newbie here have some questions

hi everyone here this is my first post one this site and i have some questions for you guys/girls ok
1)what is the best size tank to buy to have a full grown ball python
2)what is the best subtrait to have besides newspaper and papertowls
3)what is the best type of food dead or alive
4)how do you kill the mouse before you feed
5)is it really best to feed bp in a different cage then its own to lessen risk of getting bit
6)what is the best type of under tank heater to use
7)how many time do you feed a juvinile snake (1 foot long)
8)is misting tank nessary for snake
plz people answer my questions plz i need help thank you for youre time ~dan~

Can you downsize your avatar, please?

Yeah, That would be nice its just a lil bit big.

Use a human heating pad. You can get them at walmart for $12 or so.

whoa shrink your avatar. while i must admit i like it, keep in mind that younger kids participate in this forum too. now for your questions.

1. minimum is 30gal. id say something long, id go with a 55gal tops.
2.this is really personal preferance. i use astroturf in both my BCI and BP tanks
3. ideal prey is f/t (frozen/thawed) or at least p/k (pre killed) never feed live unless you ABSOLUTELY HAVE to
4.place it in a pillow case or bag, and swing it hard against a hard object.
5.thats also personal preferance. i never have fed any of my snakes in a seprate tank. make sure you use tongs when feeding.
6.human heating pad. the one without a auto shutoff
7. appropriatly sized prey (size thickest around as snake) every 5-7days
8.only if the humidity isnt high enough

i heard they have more rish of starting fires

Best size tank for a full grown BP is anything above a 50 gallon. But you can also use a rubbermaid tub those work nice!

Thanks for the resize. :)
As long as you keep the setting on low, don't keep highly flammable materials around it, and make sure there's some airspace between the pad and the thing it's sitting on, there's little risk of fire.

Wait wait wait! Why can't I give live mice to my snake? I have been giving my Bps live mice since I have got them. I havent feed my Burm yet but I was planning on feeding him live prey too

live prey fights back. dont want to harm your new baby do ya?

Podo, live prey can seriously injure your snake, and even kill it.
http://ball-pythons.net/PNphpBB2+vie...6-start-0.html
^ On that thread are several examples of what can happen when feeding live. Not for the faint of heart.

Well I havent had a prob with my BPs I also set there and watch tho. I know I dont want anything to hurt my new babie so I might try and feed her dead prey. I dont know tho. I might just sit there and make sure nothing happens. Im not sure.

When you get up to rat size, it's a whole different story. One good bite on the braincase and your snake can be dead. Not so much with smaller prey, but if you feed a wholly live diet, when it comes time to switch to f/t rats you'll have a really difficult time with it. Roo was raised on live mice, and now feeds happily on p/k feeders. Nothing thawed will do, so she gets a freshly gassed small rat. Vash takes just about anything so long as I make it do the mousie dance. Really, I had a hard time accepting f/t was for the best for a long time because I never had any incidents either, but after seeing a rat go after a friend's snake in the flash of an eye, I don't want to take any chances.

is this good for a set up a 25 gallon long (just for now) repti-carpet repti therm6x8 then a large waterbowl driftwood and two hide boxes made from shoe boxes is this fine

podo, do your snakes a favor and get them on p/k at least. its much safer

AHHHHHHHHHHH..............o0o man thats messed up. I know **** like that can happen but, I am always there when ever I feed my animals weither its my dogs or my snakes or my Tarantulas. I am always there to make sure everything goes ok. I have never left a mouse or rat in any of my snakes cages. I also do not plan on it. I mean I will try feeding a pre killed mouse to my Burm . I mean it doesnt matter to me if it is alive and as long as my snakes will eat it I will feed it. But I think I am going to stick with feeding my Bps live prey.

Make sure to pick up a set of cage locks, a hydrometer and thermometer (with digital probes), and maybe a cheap water bottle in case you need to mist. Other than that, it sounds good.....anyone else have any ideas? :)

You can pick up a thermometer from wallmart for about 12-15 bucks. Also clay pots make good hides!

mrpaintball-

1. remember that ball pythons like smaller more secure enclosures. He needs enough room to be able to streach out, but not much more. A 40 gal breeder would be ideal. Alot of people like to use sterilite containers because they are cheaper, hold humidity better, lighter, and are not completely see-through which gives your bp a better sense of security.

2. I myself prefer reptile carpet. In a pinch I will use a plain bath towel but make sure it is a tight weave so he wont get any lint or anything between his scales. Its easy to clean, looks good, and you dont have to worry about impaction if you feed in your enclosure.

3. My fav is pre killed food, but frozen thawed is excellent too. live prey can fight back so dont feed live. Frozen can help kill germs and diseases in rodents, so its probably your best bet, just make sure you thaw them thuroughly.

4. you can kill prey by using the whacking method or the gassing method. if you dont like to whack em, put them in a seeled container with some dried ice, the co2 will kill em.

5. There is rumor that feeding in the enclosure can create a pavilonian (sp?) response in your snake. Some people think that repeatedly feeding inside its enclosure will condition your pet to associate opening the cage with food. I personaly have never had a snake mistake me for food, but to each their own.

6. human heat pad for sure. they have different settings. just make sure you get one without an auto shut off. Also make sure there is a space between the pad and you enclosure for air to circulate otherwise it will get far too hot.

7. juvinile snake, feed once a week. As he gets older you can move out twards 10 days in between feeding, but that isnt until he is about done growing.

8. misting is not a must as long as you have the correct humidity. Sterilite containers hold humidity well, we also have instructions on how to build a cheap easy humidifier in our do it yourself section.

sorry this was a long post, welcome to the site!

your enclosure sounds just fine. Two hides one for warm side one for cool. I would recommend getting a thermometer with a temp wand or at least another regular one for each side. You also need a hydrometer. Correct humidity is a must that is often overlooked by your beginner herper. make sure he has a humidity of 50-60 %. if you have troubles getting it there, place a damp towel over half of the enclosure or try coving the majority of the top with contact paper or plastic wrap.

See I am just wondering but is it ok if the thermometor that I use has a built in hydrometer. I was just wondering because thats what I use in all of my herps tanks.

Yes it's fine if you use a digital thermometer with a built in hygrometer. That's what I use too. Aslong as you have a reading for humidity, and your temps, you should be golden.

podo, thats ideal to have a built in hygrometer

thanks everybody

Ok, Yea I thought it was cool to have a built in one. You are very welcome Mr. Paintball. If you have anymore questions just ask because that is the only way one person can learn!