Help with new Ball Python
Hi, I'm new here and I just got my first ball python today. I'm a little worried to see it constantly trying to escape the tank. It hasn't used its hide yet either. i use a reptitherm heat pad on the bottom. My problem with this is directly on the glass bottom above the pad, the temperature ranges from upper 80s to low 90s. however, once i put aspen inside, it's cooler on top of the substrate (low to mid 80s) while the direct glass is higher (still upper 80s lower 90s). If i put the thermostat up to heat the substrate, then the direct glass will be upper 90s close to 100 while the top of the substrate becomes upper 80s. I use a temperature gun to measure these. The cool side is around 77 or 78. I'm afraid I'm not giving my bp correct heating. Either the direct glass is good but the substrate is too cool or the substrate is good while the direct glass bottom is too hot. Could this be why it's constantly try to escape and won"t use the hide?
Any help is appreciated & sorry if it's too long. It's stressing but i want to get it right. Thanks in advance.
Re: Help with new Ball Python
It's normal for them to do that whenever they are moved into a new home. As far as the heat, do not turn it up. They will eventually dig into the substrate and if you have that at 100 the snake is more than likely gonna get burnt. Also, you should get a second hide, one on the warm side and one on the cool side with a water dish in between. Last but not least, post pictures of both the snake and enclosure so everyone can give more informed answers
Re: Help with new Ball Python
Your cool side is fine, put your UTH on a thermostat. It can get too hot and burn your bp. You want your temps at the glass to be 88-90, they can burrow if they feel cold. And you need two identical hides in a glass tank.
Re: Help with new Ball Python
https://imgur.com/a/XVvqG
So first, this is a 5 gallon tank. I thought about getting a bigger one but now I'm thinking about a tub instead. Will this be ok until I get a tub set up or do I need to move it ASAP? it has 4 feet at the bottom of the tank for vents. The dish is temporary. The worker convinced me to get something too big. Also, until I get a second hide (very soon) will a temporary hide work for the cool side? I know probes inside the tank is frowned upon but given the small rubber feet and the thick reptitherm, putting it outside just wasn't working. I also tried to make the aspen very thin for heat reason but the snake is just sliding it around.
Starting to think I jumped the gun getting this snake so early.:(
Re: Help with new Ball Python
The pictures didn't post. How Do i post photos?
Re: Help with new Ball Python
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ArcaneTB
The pictures didn't post. How Do i post photos?
Download tapatalk...you can upload pictures straight from your phone
Re: Help with new Ball Python
Bigger is not better when it comes to ball pythons. As far as the moving around the substrate, it's making itself at home. What size hide are you using? They like to be in a tight spot so to speak and if they don't feel secure in the hide, they won't use it
Re: Help with new Ball Python
Re: Help with new Ball Python
You should black out the sides of the tank with either more of what's on the back or some construction paper. A temporary hide will be fine until you get another. Just make sure there is NO tape on it. I've used cardboard boxes several times. Just make sure it's not to big or you will be defeating the purpose of a hide
Re: Help with new Ball Python
Gotcha. So is everyting else ok? Do I need more substrate? It is practically laying straight on the glass at this point? I don't know if you noticed but there's also a thermometer with a hygrometer in the back just above where the substrate was on the hot side reading about 80 or just below for temperature and just over 60 for humidity. Do i need to move this? Thanks for helping. I was close to panicking.
Re: Help with new Ball Python
Wow, I didn't see that until you mentioned it. Definitely move it up higher and "I" would center it between the hot and cold for a more accurate ambient reading. I'll search the forum for a great picture of a good setup. It was drawn by a member here.
The substrate is fine. I go with around 1 inch deep. I do suggest that you move the hide to where one side of it is touching the enclosure to kinda block it off. That's not a very good hide for a bp as it dosent provide much security because it's wide open on both sides. I don't think you should have waited to get one and the fact that you are asking these questions tells me you care enough to do it right. Unfortunately I have seen setups far worse than yours so as far as I'm concerned, you're doing fine [emoji106]
Re: Help with new Ball Python
Btw, beautiful snake. Male or female and name?
Re: Help with new Ball Python
Thanks! I don't know the sex. Where i got it, they said they don't probe them. Do you know where I can have it done? And as far as the name, I want to try to wait to let me nephew name it... Knowing the sex would be helpful here.
Re: Help with new Ball Python
Do you have any local exotic pet veterinarians? I had my 2 normals sexed at a local pet store that has a very good reputation. They didn't probe but they popped them and did it for free. My other bp and my boa were sexed prior to me getting them and my corn is wild caught so I have no idea what it is but I'll be taking it in to get sexed next time I go for feeders
Re: Help with new Ball Python
Yes, in fact I do. Nice collection you have there. Once I learn more and get used to keeping a snake, I want to get a boa also. Reptiles are just amazing man.
Re: Help with new Ball Python
https://imgur.com/a/siH2L
Tons of photos on basically a perfect setup. This and much more can be found in the bp husbandry section of the forum
Re: Help with new Ball Python
Re: Help with new Ball Python
Good finding. Appreciate the heads up!
Re: Help with new Ball Python
Wow! Those snakes are perfect. I don't know.. it's something about boas. That photo makes me want one even more. Dope snakes you got there.
Re: Help with new Ball Python
Just felt my BP which was cold to the touch. Is this bad? Also the ambient temperature seems less than 80.
Re: Help with new Ball Python
Depends on how cold. Since they are cold blooded they don't generate heat so they won't feel warm on their own. They will feel somewhat cool to the touch as we are much warmer than they are.
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Re: Help with new Ball Python
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ArcaneTB
Just felt my BP which was cold to the touch. Is this bad? Also the ambient temperature seems less than 80.
76 minimum as long as he has a UTH, Heat Mat etc to go to.
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