New ball python owner with many questions!

I have been reading about ball pythons for a while (months!) and wanted one. Thought I was ready and finally got myself an adorable bp but am struggling so much. I'm having such a hard time and am so concerned about him. I really hope I figure this out asap for him. I don't usually like to be a person to ask a million questions but in this case all I want is for him to be happy and healthy so here are my questions:

DETAILS: I have a glass 20 g tank, a 75 watt infrared bulb, and a UTH pad. I'm using aspen for bedding. I have a small/medium size water dish and also a Tupperware with water below the infrared bulb. I have a digital probe thermometer and another thermometer/humidity detector in the middle of the tank.

Questions regarding humidity:

My humidity is extremely difficult to maintain. I initially was struggling at a 20-30% but since I have added cardboard on top of the cage around the light and the extra water dish along with. Wet hide spot I usually maintain 40% humidity. I then use a water bottle to mist inside the tank and that'll bring it back up but not for long. I cannot even count how many times I've misted today.

1. Is moss a good way to keep my humidity up and if so for about how long

2. I've been misting inside my tank and then read about how the bedding should get wet so I stopped that but I was doing that. The bedding is dry now so will it be okay because in don't want to stress him out more and take him out to change it unless I have to.

3. Since my house is freezing and I believe I may need my infrared bulb for extra heat are my only options an auto mister or humidifier for safe humidity controls?

Questions regarding heat:

As I have mentioned above I have a UTH pad and a 75 watt infrared spot bulb. My tank is usually at 90-95 degrees in the center of the tank under the lamp.

1. I have been reading about thermostats but am confused. Do they go into both my UTH pad and lamp or only one?

2. Would a thermostat eliminate my need for a lamp by being able to provide all the heat I need?

Questions regarding feeding:

I got my snake on Friday and was told his feeding day was Saturday. I tried feeding him with no luck. Figure he's stressed being of how awful I'm doing so I haven't tried feeding him again for fear of stressing him out even more. How long should I wait before trying again? I was thinking of trying tomorrow maybe.

Questions regarding shedding:
My bp has rough parts on his belly and it feels like he may be about to shed. I was told when I bought him he was going to but I was wondering easy signs to tell.


Well that's all I can think of right now and typing this on my phone has taken forever so I'll end this now. Sorry for the length!





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Hi and welcome to the forum. First off, check out the three threads below because they will answer a lot of your questions.

How to setup a 20 gallon glass tank:
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=201740

Shedding Process:
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=28794

Ball Python Care Sheet:
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=127203

The first thing I want to address is a NEED for a thermostat for your UTH. Without a thermostat, you're running a huge risk of burning your snake. The reason we use a thermostat for a UTH is to control how hot it gets. An unregulated UTH can get very hot.

A thermostat for your UTH would not eliminate a need for a heat lamp. UTH provides belly heat while the heat lamp provides ambient heat.

On the humidity issue, I'd suggest using coco husk as bedding. Also, I would suggest closing off the top of your screen with foil. That will trap your humidity better. You'll find how to do that in the tank setup thread.

On the feeding part, wait a week for your BP to get used to his environment and try to feed him again next week.

Hope this helps. Don't be afraid to ask more questions if I didnt answer something or if you need clarification. The whole point of this is forum is to learn.

I'm also writing this mini essay on my phone so I might have missed a few things.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by _Victoria

1. Is oss a good way to keep my humidity up and if so for about how long Yes, couple to few days


2. I've been misting inside my tank and then read about how the bedding should get wet so I stopped that but I was doing that. The bedding is dry now so will it be okay because in don't want to stress him out more and take him out to change it unless I have to. cypress mulch holds humidity better. Misting the substrate is fine. You just don't want it be soaked.

3. Since my house is freezing and I believe I may need my infrared bulb for extra heat are my only options an auto mister or humidifier for safe humidity controls? I have a 40 gallon tank with a che and 60 watt bulb for extra heat on the cool side. Moss in the hide with occasional misting works fine. But you could run a fogger or mister if you want.

Questions regarding heat:

As I have mentioned above I have a UTH pad and a 75 watt infrared spot bulb. My tank is usually at 90-95 degrees in the center of the tank under the lamp.

1. I have been reading about thermostats but am confused. Do they go into both my UTH pad and lamp or only one? tstat can work for either but is necessary for the uth. A lamp can usually be controlled with a dimmer.

2. Would a thermostat eliminate my need for a lamp by being able to provide all the heat I need? No. While the hotspot is important so is your ambient temp. The uth will not help your ambient temps and a tstat will regulate the uth and actually make it cooler than it is currently. I would suggest unplugging the uth until it is hooked up to a tstat. An unregulated uth can burn your snake.

Questions regarding feeding:

I got my snake on Friday and was told his feeding day was Saturday. I tried feeding him with no luck. Figure he's stressed being of how awful I'm doing so I haven't tried feeding him again for fear of stressing him out even more. How long should I wait before trying again? I was thinking of trying tomorrow maybe. I usually just wait until the next feed day but at least five days is good.

Questions regarding shedding:
My bp has rough parts on his belly and it feels like he may be about to shed. I was told when I bought him he was going to but I was wondering easy signs to tell. Pink belly, foggy blue eyes, blue skin. After you see these signs the skin and eyes will clear up and you will get a shed in a few days. The foggy skin is called "blue."


Well that's all I can think of right now and typing this on my phone has taken forever so I'll end this now. Sorry for the length!





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Hi Victoria,
Welcome to the site, I am also a new owner my guy is only about 6 months old. I know its scary at first because you feel like a new parent. First off I am no expert and there will be other people who will give you knowledgeable answers. Out of fear of pointing you in the wrong direction, I'm going to instead refer you to a couple of links.
As for a couple of the things you mentioned. First off a 20 gallon tank may be slightly large for a baby ball assuming that's what you bought. The heat should be on one side of the tank not in the center at around 90 degrees. You should have a hide on both sides of the cage. If he is a baby, he may not eat because of feeling insecure in his home. If you are feeding frozen thawed you will want to look at one of the links. Thermostat wise if you have the UTH running make sure it is hooked up to the thermostat asap. The UTH can and will overheat without it and kill your snake.

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ius)-Caresheet

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...-Frozen-Thawed

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ass-tank-setup

A 20 gallon tank is fine but having logs, plants, moss, etc can help it feel secure. I have raised my bp in a 40 its entire life. I like naturalistic tanks and she is my best eater, even better than my bloods.

Where the heat is directed is not that important. What is important is having a gradient. If the center is warm and both ends are cool its fine as long as the snake has a place to get warm and cool down.

A hotspot of 95 is a bit warm but the bigger issue is its killing the humidity. You could put it on a dimmer, tstat, or raise it away from the cage. All of my lamps are on lamp stands so I can raise or lower them depending on my intended heat goal.

Thank you all for your answers and help. I shut off the UTH and put the lamp back on. I had to shut it off because it was making the tank too hot. I hope the temperature will balance out.

After reading the replies I need feel prepared and have a good list of stuff to buy. I don't know if our petstore had thermostats so I may have to buy one online and I hope he'll be alright until then.

Good to know that it's okay for me to go a little bit longer until feeding and didn't try again today. I can't wait until I get all of this figured out. I feel so bad.

Thanks again for the replies though. I feel like I can now sleep a bit knowing i have some idea what to do. I'll keep posted and update when I can. 😊


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by _Victoria

I shut off the UTH and put the lamp back on. I had to shut it off because it was making the tank too hot. I hope the temperature will balance out.

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You can get a simple lamp dimmer from Lowes or Home Depot for your heat lamp so you can turn it down if it's gettimg your tank too hot.

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Most of the tstats you find at the pet stores are not that great. I personally like Herpstat. I have two Herpstat 1s, a 2, and a 4. If you can afford one, do it.

You want to buy the best tstat you can afford. Buying cheap ones means they will eventually fail and you will spend more money replacing them. Buy it right the first time.

http://www.spyderrobotics.com/store/...ain_page=index

There are others out there but the Herpstat is top of the line. Search the forum for others. They get talked about alot.

I would get a smaller watt bulb. I would think a 50 or 60.

Thanks for the info you guys ! The Home Depot is right across he street from the petstore so I'll look at light dimmers and I do want to pick up a lower watt bulb too.

I want to order a good tstst but shipping takes some time and I don't know if he'll be fine. I was told at petstores that they didn't use the UTH pad but with what I've previously gathered it's pretty important. Do you think the lamp will work for a while if I order a tstst and that he'll be okay?


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Yes, a lamp will work fine.

When I ordered my Herpstat from their site it shipped quick and took two days to be delivered.

Okay good to know. 😊

Another question I've just been thinking about is that input my uth right onto the tank without foil. I've read that it's bad to remove the uth so what should i do? Is there anway I can carefully remove it or lift a little bit off do I can slip the thermostat probe between he uth and tank?


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I also have an extra section cup. Could I suction cup the thermostat probe to the inside bottom of the glass tank. I feel so stupid. 😞


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by _Victoria

Okay good to know. 

Another question I've just been thinking about is that input my uth right onto the tank without foil. I've read that it's bad to remove the uth so what should i do? Is there anway I can carefully remove it or lift a little bit off do I can slip the thermostat probe between he uth and tank?


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Try this link:

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...o-Remove-a-UTH!

Its stickied in the "caging forum" at the bottom of the main forums menu.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by _Victoria

I also have an extra section cup. Could I suction cup the thermostat probe to the inside bottom of the glass tank. I feel so stupid. 


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Its not recommended.

You don't want the tstat probe anywhere that the snake may move it. The suggested way is to place the probe between the uth and the bottom of the tank. The uth and tstat probe need to be outside of the tank. This is the safest way.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by winglesshornet

Try this link:

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...o-Remove-a-UTH!

Its stickied in the "caging forum" at the bottom of the main forums menu.

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Wow! Thank you!! This whole time I didn't think it could be done. After reading this I looked in my house and actually have a brand new bottle of goo off and I do have a spatula. All I need is aluminum foil tape and I'm set.

My plan is since the heating lamp is working now to keep the temperature fine and I got moss and the humidity mostly under control now (i think/hope) that I'll attempt this in a few weeks.

I don't want to stress him more by removing him from tank, cleaning it and taking forever, and all of that until he's comfortable.

You guys have seriously been making me feel so much better, I really appreciate it. I still need to get my other things since I was only able to go to the small pet store nearby and my money hasn't entered my checking account but once it does and unto shopping I'll post updates. :)


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by KMG

Its not recommended.

You don't want the tstat probe anywhere that the snake may move it. The suggested way is to place the probe between the uth and the bottom of the tank. The uth and tstat probe need to be outside of the tank. This is the safest way.

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Good to know, I thought it wasn't a good idea but figured I'd ask people with experience just in case.


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You can also put the thermostat probe on the bottom/outside of the UTH--just put a strip of aluminum foil tape on the cord of the probe (but not on the probe itself) to secure it to the UTH. It might not be quite as accurate as sandwiching the probe between the glass and the UTH, but it works if you made the mistake of gluing the UTH down before placing the thermostat probe (like I did :rolleyes: and you have a thermometer probe to gauge the right temperature IN the tank anyway). Idk, it's probably easier than tearing your whole tank apart and scraping the UTH off.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Thalasuchus

You can also put the thermostat probe on the bottom/outside of the UTH--just put a strip of aluminum foil tape on the cord of the probe (but not on the probe itself) to secure it to the UTH. It might not be quite as accurate as sandwiching the probe between the glass and the UTH, but it works if you made the mistake of gluing the UTH down before placing the thermostat probe (like I did :rolleyes: and you have a thermometer probe to gauge the right temperature IN the tank anyway). Idk, it's probably easier than tearing your whole tank apart and scraping the UTH off.

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Thanks! :) that would be a lot easier and less stressful. I think I'll try that then that way when I get my thermostat I can use it right away instead of a huge project of removing the uth.


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Don't over thnk,that's the first thing the second thing is trial and error,expirementing with stuff...no one is in your situation,so they can only give you tips on what you can try,but doesn't mean will work,you have to mess around with diff bulbs,heat bulbs or basking bulbs,placement of the water bowl..replace card board on top with wet rags..get like 3-4 rags and wet them heavily but not to where water is dripping but very wett and cover 75-80% of the tanks screen with it. That what I do and I mist maybe one time a day just for the hell of it..but the wett rags help keep humidity between 40-60 for 2-3 days before I have to re soak the rags. Good luck

Actually if you are going to put the probe on the bottom of the uth you can cover the whole thing in foil tape. You will still need a temp gun to spot check and adjust inside temps.

Alright. :) I kept reading a things with temp guns mentioned and I thought that they were just something bonus but not necessary if having temperature probe but now it seems that for proper safety it's necessary so after work today I'll be adding that into my amazon shopping list.

UPDATE:
The moss is working great! I picked up a box yesterday. I we some and put it in a hide, filled a very small bowl with wet moss, and also sprinkled some around the tank.

I also got an acurite thermometer to measure temp and humidity. My other temp probe didn't tell the humidity and I was using I dial one. I saw a post about those not being accurate so I set the acuright up last night only to find out my humidity has been staying in the fifties with no problem. My dial say 40% so I'm beyond happy to know it's alright. :) :)


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Good deal.

I love having a temp gun. They make keeping so much easier.

Yeah They seem so handy. Just another question I have my acuright by my small container of moss and the probe on the other side of the tank. The humidity reads in the fifties. Would that be accurate or not because of the placement of the acurite


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Welcome Victoria,

Personally, I use plantation soil (Ground coco husk) and it helps me keep my humidity stable.

Here is what I use for all of my wonderful snakes:

Exo terra 36"x 24"x 18" Terrarium
12 Watt UTH pad
100 Watt IR bulb on a Flukers Lamp Dome (Adjustable)
100 Daylight bulb on a Flukers Lamp Dome (Adjustable)
Exo Terra 2.0 Repti Glo natural light UVB bulb (Vitamin D3)

2 Hides, large water dish, decorations as you see fit to make him/her feel right at home.

Snakes generally do need a "cool down" period after going to a forever home. This lets them adjust and learn their new environment. Please remember not to handle on a daily basis as they can stress out even more so. Once every few days is plenty.

Tuna juice sometimes helps a fussy eater take a mouse.

Again, welcome to the forums and I hope this gives you ideas to make your perfect home for your ball python.

- Matt

Quote:

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Originally Posted by W0ADRA1D3R

Welcome Victoria,

Personally, I use plantation soil (Ground coco husk) and it helps me keep my humidity stable.

Here is what I use for all of my wonderful snakes:

Exo terra 36"x 24"x 18" Terrarium
12 Watt UTH pad
100 Watt IR bulb on a Flukers Lamp Dome (Adjustable)
100 Daylight bulb on a Flukers Lamp Dome (Adjustable)
Exo Terra 2.0 Repti Glo natural light UVB bulb (Vitamin D3)

2 Hides, large water dish, decorations as you see fit to make him/her feel right at home.

Snakes generally do need a "cool down" period after going to a forever home. This lets them adjust and learn their new environment. Please remember not to handle on a daily basis as they can stress out even more so. Once every few days is plenty.

Tuna juice sometimes helps a fussy eater take a mouse.

Again, welcome to the forums and I hope this gives you ideas to make your perfect home for your ball python.

- Matt

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Thank you ! I haven't been touching him at all for the last three days or so. I will admit I did handle him the first two nights just while trying to adjust his tank and because I was stupid but I've let him be now. Picked him up for the first time today for less than a minute because I thought he may be getting ready to shed but I was wrong.

Today is the big day I have planned to attempt to feed him. I'm so anxious about it. I may have to try the tuna juice thing. Do I lightly wet the mouse with the juice?




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Quote:

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Originally Posted by PitOnTheProwl

Actually if you are going to put the probe on the bottom of the uth you can cover the whole thing in foil tape. You will still need a temp gun to spot check and adjust inside temps.

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If you find a set up that works and use it every time,there is no reason to adjust anything,ever. I use the same watt bulbs all the time, my apt I keep about the same temp ur round. I NEVER have to adjust anything. And if the temps change a few degrees,it's really not a big deal,at all.

i also don't cover my entire UTH in foil tape,it's a waste. I tape mine on the outside. I run on strip running from one side if the mat to the other over leaping the foil holding the matt,no problems,EVER

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Grim8899

If you find a set up that works and use it every time,there is no reason to adjust anything,ever. I use the same watt bulbs all the time, my apt I keep about the same temp ur round. I NEVER have to adjust anything. And if the temps change a few degrees,it's really not a big deal,at all.

i also don't cover my entire UTH in foil tape,it's a waste. I tape mine on the outside. I run on strip running from one side if the mat to the other over leaping the foil holding the matt,no problems,EVER

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Im game tonight I guess.
From this post I am taking it that you leave the wax paper on your UTH and never remove it? You do know that paper isn't made to handle heat right? Its only there to cover the glue till you stick it to something. That being said I didn't think I would need to explain this in detail. You remove the wax paper and cover the sticky side of the UTH with foil tape. This is so you can move or reuse it. So again tell me how this is a waste?

Now you use a bulb so I am guessing you don't use a thermostat, then again you are giving suggestions on an UTH so I would hope that you know a thermostat needs to be adjusted till you get the temps you are wanting. So again tell me how you are controlling your temps?

HE ATE !!!! Words cannot describe how happy I am. :) :) :) watching him eat was so amazing, like nothing I've ever seen before.


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Hi Victoria! Just a quick note to say that I almost had a nervous breakdown when I got my Oliver....I was so nervous and worried. You're doing great, and it sounds like you're getting the hang of it. Keep asking questions and know that we are all here to help you and cheer you on! Pamela


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by pbyeerts

Hi Victoria! Just a quick note to say that I almost had a nervous breakdown when I got my Oliver....I was so nervous and worried. You're doing great, and it sounds like you're getting the hang of it. Keep asking questions and know that we are all here to help you and cheer you on! Pamela


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Thank you is nice to know that I'm not the only one to ever be super nervous. Things have definitely improved thanks to the advice I've gotten here.


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I've been reading up in tank cleaning and disinfecting and what I have gathered is to spot clean daily and then to clean and disinfect once a month. Is this right?

Also if I order f10 or chlorhexadine when i spray them I would let it sit and then wile it out with a dry towel, correct? Or do I need to then rinse it after spraying it down.


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I was struggling with the same problems with temps and humidity. A simple solution I found was to place a warm mist humidifier next to the cage, and funnel the mist over to the top of the cage using aluminum foil. I am able to keep the humidity a consistent 55 and it also helps warm the tank since it's steam.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jtupnsmoke

I was struggling with the same problems with temps and humidity. A simple solution I found was to place a warm mist humidifier next to the cage, and funnel the mist over to the top of the cage using aluminum foil. I am able to keep the humidity a consistent 55 and it also helps warm the tank since it's steam.

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Ooooh I think I'm going to have to try this! I was looking at humidifiers but I didn't know if they'd work. This definitely sounds like a good idea that's not hard to do. Thanks.


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Also can anyone tell me if he looks underweight or what he should eat? They old me a fuzzy once every 7 days but I'm thinking I should up him or maybe a fuzzy every five days ? http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/28/medy9uby.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/28/u5enu4u4.jpg


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by _Victoria

Also can anyone tell me if he looks underweight or what he should eat? They old me a fuzzy once every 7 days but I'm thinking I should up him or maybe a fuzzy every five days

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Bump up the size of the mouse

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PitOnTheProwl

Bump up the size of the mouse

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I don't have anything but fuzzys right now. His feeding day is tomorrow and he's currently about to shed I think. Should I feed him 2 fuzzies on Wednesday or to and get a different size and the. I don't know what with the others


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Well I got my thermostat today! I went out and got some aluminum foil tape. I also picked up a hot glue gun from goodwill. I want to set up the thermostat tonight by taping it on the bottom of the uth then using the hot glue gun to glue the temperature probe (the cord) so it rests on th bottom of the tank above the uth. Is this a plan that'll work?


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by _Victoria

I want to set up the thermostat tonight by taping it on the bottom of the uth then using the hot glue gun to glue the temperature probe (the cord) so it rests on th bottom of the tank above the uth. Is this a plan that'll work?


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Yep, that sounds like a plan. Just don't put a lot of substrate (half inch to an inch) because the heat from the UTH won't get through.

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All done ! I also got my humidity fixed by mixing Cyprus mulch and aspen. For the first time I feel like I have everything situated!


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I think I messed up though. :( I used the hot glue gun to secure the a acurite temperature/humidity probe to the bottom of the inside of the tank and now my humidity has jumped drastically to 70-72 but I also have one if those cheap dial ones which read my humidity is at 40. I don't know what to believe and am so confused.


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by _Victoria

I think I messed up though. :( I used the hot glue gun to secure the a acurite temperature/humidity probe to the bottom of the inside of the tank and now my humidity has jumped drastically to 70-72 but I also have one if those cheap dial ones which read my humidity is at 40. I don't know what to believe and am so confused.


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If you recently re-wet the moss or misted the substrate, the humidity will spike. The humidity sensor in the Acu-rite is inside the base unit, so if it is close to the water bowl, or the snake urinates near it, you will also get a spike. Just keep an eye on it. Temporary spikes are no cause for alarm. If the humidity is still high after a frew hours, try removing or reducing the moss, it may not be needed with the cypress mulch.

The humidity is fine now but my temps are all messed up! I'm about to lose my mind! Here is my set up:

Right side:
Uth pad
Hydrofarm thermostat probe taped to bottom of uth pad
75 watt infrared lamp
Acurite temp probe hit glue gunned to bottom of glass tank under substrate
Temp probe on glass wall

Left side:
Acurite indoor temp


My hydrofarm is only heating up to 82.2 and my temp probe reads 91.6

Now on my indoor temp that's on my cooler side it reads that it's 91 degrees on my cool side.

I don't know what to do. :(


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