Tips and Advice for first time Ball Python Owner

Hey Guys...
I am a long-time ball python enthusiast, but have just recently talked my wife (who has always had a fear of snakes) into agreeing to bring a ball python into our house. So, I have already set-up and purchased a Firefly male, who will be shipped to me at the start of October. I have the enclosure set-up and was just wanting to get feedback from more experienced people on changes I need to make or something I could make better. Here are 2 pictures of my set-up:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/v7am2r4cpb...ure_1.jpg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/odo9ehjetn...ure_2.jpg?dl=0

Also, just curious as to what would be the one most important piece of advice that you would give to someone like me who is a first time owner.

Thanks.

Pics aren't showing.

Looks fine to me, so long as that 1 heat mat is enough to maintain the proper temps.

http://mrcoxmathclass.weebly.com/upl...nclosure_1.jpg

- - - Updated - - -

http://mrcoxmathclass.weebly.com/upl...nclosure_2.jpg

Sorry. Here are the pictures!

I am going to plug everything up this weekend and let it run to monitor where the temps are. If the one heat mat isn't enough, what would be my alternatives?

So far, you seem to be doing a good job with the enclosure.

What are your temps without using the heat mat? From the pictures you posted it seems your thermometer reads 74/75ºF. If that's the case, once you have your heat mat running you will most likely be able to maintain proper temperatures.

However if one heat mat is not enough to achieve proper temps, you can use a 2nd one on your cool side and set it to 80ºF. That way you ensure your slithery fellow has the proper temperatures all the time.

You might want to start thinking about covering, at least, 3 sides of that tub since it is a clear one and ball pythons aren't really fans of being exposed.

Now some questions:

- Do you have that heat mat plugged into a thermostat? If not, don't use that heat mat until you have a thermostat for it or you will most likely burn your scaly buddy.
- Where is your thermometer probe placed and your thermostat probe?
- How big is the male you're gonna get? (His weight)

The temps without anything being turned on is about 74/75. I didn't think about covering 3 of the sides, but that does make sense. I will definitely do that. Even though the tub is in a spare bedroom where the lights are rarely turned on and no one usually goes in there at all during the day.

I do have a thermostat to plug the heat map into. I haven't plugged it up and tried it yet, but plan on doing that this weekend. As far as probes go. The thermostat probe is located directly in the middle of the hot side, under the substrate. The thermostat probe I haven't placed yet. I have seen conflicting views. Some say in between the tub and heat mat and some say just on the outside of the heat map. Would love your thoughts on that?

And then lastly, the snake I am getting is currently around 120 grams. As far as maximum weight, i'm not sure. I assume I will have to move up in tub size eventually. But I will just adjust that to how quickly he grows.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dmt_jovi

You might want to start thinking about covering, at least, 3 sides of that tub since it is a clear one and ball pythons aren't really fans of being exposed.

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I would wrap dark material around 3 sides and part of the front so the little snake will have 4 corners to curl up or hide in. And a little more clutter.

http://i.imgur.com/1BOEpeI.jpg



Also maybe put holes in the top to prevent condensation and improve air flow.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bvilletigers10

Hey Guys...
I am a long-time ball python enthusiast, but have just recently talked my wife (who has always had a fear of snakes) into agreeing to bring a ball python into our house. So, I have already set-up and purchased a Firefly male, who will be shipped to me at the start of October. I have the enclosure set-up and was just wanting to get feedback from more experienced people on changes I need to make or something I could make better. Here are 2 pictures of my set-up:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/v7am2r4cpb...ure_1.jpg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/odo9ehjetn...ure_2.jpg?dl=0

Also, just curious as to what would be the one most important piece of advice that you would give to someone like me who is a first time owner.

Thanks.

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Hmmmmmmmmmm,,,, Let me see.

Tips???


Start working on your wife now for the next snake, because this is how it starts my friend LOL!

I started out with "just one" royal and a wife that wasn't and still isn't into snakes.

I have a reticulated python coming next Tuesday.

Welcome to the addiction.

Looks like you are doing fine.

And advice???

Have fun; it's a great hobby IMO. :)

I appreciate all the advice. I will definitely get the sides covered.

And good luck with the retic!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bvilletigers10

The temps without anything being turned on is about 74/75. I didn't think about covering 3 of the sides, but that does make sense. I will definitely do that. Even though the tub is in a spare bedroom where the lights are rarely turned on and no one usually goes in there at all during the day.

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74/75 It's not that bad, if you could bump it up close to 80 it would be perfect. Covering the sides isn't just because someone is arround and it would scare him, it's also because they are secretive snakes and without at least 3 sides covered they might feel exposed, which will result in a stressed snake.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bvilletigers10

I do have a thermostat to plug the heat map into. I haven't plugged it up and tried it yet, but plan on doing that this weekend. As far as probes go. The thermostat probe is located directly in the middle of the hot side, under the substrate. The thermostat probe I haven't placed yet. I have seen conflicting views. Some say in between the tub and heat mat and some say just on the outside of the heat map. Would love your thoughts on that?

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Don't have the heat mat running if it is not plugged into a thermostat! It can get really hot if unregulated and will burn your snake.
As far as probe placement goes, follow the most informative crayon drawing you will ever see, Pit's Drawing:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PitOnTheProwl

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h1...psp2koldrd.jpg

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If you put the probe inside the enclosure your snake can poop, pee, spill water on the probe which will change the temperature reading, which in turn will cause your UTH to run hotter or colder than it should. If you setup your probe this way you will have an honest reading on your thermostat probe and it will not be exposed to stuff that can alter it's reading.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bvilletigers10

And then lastly, the snake I am getting is currently around 120 grams. As far as maximum weight, i'm not sure. I assume I will have to move up in tub size eventually. But I will just adjust that to how quickly he grows.

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Your tub seems to have a good size for your BP, if anything it might be a bit tall but that's not a problem. Adjust the tub size as he grows and you should be fine :gj:

[IMG]http://i1255.photobucket.com/albums/...psojclppww.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i1255.photobucket.com/albums/...psa9jz7ixv.jpg[/IMG]

Just a quick update. Advice was great. I covered 3 sides of the enclosure. This guy has been with me for about 2 weeks and has been doing great. He's ate like a champ both times and seems to be doing great. Thanks again for all the great advice and support!

Is that an Aggravation game I see in the background?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Aztec4mia

Is that an Aggravation game I see in the background?

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It is a homemade version of it, yeah! Gets pretty wild and competitive in or house! Haha

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bvilletigers10

Just a quick update. Advice was great. I covered 3 sides of the enclosure. This guy has been with me for about 2 weeks and has been doing great. He's ate like a champ both times and seems to be doing great. Thanks again for all the great advice and support!

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Glad to hear it! Keep us posted :gj:

Btw that is a beautiful Firefly!