My New Snake!

http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs71/i/20...ox-d6c1j7w.jpg




Now Some of you might remember me from last year, I lost bumble bee tuna my ball python last year :please: well sadly he was from petco, and I was told I DID NOTHING WRONG that his head "Seizures" he was doomed from birth, was told petco is the worst place to buy anything.


Anywho this is my new Snakie haven't thought of a name for him yet *yup male* were celebrating my birthday on the 4th which my birthday was the 1st, just due to coming to fast for people to prep. LOL and How I knew I got a snake I was asked to go out the the living room and my 2 yr old Nephew went "Snakie" I froze and when my mother inlaw presented to him I freaked. My Next one I wanna get bumble bee female to breed them together.







Oh forgot to say he came in this cage and my icon is my snake that died... I will be trying to get pics of my new one for my icon

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Originally Posted by Zombietox

http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs71/i/20...ox-d6c1j7w.jpg




Now Some of you might remember me from last year, I lost bumble bee tuna my ball python last year :please: well sadly he was from petco, and I was told I DID NOTHING WRONG that his head "Seizures" he was doomed from birth, was told petco is the worst place to buy anything.


Anywho this is my new Snakie haven't thought of a name for him yet *yup male* were celebrating my birthday on the 4th which my birthday was the 1st, just due to coming to fast for people to prep. LOL and How I knew I got a snake I was asked to go out the the living room and my 2 yr old Nephew went "Snakie" I froze and when my mother inlaw presented to him I freaked. My Next one I wanna get bumble bee female to breed them together.







Oh forgot to say he came in this cage and my icon is my snake that died... I will be trying to get pics of my new one for my icon

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Congrats on the new snake and sorry that you lost your other one. I hope that's only how the snake was presented to you(picture above) and that's not how your housing him. Also how confident are you that it's a male?

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Originally Posted by Neal

Congrats on the new snake and sorry that you lost your other one. I hope that's only how the snake was presented to you(picture above) and that's not how your housing him. Also how confident are you that it's a male?

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Well my family got him from Scales and tails out here in colorado and we had no tank for him yet, so yes at the moment till we dig it out of the garage but I am thinking my mother inlaw is cleaning out her old tank and giving it to me which is, like a tall one square ummm http://www.ball-pythons.org/images/p...age-pt2610.jpg sorry had to google cages and find it, We are unsure what this stuff is they gave us o.O it feels like soft bathroom paper? (LOL) I am honestly going to be digging through the Garage tomorrow for his cage and clean it out, get a new water dish and some food tomorrow. They said have him in this cage till he adapted cause he is a baby, they said it was a male but I will be checking again when he gets bigger to make sure before I get another to breed with.


Ummm they however were trying to feed him hoppers? I say stuff that hes tiny so tomorrow were getting him a pinky live, when he gets a little bigger I will be getting them pre-killed cause my mother inlaws Ball python, got bit a couple times and as scale and tails say "Could have messed her brain up or she was afraid" Which me and my mom think its cause they messed her brain up cause I kept seeing her get bit, than she started acting REALLY strange. Wouldn't eat or drink.

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Originally Posted by Zombietox

Well my family got him from Scales and tails out here in colorado and we had no tank for him yet, so yes at the moment till we dig it out of the garage but I am thinking my mother inlaw is cleaning out her old tank and giving it to me which is, like a tall one square ummm http://www.ball-pythons.org/images/p...age-pt2610.jpg sorry had to google cages and find it, We are unsure what this stuff is they gave us o.O it feels like soft bathroom paper? (LOL) I am honestly going to be digging through the Garage tomorrow for his cage and clean it out, get a new water dish and some food tomorrow. They said have him in this cage till he adapted cause he is a baby, they said it was a male but I will be checking again when he gets bigger to make sure before I get another to breed with.


Ummm they however were trying to feed him hoppers? I say stuff that hes tiny so tomorrow were getting him a pinky live, when he gets a little bigger I will be getting them pre-killed cause my mother inlaws Ball python, got bit a couple times and as scale and tails say "Could have messed her brain up or she was afraid" Which me and my mom think its cause they messed her brain up cause I kept seeing her get bit, than she started acting REALLY strange. Wouldn't eat or drink.

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That looks like carefresh bedding, which is commonly used as ferret bedding. I have no idea why they would put that but who knows now days. My worry is that the snake isn't getting the heat it's supposed to because for some reason to me that looks like a kritter keeper, or something similar. That sounds like stress from getting bit, but without actually seeing pictures you can't really assess something. I may even be misunderstanding you because I'm at work and like dead tired for some reason.

I would not let him stay in that plastic tank because I can almost guarantee you unless he's in a room that's in the high 80's he's probably cold which can cause him to develop an RI. As soon as you can get him in a tank and regulate the temperature let him be for a week to properly acclimate to his surroundings and then you can feed him after that. He should be big enough to eat a fuzzie though.

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Originally Posted by Neal

That looks like carefresh bedding, which is commonly used as ferret bedding. I have no idea why they would put that but who knows now days. My worry is that the snake isn't getting the heat it's supposed to because for some reason to me that looks like a kritter keeper, or something similar. That sounds like stress from getting bit, but without actually seeing pictures you can't really assess something. I may even be misunderstanding you because I'm at work and like dead tired for some reason.

I would not let him stay in that plastic tank because I can almost guarantee you unless he's in a room that's in the high 80's he's probably cold which can cause him to develop an RI. As soon as you can get him in a tank and regulate the temperature let him be for a week to properly acclimate to his surroundings and then you can feed him after that. He should be big enough to eat a fuzzie though.

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Yeah thats the word they used, and yea where he is, in our room and in colorado rate now its pretty hot including in our room, I am unsure of the temp exactly in there but I know he is warm enough, and OH YEA I will be changing his cage and it is one of those critter cages like cricktets, I have never seen this bedding before so I would not know I just know its soft. I Have a Heater pad, and a glass cage I need to dig out. Its about 2 am where I am (LOL) They said he needed to be fed, I am scared of over feeding/to big etc. I was told they were trying to feed him hoppers which I will be looking at either Pinky or Fuzzy, Ummm I do have a tendency to confuse people when I try and explain something. I hope you dont get too confused ^^;

honestly I dont like that hes in that, its my first concern is warmth for him.

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Originally Posted by Zombietox

Yeah thats the word they used, and yea where he is, in our room and in colorado rate now its pretty hot including in our room, I am unsure of the temp exactly in there but I know he is warm enough, and OH YEA I will be changing his cage and it is one of those critter cages like cricktets, I have never seen this bedding before so I would not know I just know its soft. I Have a Heater pad, and a glass cage I need to dig out. Its about 2 am where I am (LOL) They said he needed to be fed, I am scared of over feeding/to big etc. I was told they were trying to feed him hoppers which I will be looking at either Pinky or Fuzzy, Ummm I do have a tendency to confuse people when I try and explain something. I hope you dont get too confused ^^;

honestly I dont like that hes in that, its my first concern is warmth for him.

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If you just got him I wouldn't even mess with him for the first 7 days aside from maintenance. That way you don't risk stressing him out. I'm not saying that he won't eat, but it won't hurt him to miss that meal while acclimating to his new surroundings. That's just my opinion though, and I'm sure many others share it.

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Originally Posted by Neal

If you just got him I wouldn't even mess with him for the first 7 days aside from maintenance. That way you don't risk stressing him out. I'm not saying that he won't eat, but it won't hurt him to miss that meal while acclimating to his new surroundings. That's just my opinion though, and I'm sure many others share it.

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Oh yes they just got me him a couple days ago (exactly 2 days) now cause they got him for the 3rd and bring him to me on the 4th so Guess today would make it 3 days lol for my birthday gift, at the moment I been watching him closely and he wants out! and today when its not so hot out we will be searching the shed, (yeah our shed is out side in the heat) and being in Colorado its like 84 or something rate now, so its pretty hot out there if we dont find it (possibly donated it due to my last snake) we will be buying a new one =)

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Originally Posted by Zombietox

Oh yes they just got me him a couple days ago (exactly 2 days) now cause they got him for the 3rd and bring him to me on the 4th so Guess today would make it 3 days lol for my birthday gift, at the moment I been watching him closely and he wants out! and today when its not so hot out we will be searching the shed, (yeah our shed is out side in the heat) and being in Colorado its like 84 or something rate now, so its pretty hot out there if we dont find it (possibly donated it due to my last snake) we will be buying a new one =)

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If that snake has been without heat and a proper enviorment for 3 days now your risking lots of stress and issues like a respiratory infection. Get him in a warm, comfortable enviorment ASAP.

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Originally Posted by coleworld

If that snake has been without heat and a proper enviorment for 3 days now your risking lots of stress and issues like a respiratory infection. Get him in a warm, comfortable enviorment ASAP.

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He is warm Believe me I don't know where you thought he was not warm? I have him in my room which is warm enough for him, I tossed small fuzzy in there tonight and I honestly think its too big for him but thats what they said he was eating... but this Wednesday I thinking about trying to feed him again, with a pinkie and a fuzzy/ Fuzzy first to see if he eats it than pinkie

I think what cole is trying to get at is that generally speaking, most people's 'room temperature' is far too cold to comfortably keep a ball python. Either you're melting or your snake is shivering (figuratively speaking, of course :)

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Originally Posted by Zombietox

He is warm Believe me I don't know where you thought he was not warm? I have him in my room which is warm enough for him, I tossed small fuzzy in there tonight and I honestly think its too big for him but thats what they said he was eating... but this Wednesday I thinking about trying to feed him again, with a pinkie and a fuzzy/ Fuzzy first to see if he eats it than pinkie

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Your definition of warm may not be the warm that would be ideal for him(choice wording). Pet stores honestly don't pay a lot of attention to their reptiles so I wouldn't be surprised if he wasn't given the proper size and just they assumed he was getting a certain size. If he's new to you, always wait a week. It's not a set rule but it's just something you do to let the snake settle in. I myself can vouch when I go places with new surroundings I am not as hungry as I am say if I'm at my house or my moms house and I know this is a stupid comparison but you should let your snake acclimate before feeding. Also being that it's a ball and they can get stressed easily at times, I would of fed something smaller then what's proper so that way you have a few good interactions with him, but again that's just my opinion. My main concern is if he did eat and he's not ideally kept what can happen with not being able to digest properly, and the issues that could happen because of that.

Honestly, please don't take this offensively because I mean it with the best intentions. The fact that you haven't gotten him properly set up, then tried to feed him that quickly after getting him both combined, but mainly the first one shows us that you honestly shouldn't keep that snake as a pet. The temperature of your room is not going to be in the mid-high 80's, much less the low 80's so I don't get how you would think he's warm enough?

This would be equal to me putting you in a cardboard box where you couldn't fully stretch out and put you on balled up news paper with a water bowl, have the temperatures in the 50's and give you a sweater and pants. Could you survive in that? Yes, but it's not the ideal conditions and you're not going to like it.

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Originally Posted by MootWorm

I think what cole is trying to get at is that generally speaking, most people's 'room temperature' is far too cold to comfortably keep a ball python. Either you're melting or your snake is shivering (figuratively speaking, of course :)

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LOL Yea this aint room tempature we have 2 Pcs running and a 50 inch screen running, now at night its currently 70F here colorado and ABOVE that in our bed room I would say maybe 80 or more, not If I were to make it any hotter he would melt, I would be baking my poor guy, but he seems to be very comfrotable and I regulate every so often when it becomes too hot to cool it down a little big to keep from baking or freezing him out.... At the moment me and my husband are suffering to keep him comfortable (meaning sweating to death LOL ) once i do get my glass or which ever kind of tank I have a Heater too for him =)


Also I don't know if anyone knows or could tell he is still very small like hatchling

How are you measuring the temps inside his enclosure?

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Originally Posted by Zombietox

LOL Yea this aint room tempature we have 2 Pcs running and a 50 inch screen running, now at night its currently 70F here colorado and ABOVE that in our bed room I would say maybe 80 or more, not If I were to make it any hotter he would melt, I would be baking my poor guy, but he seems to be very comfrotable and I regulate every so often when it becomes too hot to cool it down a little big to keep from baking or freezing him out.... At the moment me and my husband are suffering to keep him comfortable (meaning sweating to death LOL ) once i do get my glass or which ever kind of tank I have a Heater too for him =)


Also I don't know if anyone knows or could tell he is still very small like hatchling

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If you fed him he needs a hot side around 90 degrees to digest. A TV and a PC are not going to warm a room enough for a snake. The worst thing to do is get a snake and not have the proper setup before hand. I set up my tank and measured the temperature almost 3 weeks before I got my snake to make sure everything was perfect. Ball pythons need a warm side around 90 and a cool side around 80. So right now your "room temperature" is just the cool side. How will he digest? And plus hes going to be stressed in that little critter keeper with no hides. I hope you get him set up soon.

Also your tank should look like this..

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/07/06/uhepytu8.jpg

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Originally Posted by coleworld

Also your tank should look like this..

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/07/06/uhepytu8.jpg

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Actually it shouldn't. BP's are nocturnal so if you're going to run a overhead lamp then use a ceramic heat emitter which emits no light at all.

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Originally Posted by Neal

Actually it shouldn't. BP's are nocturnal so if you're going to run a overhead lamp then use a ceramic heat emitter which emits no light at all.

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Ok but they can't see a red light anyway.. They can see blue, white, and other outputs of light but snakes cannot see black and red lights.

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...can-i-run-24-7

There is debate about lights in general but no one knows if red lights bother them. They have heat pits and a heat emitter and a red nocturnal bulb are both going to be visible because they "see" any form of heat. Red nocturnal bulbs do not bother snakes at night like a white or blue day time bulb..

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Originally Posted by coleworld

Ok but they can't see a red light anyway.. They can see blue, white, and other outputs of light but snakes cannot see black and red lights.

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...can-i-run-24-7

There is debate about lights in general but no one knows if red lights bother them. They have heat pits and a heat emitter and a red nocturnal bulb are both going to be visible because they "see" any form of heat. Red nocturnal bulbs do not bother snakes at night like a white or blue day time bulb..

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All I meant is that you shouldn't post your tank to another new person and say your tank should look like this, that's all I meant. I wouldn't run a red bulb regardless.

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Originally Posted by Neal

All I meant is that you shouldn't post your tank to another new person and say your tank should look like this, that's all I meant. I wouldn't run a red bulb regardless.

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Just giving some guidence since they have the snake in a critter keeper. They are obviously a new owner so showing them a set up to help them get started is only helping a little. I meant it should look SOMETHING like this 2 hides, water, substrate, thermometer, big enough cage, ect.

Anyway, to the OP just do not feed the snake until he has a hot spot to digest like the heating pad. You will probably not need a light source if your house temp is around 80ish. But thats summer only I cant speak for your winter temps. Just make sure you have something to control the heat out put of the heat pad.

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=30763

I'm a bit concerned for the OP's animal in the long run. Aside from what's been mentioned about husbandry, I'm worried that the BP will not receive proper nutrition, in that the keeper is trying to keep it on a 'diet,' and feeding it on the small scale of food items. Ball pythons don't often get 'big' and those that do are considered desirable. If you can't handle the possible full grown size, then don't get the snake. But don't deny it proper nutrition. Hatchling ball pythons can take live fuzzies as their first meal, and anything after that is usually hopper sized. If the store was able to keep him on a regimen of hoppers, then keep it that way, or better yet, get it feeding on rat pups. I feed my ball pythons on rats about the same size or slightly bigger than their girth, and it should leave a small bump in their body. (Not the size of something seen in those crazy African documentaries though.)

Get it in a bigger tank. If you can't afford a bigger tank, get a sterilite tub with holes in it for humidity- much cheaper. Put down proper bedding. Water bowl. Hides- you don't even have to buy them; there are creative ways to make them. **UNDER THE TANK HEATER**. Air temps are NOT enough! You should have a hot spot of 90-92 degrees, and a coll area of about 85 or so... And to go with the UTH, you need something to regulate temperature. A decent affordable option is the Hydrofarm one; 30 or 40 bucks...
That environment is not acceptable for that snake though.. period. :/ Also, I'd suggest rat fuzzies or mice hoppers.

Really the OP need to start here and read read READ!!!!!!!
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...s%29-Caresheet

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Originally Posted by PitOnTheProwl

Really the OP need to start here and read read READ!!!!!!!
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...s%29-Caresheet

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This ^^^^

Ok for all of you trying to help me thank you all the rude ones I just brush you off my shoulder, This is a hatchling when they had him before I bought him he was in a smaller place, they told me to keep him in here for 7 DAYS!!! if you guys ever read? Anyways yes its approaching the 7 day mark! yes I will be putting him in a new cage! like seriously -.- However I am taking him BACK! to scales and tails for not eating as I believe he is not eating due to prey is too big. He is a Hatch-ling...

Now We have a temperature monitor in his cage! no need to freak out people, and YES! I do have a heater for when its too cold... but seriously his cage is always in the 80s if it gets closer to the 90s I take him away from my dresser (where he is set) and yes it gets hot in here Colorado so I keep him below 90 as I will start cooking him, I am doing my best of what people been breeding snakes for over 20 yrs. As some of you get confused of what I am saying, YES I do have a disability causing my speech and writing to be terrible as I have had a special ED most of my school because I would not understand people or situations and have to be explained in other ways, and YES my husband sometimes has to help me! Not asking for pity but patients and try and understand what I am saying if not DON'T JUMP ME!

But his cage is always in the 80's 87 to 88 when it becomes closer to 90s I removed him away from the heater (usually beside it now) and he stays at 85-86 and through the night stays the same with a fan in our window and yes I monitor it every hour or so, the first night I stayed up all night watching it to make sure where I could set him to keep him at a steady flow of heat and not make him to hot. So please don't think I am not keeping him warm, but I am worried for him not eating hence why I am taking him back to scales and tails, and making them get him to eat. My family thinks his instincts might not be kicking in yet, I just think its too big... I can take pictures for you of the mouse its still alive -.- which I will be releasing it far away from here (sorry maybe cruel but I find it more cruel to watch it slowly die and starve) I have them separated now, the mouse was only in his cage for 3 days due to him seeming ALWAYS interested slightly striking but not Striking to kill... https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...53545106_o.jpghttps://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.n...44021707_o.jpg


So is it just me or this mouse IS TO BIG!!!! for him?


OH Also they had nothing smaller but I still feel its too big

Question about plastic tubs... Ummm How is the snake to breath? Like I have never used one in my life.

OP I think what most people are concerned about is that he doesn't have a stable gradient set up, and seems like he doesn't have the hotspot that can facilitate a feeding response and digestion. Unless you're constantly monitoring his cage to move him to cooler/hotter spots as required, his temps are going through wild fluctuations.

And it's totally your decision to return an animal you're unhappy with, but keep in mind that most people don't even offer food to a new snake until after a week has passed. Not eating for 7 days is by no means a food strike.

With regards to the size of prey your feeding, it looks appropriate, but it's hard to tell without any references. Could you possibly post a pic of it next to the snake? And is it a mouse or a rat? Also, please do not release it into the wild. Could you perhaps rehome it or return the feeder as well?

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Originally Posted by Zombietox

Question about plastic tubs... Ummm How is the snake to breath? Like I have never used one in my life.

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I drill or use a soldering iron to make ventilation holes in the sides and/or top of the tub. Add more holes if the humidity is too high.

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Originally Posted by MootWorm

OP I think what most people are concerned about is that he doesn't have a stable gradient set up, and seems like he doesn't have the hotspot that can facilitate a feeding response and digestion. Unless you're constantly monitoring his cage to move him to cooler/hotter spots as required, his temps are going through wild fluctuations.

And it's totally your decision to return an animal you're unhappy with, but keep in mind that most people don't even offer food to a new snake until after a week has passed. Not eating for 7 days is by no means a food strike.

With regards to the size of prey your feeding, it looks appropriate, but it's hard to tell without any references. Could you possibly post a pic of it next to the snake? And is it a mouse or a rat? Also, please do not release it into the wild. Could you perhaps rehome it or return the feeder as well?

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Possible I could rehome it I didn't think releasing it was a bad thing, It is a mouse and yes I am checking his tank every Hour and his temperature only changes 2-3 degrees at a time, and OH NO I will not be returning him at all I love animals all of animals I just need some help possibly getting him fed thats all. Well I am the only one home at the moment and holding the house I would rather not get bit if ya get me. Umm What does OP mean?

Also I just read 90 is basking temperature, ALSO I forgot to mention he always has a warm spot in his cage and a cool spot, like half/half hes half on and half off, although hes being more active with the mouse out of his cage, Umm hes being handled just fine no aggression and I had mouse smell on me not thinking I handled him and no biting. So I am just worried about him not eating, but my father inlaw snake Nate 11yrs now he didnt eat for a full month!! when he first got him. The mouse honestly looks almost full grown so I would call it a hopper?

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Originally Posted by Zombietox

Possible I could rehome it I didn't think releasing it was a bad thing, It is a mouse and yes I am checking his tank every Hour and his temperature only changes 2-3 degrees at a time, and OH NO I will not be returning him at all I love animals all of animals I just need some help possibly getting him fed thats all. Well I am the only one home at the moment and holding the house I would rather not get bit if ya get me. Umm What does OP mean?

Also I just read 90 is basking temperature, ALSO I forgot to mention he always has a warm spot in his cage and a cool spot, like half/half hes half on and half off, although hes being more active with the mouse out of his cage, Umm hes being handled just fine no aggression and I had mouse smell on me not thinking I handled him and no biting. So I am just worried about him not eating, but my father inlaw snake Nate 11yrs now he didnt eat for a full month!! when he first got him. The mouse honestly looks almost full grown so I would call it a hopper?

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OP is original poster :) Sorry I misunderstood. When you said you were taking him back to the pet shop, I thought you were returning him. Is there any way you can get him set up with an under tank heater and a thermostat? It's over 90 in my house, and everyone still has their heat and t-stats on. When it gets too hot, they simply shut off. It'll be much easier for you in the long run, as you won't have to constantly monitor and worry about his set up.

You'd be surprised how big of a feeder the little guys can take down. It's probably not too big for him, but if you're concerned I'd definitely get a live rat pinky if you can get your hands on one. But offer it after he's been settled for awhile and isn't stressed.

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Originally Posted by MootWorm

OP is original poster :) Sorry I misunderstood. When you said you were taking him back to the pet shop, I thought you were returning him. Is there any way you can get him set up with an under tank heater and a thermostat? It's over 90 in my house, and everyone still has their heat and t-stats on. When it gets too hot, they simply shut off. It'll be much easier for you in the long run, as you won't have to constantly monitor and worry about his set up.

You'd be surprised how big of a feeder the little guys can take down. It's probably not too big for him, but if you're concerned I'd definitely get a live rat pinky if you can get your hands on one. But offer it after he's been settled for awhile and isn't stressed.

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Thats what I am thinking hes stressed new smells and everything I own a dog (boston) and he could be smelling her and I live with my mother inlaw (due to epilepsy) and her bf and my little brother inlaw (of course my husband too LOL) and as far as I know I talked to a ride he said we will plan for tomorrow to get a tank (WOOT!!!) which honestly I have been aching to get him in one, I have a thermometer in his cage rate now. I wonder if they make heaters like ones that auto click off if it gets above a certain temp like fish tanks do ? I will hopefully getting a 10 gal tank for him tomorrow and put him in that and go back to scales and tails and explain my situation see if they can get him to eat.

Yeah I confuse people I try not too, but its my disability i have, my husband will thankfully be accompanying me to the store to help explain and get more info on what I need to know about my snake, cause I am doing everything I should be? but I just fear not eating I want him to be healthy cause one day I wanna breed him to a female pastel =D and yes I wanna be a breeder one day. My father inlaw said when he took Nate (his snake) to scales and tails and they fed him something smaller than what they were giving him before he ate it up. I honestly think my snake Xeno is the same position, Cause I know if you feed him too big could kill him or too small not enough food etc. I am thinking about talking to about a pinkie rat or 2 pinkie mice would work.

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Originally Posted by Zombietox

Thats what I am thinking hes stressed new smells and everything I own a dog (boston) and he could be smelling her and I live with my mother inlaw (due to epilepsy) and her bf and my little brother inlaw (of course my husband too LOL) and as far as I know I talked to a ride he said we will plan for tomorrow to get a tank (WOOT!!!) which honestly I have been aching to get him in one, I have a thermometer in his cage rate now. I wonder if they make heaters like ones that auto click off if it gets above a certain temp like fish tanks do ? I will hopefully getting a 10 gal tank for him tomorrow and put him in that and go back to scales and tails and explain my situation see if they can get him to eat.

Yeah I confuse people I try not too, but its my disability i have, my husband will thankfully be accompanying me to the store to help explain and get more info on what I need to know about my snake, cause I am doing everything I should be? but I just fear not eating I want him to be healthy cause one day I wanna breed him to a female pastel =D and yes I wanna be a breeder one day. My father inlaw said when he took Nate (his snake) to scales and tails and they fed him something smaller than what they were giving him before he ate it up. I honestly think my snake Xeno is the same position, Cause I know if you feed him too big could kill him or too small not enough food etc. I am thinking about talking to about a pinkie rat or 2 pinkie mice would work.

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Just keep in mind he'll outgrow that ten gallon before you know it. You might want to pick up a full size terrarium while you're there so you'll have it on hand when you need to upgrade. Honestly I would leave the snake at home. The trip to the store and back might stress him out even more. Try to bring the mouse, they may exchange it for a rat pinky.

To my knowledge, there aren't any self regulation heat pads. They do have some that have max temps, but I wouldn't trust them. Stop by a hydroponics shop if you can find one, that's where we got our hydrofarm thermostat.

What time of day do you feed? I always feed my balls around 10 pm, they're usually super active and ready for food. The only time I have refusals is when someone's shedding. My little hatchling girl even eats WHILE shedding :) (I stupidly thawed a mouse before checking on her, totally didn't realize she was in shed lol)


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Main thing at this point is getting his tank all situated and leaving him alone for a few days to let him settle. Then try to feed him.

Dont get discouraged.... It takes time and patience. Do you have a picture of his new tank etc?

Also... Go ahead and get his uth and thermostat set up. If it is that warm in your room, it simply won't come on. Belly heat is really important for our little guys, especially after a feed. He will eat once he is calm and acclimated, don't try to rush it. My Nagini didn't take her first with me for 11 days. You'll be a happy proud snake momma when he finally does. :D

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Originally Posted by Zombietox

Ok for all of you trying to help me thank you all the rude ones I just brush you off my shoulder, This is a hatchling when they had him before I bought him he was in a smaller place, they told me to keep him in here for 7 DAYS!!! if you guys ever read? Anyways yes its approaching the 7 day mark! yes I will be putting him in a new cage! like seriously -.- However I am taking him BACK! to scales and tails for not eating as I believe he is not eating due to prey is too big. He is a Hatch-ling...

Now We have a temperature monitor in his cage! no need to freak out people, and YES! I do have a heater for when its too cold... but seriously his cage is always in the 80s if it gets closer to the 90s I take him away from my dresser (where he is set) and yes it gets hot in here Colorado so I keep him below 90 as I will start cooking him, I am doing my best of what people been breeding snakes for over 20 yrs. As some of you get confused of what I am saying, YES I do have a disability causing my speech and writing to be terrible as I have had a special ED most of my school because I would not understand people or situations and have to be explained in other ways, and YES my husband sometimes has to help me! Not asking for pity but patients and try and understand what I am saying if not DON'T JUMP ME!

But his cage is always in the 80's 87 to 88 when it becomes closer to 90s I removed him away from the heater (usually beside it now) and he stays at 85-86 and through the night stays the same with a fan in our window and yes I monitor it every hour or so, the first night I stayed up all night watching it to make sure where I could set him to keep him at a steady flow of heat and not make him to hot. So please don't think I am not keeping him warm, but I am worried for him not eating hence why I am taking him back to scales and tails, and making them get him to eat. My family thinks his instincts might not be kicking in yet, I just think its too big... I can take pictures for you of the mouse its still alive -.- which I will be releasing it far away from here (sorry maybe cruel but I find it more cruel to watch it slowly die and starve) I have them separated now, the mouse was only in his cage for 3 days due to him seeming ALWAYS interested slightly striking but not Striking to kill... https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...53545106_o.jpghttps://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.n...44021707_o.jpg


So is it just me or this mouse IS TO BIG!!!! for him?


OH Also they had nothing smaller but I still feel its too big

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No it isn't too big...Please do not release the mouse into the wild!!!

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Originally Posted by PitOnTheProwl

Really the OP need to start here and read read READ!!!!!!!
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...s%29-Caresheet

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I don't think anyone is being rude. Imo, everybody should read this before they even bring a snake home. Its basic care and housing info. This should answer questions if you read it. Also help you to get your little guy set up right. But if you want to ignore the care sheet with information on how to get things right, go ahead. Incorrect husbandry is often related to snakes not eating. And a hatchling ball python can eat a mouse hopper from the day it hatches. As far as temps, they should have ambient temperature of 80 with a 90 degree hot spot. Correct your husbandry, get him a couple appropriate hides, then leave him alone for a week, and he will probably eat. Dragging him back to a pet shop is only going to stress him out more. Good luck with your little one.

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Originally Posted by MootWorm

Just keep in mind he'll outgrow that ten gallon before you know it. You might want to pick up a full size terrarium while you're there so you'll have it on hand when you need to upgrade. Honestly I would leave the snake at home. The trip to the store and back might stress him out even more. Try to bring the mouse, they may exchange it for a rat pinky.

To my knowledge, there aren't any self regulation heat pads. They do have some that have max temps, but I wouldn't trust them. Stop by a hydroponics shop if you can find one, that's where we got our hydrofarm thermostat.

What time of day do you feed? I always feed my balls around 10 pm, they're usually super active and ready for food. The only time I have refusals is when someone's shedding. My little hatchling girl even eats WHILE shedding :) (I stupidly thawed a mouse before checking on her, totally didn't realize she was in shed lol)


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

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LOL your snake is like OH thank mom NOM NOM!! -sheds-

Um Oh yeah I know he will out grow it I am going to be asking my mom inlaw if I can have her terrarium.... she lost her snake of 5yrs due to a bite from a mouse, I wanted to kill the mice I was more angry than she was, Miss Mystic was SOO gentle and a high gold, when I found out she died I was mixed feelings. The mice soon after died due to starve, before that she acted odd so we believe she got bit back in the head cause no drinking eating or even pooping than one day she was stiff. Mom did everything to make sure she was ok, so now I want mine pre killed honestly. Hmm Ok I will call the store ahead of time to ask them about an exchange, and if they say no, i will just try and pick up a pinkie. As for buying Terra's there SUPER over priced at Scales and Tails I could look at petsmart or somewhere if I need one later on. and I wanna start doing Frozen/Thawed mice for him cause I honestly dont want him to get bit, or get sick like M&M did.

You need to get him set up properly with the right temperature gradient and plenty of hides. Leave him alone for 5-7 days, and then try feeding him a hopper mouse or rat pup. Do not leave a live feeder in with him for more than a few hours. He is probably very stressed from having that mouse hopping around his cage for 3 days. Remember, a hiding ball python is a happy ball python. Good luck with your new addition!

Matt Poker

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Originally Posted by DooLittle

I don't think anyone is being rude. Imo, everybody should read this before they even bring a snake home. Its basic care and housing info. This should answer questions if you read it. Also help you to get your little guy set up right. But if you want to ignore the care sheet with information on how to get things right, go ahead. Incorrect husbandry is often related to snakes not eating. And a hatchling ball python can eat a mouse hopper from the day it hatches. As far as temps, they should have ambient temperature of 80 with a 90 degree hot spot. Correct your husbandry, get him a couple appropriate hides, then leave him alone for a week, and he will probably eat. Dragging him back to a pet shop is only going to stress him out more. Good luck with your little one.

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Yup with him being off the heating mat its in the 80's in my room, and him being on the mat it gets hotter like higher in the 80s like 88-89 Umm you posted to quickly I will be hopefully going tomorrow to get a bigger tank for him, and leaving him at home as suggested, also trying to get him to eat in his bigger tank the same night.

Wait I might have not said this right Ok hes also half/half Half tank on it and half off I will be getting a 10 gal tank to start and putthing the heating mat on one side

AHH so half thats not on the mat 80 the part that is 87+

Quote:

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Originally Posted by matt poker

You need to get him set up properly with the right temperature gradient and plenty of hides. Leave him alone for 5-7 days, and then try feeding him a hopper mouse or rat pup. Do not leave a live feeder in with him for more than a few hours. He is probably very stressed from having that mouse hopping around his cage for 3 days. Remember, a hiding ball python is a happy ball python. Good luck with your new addition!

Matt Poker

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Yeah I am thinking so Funny part is... that mouse did not move much he snuggled with the snake o.O like literally they acted like old buddies, was kinda weird and funny. The mouse is out in a jar (only place to put him) We have a kitty that will eat him if I dont LOL Umm I am leaving him alone atm I checked him out to see if he got bit/mites/or anything possibly wrong and nope nothing that I can actually see.

If you have a heat mat it HAS to be regulated by a thermostat. If not it can badly burn your snake. Please please read the caresheet Pit linked.

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Originally Posted by DooLittle

If you have a heat mat it HAS to be regulated by a thermostat. If not it can badly burn your snake. Please please read the caresheet Pit linked.

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I have it being Regulated by myself if thats what you mean like I check it every hour, I dont know any other way to regulate it o.O

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Originally Posted by Zombietox

I have it being Regulated by myself if thats what you mean like I check it every hour, I dont know any other way to regulate it o.O

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A thermostat regulates the temp of the heat mat. It shuts it down if the temp gets past a certain point, which is set by you.

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Originally Posted by Zombietox

I have it being Regulated by myself if thats what you mean like I check it every hour, I dont know any other way to regulate it o.O

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What are you using to check the temperature??
YOU are not proper regulation of a heat mat, NO ONE is.

Oh, and unless you have a temp gun, you won't be able to regulate it on your own because you can't get the actual hotspot temps. The thermometer you use only measures the air temps, not the temps the snake is actually touching. I'd also put tha on the list when you go shopping. What type of thermometer are you using, by the way?

I have a thermometer in the tank that sits at the bottom of the tank or where ever I would like to place it, and tells me the temperature, now this other thing you guys are talking about could someone send me a link on what they look like or where to buy one?

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

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Originally Posted by MootWorm

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

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Ahh I see, Hmm I wonder if Scales and tails sell these would help me regulate easier than constantly checking it >.<

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Zombietox

Ahh I see, Hmm I wonder if Scales and tails sell these would help me regulate easier than constantly checking it >.<

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I've never seen a thermostat at a pet shop, except for the ones I think made by zilla, but I've heard bad things about those. We have 3 of the hydro farms, they work pretty well for a low budget option and they're really easy to set. If you have the money, get a herp stat, they run about $100.

If you haven't already, definitely take a look at the caresheets. There's one posted on the 1st page of this thread, it should help you understand the requirements to have a healthy, happy ball.

I use the hydrofarm as well and am happy with the results for now. Will def upgrade to a herpstat later.

Zombie, this piece of equipment is vital to the proper care of your bp. I suggest ordering one ASAP. My second favorite purchase <besides the snakes themselves> has to be my infared temp gun. Saves soooo much time and allows for some peace of mind.