New snake owner - given wrong info?

Hi all. My husband and I just purchased a one year old female ball python from Pet Supplies Plus. She is such a sweetheart, and we were instantly in love. This is the first snake for either of us. I've done a lot of research, and some of the things the employee told me don't seem right. He told me not to worry about cage temp, not to bother with a heatmat. I bought thermometers anyway, and her warm side is only 75 degrees, her cool side 70. He told me she went through a shed last week, but shed yesterday. There is also at least 2 inches of mulch on the bottom of her cage. He told me I only need to clean her cage every 3 months. I can't help but feel ALL of that is wrong. I'm sorry for all the newb questions, but I don't want to be a halfassed snake owner. Can someone give me some right information please? Thank you!!!

You're right, its all ridiculous, and it seems like everyones getting the same info when going to chain stores, however you'll find the people here amazingly helpful. The lady when i got mine a couple days ago sold me a load of horsepoo that cost almost 200$ in useless supplies. So dont feel too bad, at least you found these people too.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...ius)-Caresheet

Pretty much all wrong. I would read through the "stickies" on this forum, lots of good info from well educated, experienced people. You definitely don't want temps falling below 75, a respiratory infection is almost a guarantee. Your snake needs heat, and pretty soon. There's no way the snake shed twice in a week. What type of "mulch"? It needs to be spot cleaned whenever the snakes poops, or pees. And cleaned thoroughly monthly.

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Originally Posted by Dawn1131

Hi all. My husband and I just purchased a one year old female ball python from Pet Supplies Plus. She is such a sweetheart, and we were instantly in love. This is the first snake for either of us. I've done a lot of research, and some of the things the employee told me don't seem right. He told me not to worry about cage temp, not to bother with a heatmat. I bought thermometers anyway, and her warm side is only 75 degrees, her cool side 70. He told me she went through a shed last week, but shed yesterday. There is also at least 2 inches of mulch on the bottom of her cage. He told me I only need to clean her cage every 3 months. I can't help but feel ALL of that is wrong. I'm sorry for all the newb questions, but I don't want to be a halfassed snake owner. Can someone give me some right information please? Thank you!!!

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Ya go tell that employee he is 100% incorrect and shouldn't be in animal care/selling animals.

you absolutely need a heat source unless you have a room that can maintain a completely ambient 85 degrees, otherwise you should have a 90 degree hotside, and the rest of the cage should be between 76-80ish.

you need an undertank heater, not a heat mat that can go inside the cage. Those are a no-go for snakes. You also need a thermostat to regulate your heat source, no exceptions. You can use a light dimmer from Lowes temporarily until you get a good thermostat.

cleaning is subjective, but I clean all my tubs 1 time a month and I spot clean them every day.

You don't need 2 inches of substrate, ball pythons don't burrow nearly as much like some other species.

He told you every thing wrong, your substrate is good. For temp. you want the warm side between 88-94(I keep mine at 89ish). The cool side at 80-84 (I keep mine at 82). You need an under tank heater with thermometer to keep them stable. Keep the humidity at 50-60. Go to the care sheets and look it will give you better info.

92 degrees max* I know 2 degrees doesn't sound like a lot but over prolonged exposure can make a big difference in health.

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Originally Posted by predatorkeeper87

You don't need 2 inches of substrate, ball pythons don't burrow nearly as much like some other species.

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I'm just going to keep replying with this every time someone says, "ball python's don't burrow." :P

It does vary by snake though, my other beeps aren't nearly as tunnel crazy as Serket. Just a good idea to trying it and see if they like it.

Well, burrow as much is what they meant, I'm sure. Bix is known to snuggle down sometimes, but it's very infrequent. I'm sure some BPs have a big habit of it. I'm sure quite a few don't burrow at all. Like you said it depends specifically on the particular animal.

Don't feel bad about asking questions! I've posted mile-long threads and I still have questions (a lot of them) and the need to double check/clarify things. Pet stores in general are really terrible with their care - my advice is to stick with the forums and do some outside research - I always always feel better when I cross-reference all my info. The more consistencies you find throughout your research, the better the bet that it's the safe and correct way to go. Definitely dive into that if you're nervous about what you're being told.

Burrowing/eating/activity/mannerisms are, as far as I can see, very particular to any given animal, so those details may take you a bit to iron out! As long as you get the basics down first, your snake will do fine and you can grow together! :)

Thank you! I'm glad I found this place too ☺

Honestly most pet stores don't have a clue about reptiles. Petsmart and Petco are among the top of that list. Now don't get me wrong they do have some employees that may know, but most don't have a single clue. This is why we always recommend you get your snake from a breeder, at least they know what they're doing and can give you accurate information.

Thank you! We are going today to buy an under tank heater and thermostat. She does have a day/night heat lamp, so she isn't totally without. It just isn't doing enough. I believe he told me it was cyprus mulch, and I've read that's the best? I really appreciate your reply! Thank you again!

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

Pretty much all wrong. I would read through the "stickies" on this forum, lots of good info from well educated, experienced people. You definitely don't want temps falling below 75, a respiratory infection is almost a guarantee. Your snake needs heat, and pretty soon. There's no way the snake shed twice in a week. What type of "mulch"? It needs to be spot cleaned whenever the snakes poops, or pees. And cleaned thoroughly monthly.

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We are going today to buy an under tank heater and thermostat. She does have day/night heat lamps, but they aren't cutting it. I'm also going to totally clean her cage, since he was probably wrong about it being cleaned recently. Thank you so much for your reply! I appreciate it!

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Originally Posted by predatorkeeper87

Ya go tell that employee he is 100% incorrect and shouldn't be in animal care/selling animals.

you absolutely need a heat source unless you have a room that can maintain a completely ambient 85 degrees, otherwise you should have a 90 degree hotside, and the rest of the cage should be between 76-80ish.

you need an undertank heater, not a heat mat that can go inside the cage. Those are a no-go for snakes. You also need a thermostat to regulate your heat source, no exceptions. You can use a light dimmer from Lowes temporarily until you get a good thermostat.

cleaning is subjective, but I clean all my tubs 1 time a month and I spot clean them every day.

You don't need 2 inches of substrate, ball pythons don't burrow nearly as much like some other species.

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Thank you

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Originally Posted by Dillonfail

He told you every thing wrong, your substrate is good. For temp. you want the warm side between 88-94(I keep mine at 89ish). The cool side at 80-84 (I keep mine at 82). You need an under tank heater with thermometer to keep them stable. Keep the humidity at 50-60. Go to the care sheets and look it will give you better info.

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Thank you!! Last night was the first time she hung out on my lap for any length of time, and then on my shoulders. It was a great experience.

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Originally Posted by Maggie Louise

Well, burrow as much is what they meant, I'm sure. Bix is known to snuggle down sometimes, but it's very infrequent. I'm sure some BPs have a big habit of it. I'm sure quite a few don't burrow at all. Like you said it depends specifically on the particular animal.

Don't feel bad about asking questions! I've posted mile-long threads and I still have questions (a lot of them) and the need to double check/clarify things. Pet stores in general are really terrible with their care - my advice is to stick with the forums and do some outside research - I always always feel better when I cross-reference all my info. The more consistencies you find throughout your research, the better the bet that it's the safe and correct way to go. Definitely dive into that if you're nervous about what you're being told.

Burrowing/eating/activity/mannerisms are, as far as I can see, very particular to any given animal, so those details may take you a bit to iron out! As long as you get the basics down first, your snake will do fine and you can grow together! :)

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Originally Posted by Dawn1131

Thank you! We are going today to buy an under tank heater and thermostat. She does have a day/night heat lamp, so she isn't totally without. It just isn't doing enough. I believe he told me it was cyprus mulch, and I've read that's the best? I really appreciate your reply! Thank you again!

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Sounds good!! Stick around this forum and ask questions, read, study, learn and take the advice of the experienced keepers on here and you will be fine. You'll have many years of enjoyment with your new animal.

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Originally Posted by Dawn1131

Thank you!! Last night was the first time she hung out on my lap for any length of time, and then on my shoulders. It was a great experience.

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The bonding process is one of the best parts of owning a BP :)

I will, for sure! I think I found my new favorite online hang out.

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

Sounds good!! Stick around this forum and ask questions, read, study, learn and take the advice of the experienced keepers on here and you will be fine. You'll have many years of enjoyment with your new animal.

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Originally Posted by Dawn1131

I will, for sure! I think I found my new favorite online hang out.

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Oh and WELCOME !!!!

Just when you think you've heard it all🙈

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Originally Posted by Mr Sully

Just when you think you've heard it all[emoji85]

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Well actually ...... there is another current thread where the guy was advised to scent the rodent with GARLIC as it supposedly encourages Royals / Ball pythons to feed !?!




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Originally Posted by Zincubus

Well actually ...... there is another current thread where the guy was advised to scent the rodent with GARLIC as it supposedly encourages Royals / Ball pythons to feed !?!




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Just read that 2 min ago.. There are some things i just don't even comment on.. Lmbo


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Welcome and enjoy expanding your knowledge. :gj:

Thank you!

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Originally Posted by Zincubus

Oh and WELCOME !!!!

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- - - Updated - - -

Thank you! I definitely will.

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Originally Posted by PitOnTheProwl

Welcome and enjoy expanding your knowledge. :gj:

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Gosh, I hate people. They don't care about reptiles and assume since the snake is still alive - then it must be at accurate temps, humidity, etc. Your snake is probably very thankful it has a proper owner now. You should write a review so other people will know what to look out for and buy their animals with proper heating/lighting.

Everyone here has given you great info, that is why I love this website.

Congrats on your new family member :) :snake:

I'm not a huge fan of people myself. I agree that it seems like most people don't really care about reptiles. And thank you! I'm trying to be a responsible snake owner. I appreciate your reply.

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Originally Posted by KingNoFace

Gosh, I hate people. They don't care about reptiles and assume since the snake is still alive - then it must be at accurate temps, humidity, etc. Your snake is probably very thankful it has a proper owner now. You should write a review so other people will know what to look out for and buy their animals with proper heating/lighting.

Everyone here has given you great info, that is why I love this website.

Congrats on your new family member :) :snake:

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Originally Posted by Dawn1131

I'm not a huge fan of people myself. I agree that it seems like most people don't really care about reptiles. And thank you! I'm trying to be a responsible snake owner. I appreciate your reply.

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Its more common that these pet store employees are kids who just took the job because they needed one, or they have their hands tied with corporate rules of sale like petco and petsmart employees were they are told to sell a specific set of items for specific animals...its unfortunate but luckily forums like this exist to send new owners in the correct direction.