold/hot, it can wait until you get back to be made optimal.

Glad to hear you've got a good snake-sitter lined up. I have a friend who keeps asking if I'm going out of town soon so she can watch Pandora for me. :P

I had Pandora against a corner too- then got a bigger tank unexpectedly and had to put her at the foot of my bed. The tv was all flashy and reflecting in the tank, so I had to act fast!

There is a Hydroponics store about 20 mins from me. and there is also a specific reptile store as well. Im going to give both a call i suppose and see if either one has it. im tired of running all around haha.

I also changed the pale and carrots out for a Hide. Plastic flower pot, cut a hole. And on the right is the larger water "bowl" (tupperware container) Holds a lot of water.

http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/w...506_134243.jpg

Thanks

Well, i finally grabbed a thermometer today. I put the probe on the inside of the tank, ontop of the UTH on the glass. All i can say is wow. The probe is currently reading 108*+ and it has been on for maybe 20 minutes. I definitely need to get a thermostat. Ambient temps are around 82* and the humidity 40-45% Dunno why is soo dry in there. Here's a pic .

http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/w...506_163133.jpg

Well, i dont know if this is much of a surprise; Im having feeding issues. He is refusing the food and almost scared if the food when it's in front of him. He hasnt eaten in well over a week. He shed 2 weeks ago. has eaten once since then , but it was the small fuzzie. I am out of those and currently trying to get him to eat the large mice. I dont know if im doing something wrong or what. I doubt the mice are too big for him. I guess he'll eat when he wants to, but idk. im concerned about his weight. What should i do? Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks

http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/w...529_223940.jpg
http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/w...529_223231.jpg

Try feeding him in his cage instead of a separate container.

I have tried feeding in cage and out of cage.

Well, today I looked in my freezer and found 1 fuzzy . He ate it the instant i brought it into his reach.
I am wondering if the "Large Mice" are too big for him and why he was neglecting to eat them. When i thaw them, the bleed out of their nose. But i dont consider the mice to be big in comparison to him.
So my question is, should i buy more fuzzies or just try to get him to eat the "Large Mice" Also, do you think the large mice are too big for him? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bigball23

Well, today I looked in my freezer and found 1 fuzzy . He ate it the instant i brought it into his reach.
I am wondering if the "Large Mice" are too big for him and why he was neglecting to eat them. When i thaw them, the bleed out of their nose. But i dont consider the mice to be big in comparison to him.
So my question is, should i buy more fuzzies or just try to get him to eat the "Large Mice" Also, do you think the large mice are too big for him? Any help is greatly appreciated.

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bumpp i'm having somewhat the same problem.

Fuzzies are awfully small, but then again I have an adult, proven breeder Caramel male who will only eat rat pups. He is perfectly capable of eating bigger prey, but he absolutely will not. Maybe try something in between?

I guess that's what im going to have to do, not totally sure yet.
I'm hoping if i wait like a week or two he'll be hungry enough and just take it. And from then on i think he'll be used to those "large mice" I just want to get away from those small fuzzies ha they're pointless haha

Does my snake really feel threatened from a "Large Mouse" and that is why he is refusing to eat them when offered? No problem with the fuzzies which are entirely too small.
Any help thanks

If he doesn't want to take large mice, just offer multiple fuzzies at once, until you reach the 15% limit. Once the first is down, offer the second. Usually they'll strike right away again, because they're still in feeding mode.

Have you tried leaving it in overnight?
Have you tried making it seem like the mouse is moving away from him?
Is it warm enough? It should be squishy and warm to the touch.
Have you tried a subtle zombie dance?
Are you looming over him when offering?
Are you offering when it's dark?
Are you waking him up to offer?
Have you tried really getting the odor going (blow dryer, not too close, or something like that) where he starts to hunt then offer?

Never tried overnight.
Yes
Yes
Yes lol
Yes
Yes
He's usually well aware it's feeding time.
Never tried a blow dryer.

I just think he's still a little intimidated from the fact that it's a larger mouse for some reason. Because he approaches it like he wants to eat it, but then once he gets close he kinds backs away or just sits there. wit the smaller mice he sees that and instantly takes them.

Try overnight on your next feeding day. Don't offer multiple times a week.

Do the smaller sized rats have fur?

Well, i went to petsmart today and bought the "Small Mice" My ball didn't strike at it or anything. i shook it in front and such; he was interested but did not strike. So i set the mouse down in the box with him. and after a few minutes he took it, but did not constrict it or anything. just ate it.

http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/w...609_192707.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bigball23

Well, i went to petsmart today and bought the "Small Mice" My ball didn't strike at it or anything. i shook it in front and such; he was interested but did not strike. So i set the mouse down in the box with him. and after a few minutes he took it, but did not constrict it or anything. just ate it.

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Another lazy one :P
It's okay if he doesn't strike and coil it, as long as he is eating. I know some ball pythons will only eat like this. But he was striking and coiling before, so he may be more comfortable striking later down the road.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bigball23

Well, today I looked in my freezer and found 1 fuzzy . He ate it the instant i brought it into his reach.
I am wondering if the "Large Mice" are too big for him and why he was neglecting to eat them. When i thaw them, the bleed out of their nose. But i dont consider the mice to be big in comparison to him.
So my question is, should i buy more fuzzies or just try to get him to eat the "Large Mice" Also, do you think the large mice are too big for him? Any help is greatly appreciated.

---

I would try going to small mice from the fuzzies instead of the large.

I don't have any suggestions about feeding, but do yourself a favor and buy mice from an independent source, either a reptile shop or mom n pop pet store might have frozen on hand, or Craigslist if it's not too sketchy lol. Those petsmart mice work in a pinch, but they straight up ROB you. Not sure on your prices, but mine sells em for $12ish. Reptile shop is 1.25 each. You'll have enough for a good Tstat in a few weeks in what you'll save on feed lol.

Yep, as long as he stays eating i dont care how eats. I still think hes a little on the thin side. i havent weighed him yet. but hes healthy i think.

Oh wow. Thanks for the tip. i never really paid much attention. ill have to swing by the reptile store close by once i run out and stock up for cheap.
Thanks

Once again my guy is being a pain to feed. He hasnt eaten in a few week. Im assuming hes going in to shed soon, what do you guys think of him soaking like this?

http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/w...715_222136.jpg

Too deep I think? I'm still pretty new to this and like you, learning as I go along.

This is how I soak my girl: small tub with a locking lid, plenty of holes for air... Soft towel on the bottom and some warm water. She likes to go under the towel and slither through it. Probably feels good on her skin. 15 minutes or so with no air blowing directly on it.

http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/t...9334184ac2.jpg

*note* I'm probably not doing it right but she seems to take it pretty well.

He was just soaking himself. But im still having feeding issues , he wont eat and it has been weeks.

Have you tried live? *note* I'm still kinda new at this and learning so these are my very uninformed noob-like suggestions.

I think I would clear the tank out a little, I.e. remove those black rocks perhaps? Change the bedding to maybe reptibark or Eco earth (that also helps humidity a bit) and go ahead and blacken the back and sides. You did say the tank is backed up against a corner, good thing but it's still very light in there...I think they prefer it kind of darker? One of the veteran guys could confirm that. Let him sit for a week with the adjustments, them offer live.

He doesn't look skinny but are you monitoring him for weight loss during this?

Actually, the clutter helps and anxious baby to calm down and relax. I would leave it in. But have you tried live? Do you have access to ASFs? I would also block out the sides.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Inarikins

Actually, the clutter helps and anxious baby to calm down and relax. I would leave it in. But have you tried live? Do you have access to ASFs? I would also block out the sides.

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Clutter is great, I use vines and leaves to clutter mine, cover hide entrances etc. the rocks in his tank though I do not believe really count as 'clutter'? Lol, I think I clutter mine too well. Find myself with a flashlight looking to find the little hiding buggers.

You didn't say where in FL you are, but I can highly recommend Family Reptile in Lakeland and somewhat recommend Pinellas County Reptile (several locations). Pinellas County is good source of feeders/supplies, but sometimes give dubious advice. (Feeding in paper bag, etc.)

The thing that seems to make the most difference in feeding for my baby, as long as she's not in shed, is the temp of the rat itself. We use a temperature gun to check the rat after defrosting in hot water in a baggie, and she won't touch under 85F and shows stronger interest 90-95F. (She also goes total derp and strikes at the heat lamp if it's not off and turned away.)

There's lots of good advice on the forums about humidity, but I can tell you it gets harder as soon as you turn the air conditioning on for the summer!

Good luck!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Libby

You didn't say where in FL you are, but I can highly recommend Family Reptile in Lakeland and somewhat recommend Pinellas County Reptile (several locations). Pinellas County is good source of feeders/supplies, but sometimes give dubious advice. (Feeding in paper bag, etc.)

!

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What is dubious about advising feeding in a paper bag? This can actually be a very good method for getting a non-feeding hatchling to eat. You put it in the bag with a small hopper mouse, put the bag back in the cage, and check the next morning. It provides security, close quarters for the prey, and is breathable material.

Well, after a very very long time without food my guy finally ate a small mouse today! Finally haha Dunno what the issue was, i probably waited longer than i should have to feed him, but at least he finally ate. Figured id throw an update in , sorry for bringing the thread back from the dead haha.