Howdy!

Just wanted to say hello! I've been fascinated with ball pythons for almost 20 years, a friend of mine had one and I thought it was the most beautiful and cool thing in the world. At that time my wife said no way I was gonna bring a snake in the house, so like a good boy, I didn't. Well now she's my ex-wife and I've got a beautiful vanilla bp! I've been researching and reading and pretty much overwhelming myself with info but I've had Daisy for a week now, she ate like a champ, and seems to be happy. But she doesn't seem to like it too hot. I set up the hot side of her tank at about 90, (the cool side about 78)and she doesn't seem to use it at all. She'll go in her hide when I turn the light out and it drops to about 80 but when I turn the light back on she's outta there. Should I get a lower wattage bulb and keep it cooler or just leave the temp range the way I have it and let her decide where she wants to be?

Welcome to the forum, it's a pleasure to meet you. :)

As far as heating is concerned, you ideally want a setup where there is an area where the snake gets warm temps both day and night, and also has access to hiding spots in both the cooler and warmer areas. Are you using a heat light as the sole source of heating? If so, you are gonna want some non-light emitting heat sources in there.

Welcome! We'd love to see a picture of lil' miss Daisy, as she sounds quite fetching. :)

Depending on the bulb, I wouldn't worry too much about it, and would just let her choose which temperature she's feeling. However, I don't have much experience with bulbs, as I use a UTH, so I'll let people with more experience help you puzzle out your problem.

I've got a uth and a light (75W). Going tomorrow to get a blue bulb to use at night to keep temps more stable.

Are you measuring the temp of the hot spot at the glass or on top of the substrate? If it's at the top of the substrate then the hot spot is probably far too hot as the glass under the substrate will likely be over 100f

Also, is the Uth on a thermostat?

Temp measured on top of substrate. There is a layer of repti-carpet between the glass and the aspen shavings I use. No thermostat yet because the temp was holding about 90.

Ok. I'm definitely getting a thermostat. Now another thing I've overwhelmed myself with looking for online! What would be a good one for my situation?

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Originally Posted by bhsurf4

Ok. I'm definitely getting a thermostat. Now another thing I've overwhelmed myself with looking for online! What would be a good one for my situation?

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Treat yourself to a ten dollar digital temp gun from eBay or Amazon..https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...883baf63e6.jpg


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Welcome to the forum and the wonderful world of snake keeping!!! I have a Vanilla BP named Tyson....

Yes, DEFINITELY get a thermostat. It's probably the most important tool for snake keepers. Unregulated heat sources can spike to dangerous temps and can cause serious burns or worse to your snake. Google search snake burns real quick and you'll be out buying a t-stat before the pictures are done liading...

Also, you want to measure the temp on the surface of the enclosure. Snake can and WILL burrow and find the hottest spot eventually, so that's what you measure. You will need a temp gun for that.
You're also gonna want to ditch that reptile carpet. They are horrible for snakes and just harbor mold and bacteria.

Just to clear things up, your Heat mat (UTH) is there solely to provide a hot spot and not for ambient temps. Your light bulbs are there to provide ambient temps and a temp gradient. BOTH should be regulated by a thermostat.

Feel free to ask any more questions, we're happy to help

Getting my list together for some shopping tomorrow! I know I need a bulb to keep temps up at night, a temp gun, thermostats for lights and uth, and a humidity gauge. I'll get rid of repti-carpet but should I put anything between substrate and glass? Newspapers or paper towels maybe? And what is a good way to increase humidity? I've got a good size water dish and I live in Houston, Texas so humidity shouldn't be a problem, but the A/C in my house has a feature to lower humidity so I want to make sure she's healthy and happy. And I want to thank y'all for giving the advice without making me sound like a horrible stupid person! A lot of times in forums, noobs get ROASTED! So I was a little hesitant to get on here and ask advice, but I'm glad I did. I love animals, and just want to make sure I'm not doing anything that could cause my snake any problems.

Welcome to the divorced snake club!!! Ain’t it grand !!!!

no need for anything between substrate. Just get a good substrate and keep it damp but not tooo wet and a water bowl.

Get that themrostat asap!!!

also do yourself a favor and get a ceramic heat device to heat. Ditch the bulbs. I’ve been using one for a month and it stinks I’m going to full pvc and radiant heat soon.

Hang the CHE On the warm side w the UTH or to the middle then there will be a gradient hot hide middle and cool. Also make sure you have hides on at least each side or more if it’s a big tank

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Originally Posted by Phillydubs

Welcome to the divorced snake club!!! Ain’t it grand !!!!

no need for anything between substrate. Just get a good substrate and keep it damp but not tooo wet and a water bowl.

Get that themrostat asap!!!

also do yourself a favor and get a ceramic heat device to heat. Ditch the bulbs. I’ve been using one for a month and it stinks I’m going to full pvc and radiant heat soon.

Hang the CHE On the warm side w the UTH or to the middle then there will be a gradient hot hide middle and cool. Also make sure you have hides on at least each side or more if it’s a big tank

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^^^ this. Get a CHE as lights are no good as far as in concerned. You can leave the CHE on 24/7 and not have to change lights etc...Snakes want darkness and get normal light from Windows in your home during the day.


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by bhsurf4

Getting my list together for some shopping tomorrow! I know I need a bulb to keep temps up at night, a temp gun, thermostats for lights and uth, and a humidity gauge. I'll get rid of repti-carpet but should I put anything between substrate and glass? Newspapers or paper towels maybe? And what is a good way to increase humidity? I've got a good size water dish and I live in Houston, Texas so humidity shouldn't be a problem, but the A/C in my house has a feature to lower humidity so I want to make sure she's healthy and happy. And I want to thank y'all for giving the advice without making me sound like a horrible stupid person! A lot of times in forums, noobs get ROASTED! So I was a little hesitant to get on here and ask advice, but I'm glad I did. I love animals, and just want to make sure I'm not doing anything that could cause my snake any problems.

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Don't be conned / seduced into paying over the odds for an expensive digital temp gun - they're only ten dollars on eBay or Amazon..

I've saw something a while ago that showed that the expensive digital temp guns have basically the same 'innards' as the ten dollar ones and they've just repackaged or rebadged .


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Isn't it great the freedoms that you re-gain when she becomes the Ex-wife :)

CHE, gotcha! I just looked them up. Should I use the same wattage as the bulb I've been using (75W) or do they produce more/less heat than bulbs.

Also, I'm using aspen shavings right now, but plan on changing to the coconut type when I do a complete change over. But for now I'm wondering if it's ok to feed him in his tank on the aspen, I don't have another tub or dedicated feeder tank and yesterday I heard that you shouldn't feed them on the aspen, which I have already done once. And should I invest in a tub or something as a dedicated feeding place?

Howdy and welcome from another Texan! GO 'STROS!!!

What size of enclosure do you have? Is it a glass tank, tub, or pvc? (i think i saw glass referenced above). Depending on the size of your tank, your CHE wattage may vary. If the 75W is doing the trick for you now, then that's probably a safe bet.

Just to echo what's been said...REGULATE ALL THE HEATS! That's UTH and CHE - both must be on thermostats. Jumpstart thermostats are pretty affordable, Herpstats are the ones you'll want to save up for. Both can be found on Amazon. I use two Jumpstarts for my uth and che, but will eventually move on to the Herpstat 2 once my guy is ready for his bog-boy pvc cage. Keep the t-stat probe between the UTH and the bottom of your glass. That's OUTside of the encosure, not inside. Don't want snake movement and fluids interfering with the probe.

Ditch the light bulbs - no lights needed. Ambient lighting from nearby windows for day/night cycle is perfect

Identical hides, one on cool side - one on warm side. BPs are super finicky and will choose a preferable hide to preferable temp. So in order to ensure they are thermoregulating appropriately, give them the same hide on each side.

I like ReptiPrime for substrate. Maintains humidity well, minimal dust, no smell. It is a little pricier than others, but if you only have 1 snake, it'll last a long time. No need for additional lining between substrate and tank.

The temp gun Zinc linked is awesome and also what I use.

Nothing sticky EVER anywhere inside your enclosure. No sticky-backed accessories, thermometers, nothing. If you're in the mood to google more horrific images, google what happens when snakes get stuck to enclosure tape. Stuff of nightmares.

That's a lot of info, but once you get this husbandry stuff down - it's smooth sailing from here on!! And again, welcome!

EDIT TO ADD: Always feed in enclosure. Never move to feed.

GO 'STROS!!!!!

Its a 20 gallon glass tank.

Glass tanks are a little trickier to maintain temps and humidity in, but it can be done. If it's a screen top, try covering 1/2 - 3/4 of the screen with foil or damp towel. CHE over the other 1/4. Fortunately, Houston climate works in your favor so you hopefully won't have to work too hard at this.

BPs love privacy, so most folks who use tanks will cover 3 of the 4 sides with black paper or aquarium backing, leaving just the front of the tank exposed. Remember, nothing adhesive inside the tank. Hit up the dollar store or Hobby Lobby for some inexpensive fake plants, leaves, and/or vines. Give lots of ground cover for your little one to feel concealed in. If you have too much open space, they can feel vulnerable and go off food. Just be sure the plants don't have any sharp pieces, wire or loops that could entangle or hurt your little one.

Also, if you haven't done so already, download the free app Tapatalk. It allows you to upload photos to your thread with a single button/click. Super easy! And we virtually insist upon pictures. :D

A lot of Texas folks on here, love it! What about water? I've read it has to be distilled and I've read that you should use a special water conditioner for reptiles. I've been using bottled water but if there is any other info on water type I'd love to hear it.

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Originally Posted by bhsurf4

A lot of Texas folks on here, love it! What about water? I've read it has to be distilled and I've read that you should use a special water conditioner for reptiles. I've been using bottled water but if there is any other info on water type I'd love to hear it.

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Nope not distilled. Tap is fine. If you drink it they can drink it, I have a 20 long tank. I covered the top with cardboard covered in foil with the circle cut out for the dome light for the CHe. My CHE is on a dimmer and is over her hot side and creates 80 for the ambient.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bhsurf4

Getting my list together for some shopping tomorrow! I know I need a bulb to keep temps up at night, a temp gun, thermostats for lights and uth, and a humidity gauge. I'll get rid of repti-carpet but should I put anything between substrate and glass? Newspapers or paper towels maybe? And what is a good way to increase humidity? I've got a good size water dish and I live in Houston, Texas so humidity shouldn't be a problem, but the A/C in my house has a feature to lower humidity so I want to make sure she's healthy and happy. And I want to thank y'all for giving the advice without making me sound like a horrible stupid person! A lot of times in forums, noobs get ROASTED! So I was a little hesitant to get on here and ask advice, but I'm glad I did. I love animals, and just want to make sure I'm not doing anything that could cause my snake any problems.

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Sounds good!!! And I'm glad you've found this forum to be welcoming and you're learning already. This forum has a fantastic group of moderators and admins that work hard to make this the award winning forum it is, as well as a core group of members who truly care and love helping others enjoy our passion.

Now to answer your questions:
1) you don't need anything between the surface and substrate. Your BP will rearrange it anyway thro ugh digging and burrowing. Plus, it's easier to spot clean when it's just substrate.

2) I'm guessing humidity won't be too big an issue where you're located. However, I would cut a piece of cardboard to fit your screen lid, cutting out a hole for your heat lamp and a little air flow. Then, wrap the cardboard in aluminum foil secure tape it in place. Just plop that on your screen lid and humidity and heat will hold much better.
During sheds, I put some damp sphangnum moss in their hides to up humidity and help with sheds.

Keep asking and keep learning, we'rehappy to help.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bhsurf4

Also, I'm using aspen shavings right now, but plan on changing to the coconut type when I do a complete change over. But for now I'm wondering if it's ok to feed him in his tank on the aspen, I don't have another tub or dedicated feeder tank and yesterday I heard that you shouldn't feed them on the aspen, which I have already done once. And should I invest in a tub or something as a dedicated feeding place?

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NO!!! Feed within the enclosure. I've never used a separate feeding tub and never had a substrate issue. Nobody cleans their food in the wild. They digest whole prey, a little aspen shaving or dirt wont hurt. You can also try to lay a piece of cardboard or something down if it eases your mind.

And for the other side of the outdated feeding tub myth: food aggression. Again, been feeding my snakes in their tubs for years, never once has one of my snakes struck at me inside the enclosure. I've been tagged outside, never struck at inside....

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bhsurf4

A lot of Texas folks on here, love it! What about water? I've read it has to be distilled and I've read that you should use a special water conditioner for reptiles. I've been using bottled water but if there is any other info on water type I'd love to hear it.

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Just plain old tap water. Definitely no additives. If we can drink.it, so can they.

Thanks again, I really appreciate y'alls help. I think I got everything set up right and Daisy seems to be really happy. I was worried when I got her because I've heard ball pythons can be picky eaters and very shy snakes that spend most of the time in their hides. Well, not this snake! She has never refused a meal (yet) and when I get home from work I swear she can hear me, because when I walk up to the tank she sticks her head out from her hide and wants to get out and stretch her imaginary legs! Only complaint is that she loves to piss on my bed! Twice now when I've put her down on my bed for a second, BAM, out pops a big urate and a puddle of piss! :O I guess it's alright, easy enough to throw the bedding in the washer and it's always nice to sleep on clean sheets!