new BP owner with questions

I just got a BP last week 10/11/15 and so far he has been amazing. PetSmart said he had not ate in several weeks, that when I got him home I should try feeding him live. I fed him 2 fuzzies and he ate them rather quick. Then on 10/13/15 he started acting a lil strange and I thought he may be hungry so I fed him 2 more fuzzies and he ate those but still acted hungry(not that I know how a hungry snake acts). Today he has bee out of his hide more than normal. He is like slithering up the side of his tank and staying there straight up with his nose against the screen. He will come down and go in his hide for a bit then back out slithering around and then back to slithering around on the side of the tank. Is this normal? It's almost like he's casing the joint. Could he be hungry? I tried posting pics of this behavior but cant seem to figure out how to do it. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...type=3&theater

Let's go over your snake's setup first. He's in a tank - how big is it?

How is it heated (under-tank heater, light, etc)?

Are the heater(s) on a thermostat? (THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT)

What are the warm and cool side temperatures in the tank and what type of thermometers are you using to take those measurements?

What is the humidity in the tank and what type of hygrometer are you using?

What kind of substrate are you using?

What kind of hides does your snake have?

How much does your snake weigh, in grams?

He is in a 20 gallon reptile aquarium. Heated with a light 75wt. No thermostat. The warm side reads around 84 85 F. The cool side reads around 75 76. I use the lil stick on thermos strips. The humidity is hovering around 40%. It is one I bought at petsmart. I am using aspen bedding. He has a half log hide on the cool side and on the warm side under the basking branch he has fake plants, he lays under at times. I do not know how much he weighs. I am able to post pics on my profile of him though. He just started the standing up today, I sorta think he may be hungry but he just ate the other day. He doesn't do the standing thing very long .

uh oh, u best unplug the undertank heater until u can get a thermostat to hook it up to regulate temps. u don't want to burn your new BP.

also get digital gauges to monitor temps and humidity. it's far more accurate.

also here's a thread on 5 important things some of us forumers think every new BP owner should know - http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...t-ball-pythons. Thermostat is a popular answer and for good reason. :)

I am not heating with an undertank heater. I am using a simple basking bulb. Thank ya'll so much. I just want jimmy to be as happy as a snake can be. Also how when I know he is hungry ?

Keep in mind that snakes are opportunistic feeders. They would, if they could or wanted to, eat anytime anything is offered to them and this could lead to obesity. (Please someone correct me if I am wrong) I suggest sticking to a set feeding schedule. Feed prey no wider than the widest part of your snake. I will be feeding my baby bp who is 158g every 5-6. Some keepers feed them only once a week.

I also strongly suggest a uth with a thermostat. Ball pythons need more belly heat than overhead heat.

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I'd definitely look into getting 2 secure hides for your BP. They like tight, dark spaces, and a hide with only one entrance would be preferable. You'll want one on the cool side and one on the warm side. And as mystic moon said, a uth with a thermostat is much better for BP's than lamps. Congrats on your new pet!

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Originally Posted by Ax01

uh oh, u best unplug the undertank heater until u can get a thermostat to hook it up to regulate temps. u don't want to burn your new BP.

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No UTH to regulate

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Originally Posted by MysticMoon001

Ball pythons need more belly heat than overhead heat.

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Originally Posted by Megg

And as mystic moon said, a uth with a thermostat is much better for BP's than lamps. Congrats on your new pet!

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Proper ambient heat is just as good as belly heat. It has been proven by many many many keepers that have huge collections.
All other recommendations are on point.
Do yourself a favor and get a non contact thermometer, this will let you get your surface temperatures easily and quickly.
You still need to know ambients as well though.

Thank ya'll so much. What type or wattage of uth and thermostat would be best? Where would be the best place to place it in his home? Is there a bedding other than the aspen shavings that are better and that he would prefer? BP's have a long lifespan and I want him to be happy and healthy as possible. As for handling him, I have long acrylic nails, they are not sharp but I worry about them tickling him as I go to scoop him up. AS for feeding I put him in a separate container when I feed him and then leave him for about 30 minutes after he has ate. Is the an okay practice? Will I still need a heat lamp with an uth , my home stays pretty cool, and which is better for night, the red or purple lights?

Better would be a ceramic heat emitter.
As far a moving him for feeding, Why? There is no need to.

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Originally Posted by jimmysmom

Thank ya'll so much. What type or wattage of uth and thermostat would be best? Where would be the best place to place it in his home? Is there a bedding other than the aspen shavings that are better and that he would prefer? BP's have a long lifespan and I want him to be happy and healthy as possible. As for handling him, I have long acrylic nails, they are not sharp but I worry about them tickling him as I go to scoop him up. AS for feeding I put him in a separate container when I feed him and then leave him for about 30 minutes after he has ate. Is the an okay practice? Will I still need a heat lamp with an uth , my home stays pretty cool, and which is better for night, the red or purple lights?

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UTH on a thermostat for belly heat, set so the surface temperature of the glass (not the substrate) measures 90*F using a temperature gun or infrared thermometer.
CHE or light for ambient temperature in the tank in the upper 70's to 80*F.
Except for an opening for the heat lamp or CHE, cover the tank to retain heat and humidity in it.
Don't move your snake for feeding.

Are the fuzzies mice or rats ? Mice fuzzies are too small for any BP. As stated in another reply, prey size should be about the same girth as the snake. Once every 5-7 days is enough.

So this morning jimmy is back at it. He is not standing up, but is all over the place. He's pretty restless, he is drinking water and flicking his tongue. Could he be hungry seeing as how I have only given him mice pinkies. I live in a town with only one little place that has feeder mice and rats and they do not have rat fuzzies. I move him because , well petsmart says that's the best thing to do. I have looked online and can not find a place to buy a thermostat, all I come across is articles about them. I do keep the top of the mesh topper covered except where the light is. Thank ya'll so much. Jimmy's gonna be aa lot happier and healthier now that I have found this site.

I highly recommend any herpstat by spider robotics. Ve thermostat are good quality as well.

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Petsmart....... Not the smartest people most of the time.
Thermostats, check with Reptile Basics.
Pinky mice are way too small for any ball python.

I agree about petsmart not being the smartest. It is the only place to buy products in my area. I checked out reptile basics and will be ordering a thermostat from there but, I will get my uth at petsmart. Is there a certain wattage that I need, I see they sell different wattages also, where is the best place to put it ? He has been out and active all day so far. I was under the assumption that BP were not very active during the day . Could he have his days and nights mixed up? Also, what type of night light would be best? I currently have a 60 w purple bulb. I keep the the mesh lid covered with the exception of where the light is and about 2 inches on the cool side for airflow. I do know that I need to raise my humidity, what is the best and safest way to do that and maintain it? I see that I have not bee feeding him large enough food. I have feed him 2 small ones each feeding. I worry about him being hungry and that making him a tad upset. I know I get iffy when I am hungry. Is there any signs to watch for to know he is hungry? I do feel that he is under weight for his length, but I am just learning . I try to handle him at least once a day for a few moments at a time to get him used to being held. Any advice and suggestions on hat I should do to will be fully noted and used. Thanks guys

Since I am using a tub and not a tank, I can't really tell you where to place your uth. The UTH I use is the Zoomed brand and hasn't failed me when it comes to getting a 90℉ hot spot. As for him moving around I believe he could be one of two things.

He could be:
1. Just a very active and curious bp
2. Stressed.

I suggest making sure your husbandry is spot on and see if that will change his behavior. Someone else mentioned two hides with a single opening in the front to maybe make him feel more comfortable. My bp had this behavior for awhile too until I got him a different kind of hide. The hides I got were from www.professionalreptiles.com at a reptile show but you can find similar ones on reptile basics and eBay. Or you could make your own and such.

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Originally Posted by jimmysmom

... they do not have rat fuzzies.

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hopper/small mice?

I got uth and a thermostat today. Where do I place it? On the cool end of the tank, in the middle, or on the hot end of the tank?I have raised my humidity to about 55% up from 40. Would the Cyprus mulch be better than the aspen at helping me maintain humidity? I think he may be just an active BP, because he does stay in his hide a lot or under the plants on the hot side. I am pretty sure he is hungry (but being from the south we think everyone and everything is always hungry), but I am holding off till Monday to feed him so that I can at least stick to a schedule.

UTH should go on the hot side. Make sure to tape the probe for the thermostat underneath the glass before attaching the UTH.

I can't say anything on cypress mulch since I don't use it so hopefully someone will chip in on that.

And its good of you to be sticking to a feeding schedule. Can't really say much on where to get live rodents but perhaps look on Facebook and see if there is a small local rodent breeder. Worth a try.

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There is a Sticky that tells you everything that you need to know about setting up a tank for your BP at the top of Husbandry section.


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Pamela and GINGER, my wonderful BP

1 dog, 3 cats, 1 macaw, 1 husband, 1 daughter, and GINGER [emoji216]


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Today is jimmy's feed day. Ya'll informed me that I have been feeding him too small food. So last night I went and bought a small mouse fitting to the largest part of his body. I was afraid it would scratch or bite him so I bopped it on the head. He struck at it and looked as if he was going to eat it, but he wouldn't. I have only feed him live unbopped before. I am afraid that giving him a bigger mouse alive that it may scratch or bite him. Any suggestions ?

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Originally Posted by jimmysmom

Today is jimmy's feed day. Ya'll informed me that I have been feeding him too small food. So last night I went and bought a small mouse fitting to the largest part of his body. I was afraid it would scratch or bite him so I bopped it on the head. He struck at it and looked as if he was going to eat it, but he wouldn't. I have only feed him live unbopped before. I am afraid that giving him a bigger mouse alive that it may scratch or bite him. Any suggestions ?

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I would stop smashing his food on the head.

Your snake is well equipped to kill and eat a mouse without help.

They have been doing this for 1000s of years.

I am having issues maintaining humidity levels. I have a screen top that I have covered with tight fitting plastic with the exception of where the light is. I switched to eco earth coconut fibers, and added more greenery. I can get the humidity to about 48 % and it will stay that way for several hours then begin it begins to drop. This morning I woke to find the humidity at 34%. Would buying a humidifier for the room he is in make a difference? There does not appear to be dents in his eyes from lack of humidity, and he is eating and drinking and using the bathroom fine. Over all he appears to be happy but I know that I have to work on the humidity. Any advice will be appreciated and followed.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jimmysmom

I am having issues maintaining humidity levels. I have a screen top that I have covered with tight fitting plastic with the exception of where the light is. I switched to eco earth coconut fibers, and added more greenery. I can get the humidity to about 48 % and it will stay that way for several hours then begin it begins to drop. This morning I woke to find the humidity at 34%. Would buying a humidifier for the room he is in make a difference? There does not appear to be dents in his eyes from lack of humidity, and he is eating and drinking and using the bathroom fine. Over all he appears to be happy but I know that I have to work on the humidity. Any advice will be appreciated and followed.

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While good ambient air is important for them if you're still using the over tank heater, that might be drying out the air. One way to get the humidity up is a bigger water bowl. You'll want one that's big enough that they can fit inside and soak themselves in if they need to. The larger water bowl helps you spot if something is wrong too, example, if your snake is soaking there's something not so good going on and it's a good signal for you to double check their husbandry and check on them to make sure there's no problems with your new scaly baby. Another way you could get the humidity up and I do this for mine when he sheds is a warm wet towel over half the top of the tank instead of the plastic and a dry towel on top of that. I wet it once in the morning and once before bed. I had tried the plastic and tin foil trick and it hadn't worked too well for me but the towel trick did.

Also for humidity I have been using an old (clean) kitchen towel. Every night before bed I put on a damp towel, wake up mist lightly, moisten towel again and it stays between 50 and 60 all day.

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Sorry SekiMoshu, I just saw you suggested that. Using my phone doesn't work that well sometimes.

Again my apologies.

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Just want to double check that your UTH is plugged into the thermostat (not just plugged into the wall). UTH are notorious for heating up to 110 degrees or higher and burning your snake. Our UTH burnt our glass along with our snakes belly.

Humidity..you said you have a petsmart? Look for sphagnum moss. Comes in a box. Get some "miniature solo cups" and stick some moss in one or two (depending on your setup) and wet the moss. Should help up the humidity.

We have a 55gallon tank and I used 4 of the little cups and tin foiled the top of the screen. Went from 40 percent to 55-65 percent and stayed there.

As someone else suggested, you may just have a super curious snake. Ours made laps around his cage for the first 6 months.

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Originally Posted by AnnaK231

Just want to double check that your UTH is plugged into the thermostat (not just plugged into the wall). UTH are notorious for heating up to 110 degrees or higher and burning your snake. Our UTH burnt our glass along with our snakes belly.

Humidity..you said you have a petsmart? Look for sphagnum moss. Comes in a box. Get some "miniature solo cups" and stick some moss in one or two (depending on your setup) and wet the moss. Should help up the humidity.

We have a 55gallon tank and I used 4 of the little cups and tin foiled the top of the screen. Went from 40 percent to 55-65 percent and stayed there.

As someone else suggested, you may just have a super curious snake. Ours made laps around his cage for the first 6 months.

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Yes the UTH is on a thermostat, it is set at 88. I got some moss and did as suggested and it raises it for a bit then drops drastically. I keep a warm moist towel over half the screen. I have increased the size of his water dish. I have misted, but I feel that I am misting to much. I live in a cooler climate with very low humidity. Would adding a humidifier to my room help increase the humidity in his tank. He is in shed as we speak and I have started stressing myself out over this humidity issue.

Are you still using a heat bulb? They dry the air out immensely and I found it impossible to keep proper humidity in a glass tank with a light. I switched to a ceramic heat emitter bulb and UTH, both on separate thermostats and between that and a damp towel on top I can keep my humidity around 60% all the time re-wetting the towel maybe once a day.. This is in my house where the average humidity is around 40%.

You could do a humid hide for him. I have one for my rainbow boa. Just a tupperwear with a hole cut in the top and it's filled with cypress mulch. She doesn't use it often but it gives her a place to go if she needs humidity.

If you keep having problems, I would consider switching to a tub setup. I keep my bp's in tubs and their humidity is perfect. I tried with a tank but couldn't keep the humidity up enough so I switched. No problems since then.

Jimmy shed last night, and I got to watch it!! He shed in one piece although there was a tiny piece that tore, but it all came off in one long piece. I am guessing the humidity is alright since there was no problem shedding. I'm pretty stoked now.​