Introducing Neptune (BEL) Progression Thread

After painfully and unexpectedly losing our first snake, the family quickly agreed that we wanted to try again. We couldn't fill the snake-shaped hole in our hearts with any other creature.

Enter Neptune, our beautiful, bouncing, baby boy Blue Eyed Leucistic! Kiddo named him after the blue planet in honor of his pretty blue eyes.

A BEL beep is what my daughter originally wanted before I steered her to a Russian Rat, so this time we went back to Plan A. Neptune came to us from a small hobby breeder in Colorado, Reptiles with Altitude, via MorphMarket. His breeder was so proud of him and gushed endlessly about his wonderful personality (very true) and fantastic feeding response (very, very true). After looking at many others and inundating his breeder with 1000s of patiently answered questions, we knew he was “the one”.

We’ve had Neptune now for a few weeks. We let him rest and acclimate for 1 week before offering food. We’ve offered multiple times since his rest period, every 5-7 days, and he’s eaten immediately, with no hesitation. I couldn’t get rat fuzzies for his first few feedings, so had to offer mice. I was terrified this would throw him off but once my rats came in (thank you Big Cheese), he made the switch back seamlessly. What a relief, so far so good!

We are just starting short handling sessions now that he’s acclimated and has had several meals. Totally leaving him alone for the first few weeks was SO HARD, but I wanted to ensure he had time to settle and was eating well.

The deets:

•BEL: Mojave/Lesser (dad was a Pastave, mom was a Lesserbee)
•Hatch Date: July 25, 2017
•Current weight @ 7 months: 115 grams
•Eating f/t fuzzy rats every 5 days

Current set-up & temps:

•15 qt sterilite tub
•Reptile Prime substrate on order - paper towels at the moment
•2 RBI hides - size Small
•Hot side hide 87º-90º
•Cool side hide 77º-80º
•Humidity 50%-55% on avg. (raised to 65%-70% during shed, 1st week we had him)
•Ultratherm 6X11 UTH (on Jumpstart)
•60 watt CHE (on another Jumpstart) for ambient temps - had to fashion a holding mechanism for the CHE out of an Exo Terra lamp stand and a square glass vase of river rocks for weight, since the sterilite tub wasn’t heavy enough to mount the lamp stand to. Figured I’d make it pretty by turning the vase of rocks into a planter for live bamboo. I melted holes in the top of the tub, on his cold side, so the heat could penetrate.

NOW PICS!!

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He’s a little on the small side (right?), but to me he looks healthy, well proportioned, and eats like a champion. Y’all tell me if you think otherwise, because so many others his age or even younger seem to be heavier/bigger. Also, steer me straight on my husbandry if you see anything amiss. I wanted to give as much detail as possible, so you could tell me if I’m on the wrong track.

After losing Bonsai I’m SUPER paranoid and over-protective about this little guy. Neptune is so beautiful, incredibly sweet, downright friendly even, and we really, really love him and hope he lives forever.

Sooo cute! Congratulations

he looks absolutely perfect, and what lovely photos! i'm so happy to see you have another noodle in your lives. :) i can't wait to watch him grow!!

Do you have a water dish? I don't see one in the picture

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Originally Posted by c0r3yr0s3

Do you have a water dish? I don't see one in the picture

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Yes! Had just done a cage cleaning and was washing it.

Got it in blue to match his peepers - lol!

(thermostats and thermometers are all affixed to the outside of the tub...kinda looks like tape could be on the inside in the pictures, but rest assured it's not)

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...d5cb529623.jpg

He is gorgeous! I'm still hoping that i'll be lucky enough to hatch some BELs this season!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hilabeans

After painfully and unexpectedly losing our first snake, the family quickly agreed that we wanted to try again. We couldn't fill the snake-shaped hole in our hearts with any other creature.

Enter Neptune, our beautiful, bouncing, baby boy Blue Eyed Leucistic! Kiddo named him after the blue planet in honor of his pretty blue eyes.

A BEL beep is what my daughter originally wanted before I steered her to a Russian Rat, so this time we went back to Plan A. Neptune came to us from a small hobby breeder in Colorado, Reptiles with Altitude, via MorphMarket. His breeder was so proud of him and gushed endlessly about his wonderful personality (very true) and fantastic feeding response (very, very true). After looking at many others and inundating his breeder with 1000s of patiently answered questions, we knew he was “the one”.

We’ve had Neptune now for a few weeks. We let him rest and acclimate for 1 week before offering food. We’ve offered multiple times since his rest period, every 5-7 days, and he’s eaten immediately, with no hesitation. I couldn’t get rat fuzzies for his first few feedings, so had to offer mice. I was terrified this would throw him off but once my rats came in (thank you Big Cheese), he made the switch back seamlessly. What a relief, so far so good!

We are just starting short handling sessions now that he’s acclimated and has had several meals. Totally leaving him alone for the first few weeks was SO HARD, but I wanted to ensure he had time to settle and was eating well.

The deets:

•BEL: Mojave/Lesser (dad was a Pastave, mom was a Lesserbee)
•Hatch Date: July 25, 2017
•Current weight @ 7 months: 115 grams
•Eating f/t fuzzy rats every 5 days

Current set-up & temps:

•15 qt sterilite tub
•Reptile Prime substrate on order - paper towels at the moment
•2 RBI hides - size Small
•Hot side hide 87º-90º
•Cool side hide 77º-80º
•Humidity 50%-55% on avg. (raised to 65%-70% during shed, 1st week we had him)
•Ultratherm 6X11 UTH (on Jumpstart)
•60 watt CHE (on another Jumpstart) for ambient temps - had to fashion a holding mechanism for the CHE out of an Exo Terra lamp stand and a square glass vase of river rocks for weight, since the sterilite tub wasn’t heavy enough to mount the lamp stand to. Figured I’d make it pretty by turning the vase of rocks into a planter for live bamboo. I melted holes in the top of the tub, on his cold side, so the heat could penetrate.

NOW PICS!!

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...e683015b99.jpg

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...94657b9b9d.jpg

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...2dd626a32d.jpg

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...7f3562e21c.jpg

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...4faeb2fe4e.jpg

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...dbcf4594cb.jpg

He’s a little on the small side (right?), but to me he looks healthy, well proportioned, and eats like a champion. Y’all tell me if you think otherwise, because so many others his age or even younger seem to be heavier/bigger. Also, steer me straight on my husbandry if you see anything amiss. I wanted to give as much detail as possible, so you could tell me if I’m on the wrong track.

After losing Bonsai I’m SUPER paranoid and over-protective about this little guy. Neptune is so beautiful, incredibly sweet, downright friendly even, and we really, really love him and hope he lives forever.

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Awesome little guy! BEL's are at the top of my list if I ever get another BP. Albino was my first choice, hence Shayna being Albino Spider.

I am so glad you got back into snakes! I am still sorry about Bonsai, but you did everything you could for him, and I know you are going to make fantastic parents for Neptune!

Love, love, love, the contrast of the white on blue, and oh, those blue eyes!

Keep us in the loop and good luck with him!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Aedryan Methyus

He is gorgeous! I'm still hoping that i'll be lucky enough to hatch some BELs this season!

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Oooh, I hope you do! I actually have video of my little guy coming out of the egg from his breeder. They were so excited to hatch their first BEL.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dakski

I am so glad you got back into snakes! I am still sorry about Bonsai, but you did everything you could for him, and I know you are going to make fantastic parents for Neptune!

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Thanks dakski. I still get a lump in my throat thinking about him. But it is healing being able to direct that love to somebody new.

congrats on the beautiful new boy. i was wondering when we would see him after noticing the update in your sig. :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Aedryan Methyus

He is gorgeous! I'm still hoping that i'll be lucky enough to hatch some BELs this season!

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by hilabeans

Oooh, I hope you do! I actually have video of my little guy coming out of the egg from his breeder. They were so excited to hatch their first BEL.

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OMG u need to share that! sounds super cute!

Great Choice [emoji1360]


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Originally Posted by Ax01

congrats on the beautiful new boy. i was wondering when we would see him after noticing the update in your sig. :)

OMG u need to share that! sounds super cute!

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I know! I was so excited I had to update my sig. But he was still in his acclimation "hands off" period so I had to wait for pics. I'll see if I can get permission to post his video, it's on his breeders FB.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hilabeans

I know! I was so excited I had to update my sig. But he was still in his acclimation "hands off" period so I had to wait for pics. I'll see if I can get permission to post his video, it's on his breeders FB.

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Just tell the breeder that you're gonna give him/her free publicity on the #1 snake forum on the net

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hilabeans

Oooh, I hope you do! I actually have video of my little guy coming out of the egg from his breeder. They were so excited to hatch their first BEL.



Thanks dakski. I still get a lump in my throat thinking about him. But it is healing being able to direct that love to somebody new.

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Very brave of you! It's hard; I know. When I put my Beardie, George, down in 2016, I was devastated! He was 11 and I'd had him almost that long!

It wasn't until a year later that I was ready, and willing, to get another bigger lizard. That's how I ended up with Frank, my Blue Tongue Skink. He's got great personality and we love him.

However, it's really hard when you lose an animal. You want to mourn and pay respect to them, but as a keeper/parent, want to move on at some point too.

I know it was really hard with Bonsai, because you did everything right, and it didn't work out. At least with George, it was his time, and he had a good and long life.

I am really happy you got another snake though. You seem like an awesome keeper/parent and I have no doubt that Neptune is going to have a great life!

I am sure Bonsai is looking down happy as well. He knows you honored him and did the best for him. He will always be in your heart.

Keep chugging buddy!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dakski

Very brave of you! It's hard; I know. When I put my Beardie, George, down in 2016, I was devastated! He was 11 and I'd had him almost that long!

It wasn't until a year later that I was ready, and willing, to get another bigger lizard. That's how I ended up with Frank, my Blue Tongue Skink. He's got great personality and we love him.

However, it's really hard when you lose an animal. You want to mourn and pay respect to them, but as a keeper/parent, want to move on at some point too.

I know it was really hard with Bonsai, because you did everything right, and it didn't work out. At least with George, it was his time, and he had a good and long life.

I am really happy you got another snake though. You seem like an awesome keeper/parent and I have no doubt that Neptune is going to have a great life!

I am sure Bonsai is looking down happy as well. He knows you honored him and did the best for him. He will always be in your heart.

Keep chugging buddy!

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You are the sweetest. Thank you. 😪

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Originally Posted by hilabeans

You are the sweetest. Thank you. 😪

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My pleasure! I am glad my post struck a positive cord. I wasn't sure how it would be received, but wrote it with my heart on my sleeve.

I love all my animals; 3 snakes, 1 Blue tongue skink, 3 leopard geckos, and 5 dogs.

I would do anything for them, and I have.

Losing them is the hardest thing in the world. Our dogs are getting up in age (3 are 10, 1 is 8, and 1 is 6) and Katie, who tends to be anxious, is already dreading that day. She's never put down, or lost an animal. I cannot say the same.

I tell her, "enjoy the time you have with them now. Do the best you can for them. Cherish the moments, because you never know. This way, you will have great times, memories, and a clean conscious when the time comes. Plus, you will have healthy and happy animals for as long as possible!"

I may be a little unique in my perspective. I developed kidney disease at 23 and almost died, my father dropped dead at 58 on Thanksgiving when I was 25, and now 37, and almost 6 years from my kidney transplant, I know that life is precious. I enjoy every moment I can (and believe me, many are not great moments when you are a transplant recipient, or in renal failure - which I am not right now).

I have buried more animals than I care to remember, and want to cry now thinking about it, but I know I gave each and every one as good a life as I possibly could. My reptiles were healthy and happy and all my dogs were happy, fun loving, and felt loved. That's all I can do.

That's all any of us can do.

I went on here, but, enjoy today! Enjoy Neptune and your other critters!

Live in the present and live without regrets (as much as possible).

Good luck and keep us posted! I have incredible confidence in you and will be here to help if you need anything.

Daksi - truer words have never been spoken. I greatly appreciate your openness and sensitivity on the topic and I can totally relate. I’ve had a few major life threats in my 34 years and it makes you very happy for every day. I’ve heard people say they won’t get this animal or that because they don’t live that long and they can’t handle the passing. I get and respect it but I also feel as you do that without them, what life may they have and what void may we have.

I often say say I wish my animals all had the life span of a parrot or maybe a tortoise but we know the span of we do our homework and have to accept the fact that these animals bring us daily jo, intrigue and responsibility unlike anything else. For me, I need that in my life and Greatly accept the challenges and unfortunate demise when the time comes. I’ve had dogs all my life as well as fish and other odds and ends. This is my first few weeks into the reptile foray but it has me by the you know what and I’m loving it.

Im the type who needs animals in my life. I’m going through a rough time in life and my prized fish were basically stolen away from me and I couldn’t go another day without a pet but I made sure to research and learn all I could before I took the plunge. Most of the people here would probably agree and we all are here to learn more about our pets and help others.

I cant see my life without a few animals and I can’t wsit to see S

Beautiful boy! You will know doubt make him a very happy snek!

SPRING IS HERE!!


Neptune in bloom

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I really think pink is his color. This little one is proving to be pretty wonderful. [emoji175]

Great to see more pics of your stunning boy! Purple is definitely his color! Terrific shots <3

Love the blue eyed Lucy’s ! So cool seeing a pure white snake with blue eyes


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Little ball in blue. ❤️


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Ah, such a beauty, I hope to produce a few of these someday, they are so striking. :bow:

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Originally Posted by Alter-Echo

Ah, such a beauty, I hope to produce a few of these someday, they are so striking. :bow:

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Oh I hope you do! A lot of people are over them, but I find myself staring and getting lost in him. I just love the BELs so much. Something otherworldly about them.

Then again, I basically think all bps are works of art. :P

How can someone be "over them"? They are always looking to breed the most extreme looking snakes, what's more extreme than a pure white snake with blue eyes? :confusd:

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Originally Posted by Alter-Echo

How can someone be "over them"? They are always looking to breed the most extreme looking snakes, what's more extreme than a pure white snake with blue eyes? :confusd:

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Right?! But if you live for a fantastic pattern or color burst, I can see where a BEL would bore you. To each their own. This is no doubt why most here have more than one - who can choose!?

He is absolutely stunning! Looking forward to seeing his progression. My BEL has quickly become my favorite. She is a nice bright white with beautiful eyes like sapphires, amazing personality and appetite.

And a perfect shed. Woohoo!


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Originally Posted by hilabeans

And a perfect shed. Woohoo!


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Yay! Good boy Neptune! It's always such a satisfying feeling :D

I haven’t updated this thread in forever because, well there’s not much to say.

He’s perfect.
He eats perfect.
He sheds perfect.
He handles perfect.

Makes for pretty boring updates!

Here he is at just under 560 grams:
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Next update should be on his move into his “big boy” enclosure, due in December.

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Originally Posted by hilabeans

Next update should be on his move into his “big boy” enclosure, due in December.

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Hey I hope everything is ok. I am eager to read an update!

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Originally Posted by LiquidSnake

Hey I hope everything is ok. I am eager to read an update!

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Yes!! Everything is great!! Just lots of life happening, so I’m slow to my updates.

Here’s the new setup:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...d7f7604d20.jpg

Not the best picture but he was settling in and I didn’t want to harass him too much. You can see his little white side in the cool hide on the right. So precious.

I’m loving this enclosure by High Scale! Will get some better pics posted soon as I added cool door pulls to the glass.

Thanks for checking on us!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hilabeans

Yes!! Everything is great!! Just lots of life happening, so I’m slow to my updates.

Here’s the new setup:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...d7f7604d20.jpg

Not the best picture but he was settling in and I didn’t want to harass him too much. You can see his little white side in the cool hide on the right. So precious.

I’m loving this enclosure by High Scale! Will get some better pics posted soon as I added cool door pulls to the glass.

Thanks for checking on us!

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Love that setup and Neptune! Also love the name! I went Greek Mythology with my BEL, Apollo.


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