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  • 02-05-2008, 12:59 PM
    mtxsub7
    Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    Well even though I was told I shouldn't get one, I stayed up all night researching and finally decided to get one.. It's a baby and so far so good, was really active once I put him in the tank.


    Heres some pics..

    http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/5923/dscf0010tr5.jpg

    http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/7410/dscf0007hh6.jpg


    I put in some of the substrate the guy gave with the BP, he said it would be smart because they are so used to it


    I am working on getting a few more plants and a small stick for the middle of the tank, any other opinions welcome :)
  • 02-05-2008, 01:18 PM
    giaach
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    Hey he/she looks pretty good. Nice lookin bp. Seeing how you did a lot of research I would assume you have all of your husbandry correct. Warm side 90-94 Cool side 82-84 and Humidity 50-60%

    Make sure you have two identical hides, one on the cool side and one on the warm side. Also from the picture I can see that you have some aspen bedding thrown down over that carpet. I would suggest getting rid of the carpet and using strictly Aspen Bedding. Just get a bag from the pet store and lay down at least 1 inch of the stuff across the entire bottom of the cage. Its easier to clean when they poop or pee.
  • 02-05-2008, 01:23 PM
    starmom
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    Nice snake! I noticed that you are using repti-carpet of some sort under the aspen. This is very hard to clean thoroughly...maybe you want to use just aspen alone? Also, the snake will feel more secure if you use black paper and cover the sides and back of the tank; it is a big tank for a little guy/gal! Remember that all of the 'ornaments' you put in the cage will need to be thoroughly cleaned and balls are not really climbers...
    I don't see hides in there; but I'm sure you have them! Also, which way did you go on the thermostat and how are you monitoring the temps?
    There is so much that goes into the husbandry of these herps (all living creatures, really). Good luck. Keep reading and learning. A good resource for you is Kevin McCurley's book: The Complete Ball Python which can be ordered off their website at NERD. You'll learn a ton and your excitement will only grow! Good luck with your new baby and keep us posted with all of the firsts- eating, shedding, etc.

    I forgot to add that if he/she is really active in the daytime it might be because he/she is really stressed out. Remember to let it be for next week, feed it, and then let it be for a couple more days.....it's hard, but it is what is best for the snake!!
  • 02-05-2008, 01:29 PM
    mtxsub7
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    I got the temp and humidity down pretty well, I am using a magnometer or some weird word specifically for the humidity and I have a digital thermometer. I am using a pepsi can box thing split in half on each side of the cage. I shouldn't of poured that substrate in but I am going to fix it next time I am out, Snake is very active and moving around a lot so far, He/she [not sure] was climbing all over the hanging trees I bought


    I also am going to get a thermostat, Next time I am out.
  • 02-05-2008, 01:34 PM
    starmom
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by mtxsub7 View Post
    I got the temp and humidity down pretty well, I am using a magnometer or some weird word specifically for the humidity and I have a digital thermometer. I am using a pepsi can box thing split in half on each side of the cage. I shouldn't of poured that substrate in but I am going to fix it next time I am out, Snake is very active and moving around a lot so far, He/she [not sure] was climbing all over the hanging trees I bought

    I think that he/she is freaking out. They are nocturnal reptiles! Make sure that the hides are small- really small- so that the ball will feel the sides of the hide against its body when curled up. Also, the hygrometer is for humidity; what are the temps on each side and the humidity? I forgot how you said you were heating it, sorry. Could you remind me about that and also how you are regulating the heat source?
  • 02-05-2008, 01:35 PM
    giaach
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    The snake is crawling around because A it's in a new setting and B it's probably stressed out. An active bp during the day is usually attributed to stress.
  • 02-05-2008, 01:38 PM
    mtxsub7
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    Humidity is at 50ish
    Temp on hot side 89.5
    Cold side 84.3


    Using a overhead lamp, with a 75w bulb inside, designed to increase the air tempature and also it clamps on so it isnt directly on the tank but hovering above, If i drop it down the tempature goes up if I put it higher it goes down, I pretty much have it on a good spot right now
  • 02-05-2008, 01:39 PM
    starmom
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    Gosh, not enough caffeine yet, obviously! :P
    I forgot to mention the importance of a digital scale and record keeping. With a scale, you can keep accurate weights on your snake month-by-month which can come in very useful should their ever be a question regarding weight loss and/or vet visits.
    Record keeping is HUGE!! Date, food offered, size/weight of food, accepted food or not, blue/shed dates, and a notes section. This will really help you get to know your snake really well and will also be helpful for referencing.
    Off to fill the coffee cup! ;)
  • 02-05-2008, 01:41 PM
    starmom
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by mtxsub7 View Post
    Humidity is at 50ish
    Temp on hot side 89.5
    Cold side 84.3


    Using a overhead lamp, with a 75w bulb inside, designed to increase the air tempature and also it clamps on so it isnt directly on the tank but hovering above, If i drop it down the tempature goes up if I put it higher it goes down, I pretty much have it on a good spot right now

    Can you bump up a wee bit the hot side? I ask because most hobbyists don't have a snake room at constant temps. If your room temp dips at night, so will your tank.....
  • 02-05-2008, 01:49 PM
    mtxsub7
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by starmom View Post
    Can you bump up a wee bit the hot side? I ask because most hobbyists don't have a snake room at constant temps. If your room temp dips at night, so will your tank.....

    Ya I will raise the temp, My room is actually really warm at night [my dads a heat freak but ty for all the tips and info... Anything else? THey said they feed them every thursday and live mice, if that matters any
  • 02-05-2008, 01:55 PM
    mtxsub7
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    Sorry to double post but I don't want anyone to miss my question


    What is the most effective way to maintain a good humidity level?
  • 02-05-2008, 01:56 PM
    Gary Orner
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    IMO 92 to 94 on the hot side is to hot for a BP.

    88 to 89 warm side 80 to 82 cooler side is a bit better. Ball pythons are not out during the hot days in africa. They are down in the ground where it is cooler.
  • 02-05-2008, 02:01 PM
    SatanicIntention
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    Just FWIW, mine are all kept at 94-94.5 on the hot spot and they use it regularly. No one soaks in their waterbowls or squishes themselves against the cool side of the tub to get away from it.
  • 02-05-2008, 02:04 PM
    Gary Orner
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    Just stating My opinion. Some thing africa so it must be hot. this is not the case.
  • 02-05-2008, 02:12 PM
    Gary Orner
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by mtxsub7 View Post
    Sorry to double post but I don't want anyone to miss my question


    What is the most effective way to maintain a good humidity level?

    To be honest get a PVC style cage or a cage designed for a reptile. Cages with screen tops are just hard to keep humidity in. As this is a pet i will not say get a tub as it is hard to see.

    A nice PVC cage ov 36 inches in length will work great for and adult and you can still see the snake. Then you can also go to a heat panel to heat the cage heat lights needed.

    To help with the fich tank style cage. you could get a piece of shower board and cut it to fit the top of the cage. Cut a large circle in it so the light can set on the screen NOT THE WOOD and then drill some holes in it also to allow are flow.

    This will help keep humidity and temps correct.
  • 02-05-2008, 02:16 PM
    Wolves-N-Dogs
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    As i said last night this person was not ready for a snake and that alot more reading needed to take place. And the pics point that out.

    That poor snake will be gone by June either from frustration on the part of the owner or worse death!
  • 02-05-2008, 02:17 PM
    mtxsub7
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Wolves-N-Dogs View Post
    As i said last night this person was not ready for a snake and that alot more reading needed to take place. And the pics point that out.

    That poor snake will be gone by June either from frustration on the part of the owner or worse death!

    stop acting like it's a polar bear for a pet, it's a snake dude, i have everything right except for few things which is natural, calm down



    I am simply asking for suggestions, Nothing is wrong with my tank it looks like every other tank I have seen with a BP. The place I got it from had a water bowl and substrate that was it, I have everything I need


    I appreciate the POSITIVE replies and tips
  • 02-05-2008, 02:21 PM
    extensive
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    you stayed up all night researching and you put reptile carpet in the tank? :confused:

    congrats on the new snake, do MORE research and he will live happily ever after.
  • 02-05-2008, 02:24 PM
    Gary Orner
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by extensive View Post
    you stayed up all night researching and you put reptile carpet in the tank? :confused:

    congrats on the new snake, do MORE research and he will live happily ever after.

    I agree... I would use newpaper before the carpet. go buy aspen today and get rid of the carpet.
  • 02-05-2008, 02:24 PM
    mtxsub7
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by extensive View Post
    you stayed up all night researching and you put reptile carpet in the tank? :confused:

    congrats on the new snake, do MORE research and he will live happily ever after.

    Reptile carpet is fine? I have seen that on about 20 sites and I am switching over to the material on top of it because thats what he was originally kept in, I just gotta pick up some more


    Ok gary will do



    EDIT: sorry for replying so rude, but give me positive criticism IE: move your light here or put a water bowl here, It's really what I am looking for
  • 02-05-2008, 02:30 PM
    Wolves-N-Dogs
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by mtxsub7 View Post
    stop acting like it's a polar bear for a pet, it's a snake dude, i have everything right except for few things which is natural, calm down



    I am simply asking for suggestions, Nothing is wrong with my tank it looks like every other tank I have seen with a BP. The place I got it from had a water bowl and substrate that was it, I have everything I need


    I appreciate the POSITIVE replies and tips

    No their alot more complicated than a polar bear! Mark it down in a month you be back here crying my snake won't eat what do i do? You have everything you need? A half a pepsi box as a hide? What happens when it gets wet? Or keeps knocking it over? Why is there no hide on the cool side? There is so much wrong with your set up its a shame.
  • 02-05-2008, 02:35 PM
    mtxsub7
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Wolves-N-Dogs View Post
    No their alot more complicated than a polar bear! Mark it down in a month you be back here crying my snake won't eat what do i do? You have everything you need? A half a pepsi box as a hide? What happens when it gets wet? Or keeps knocking it over? Why is there no hide on the cool side?

    There is a hide on the cool side and there is also a cave type thing over there as well, If it gets wet? Uhh I can just replace it I have about 50 of them downstairs, And I have them pretty securely in so I don't see a problem with it moving. I read that problems eating aren't uncommon so having a problem like that doesn't mean I am a total failure, every snake can be different so it's more of a luck thing if they eat or not. I have a consistent humidity around 60 and my temp on hot side is 88-92ish and cold side 79-84ish
  • 02-05-2008, 02:40 PM
    Wolves-N-Dogs
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by mtxsub7 View Post
    There is a hide on the cool side and there is also a cave type thing over there as well, If it gets wet? Uhh I can just replace it I have about 50 of them downstairs, And I have them pretty securely in so I don't see a problem with it moving. I read that problems eating aren't uncommon so having a problem like that doesn't mean I am a total failure, every snake can be different so it's more of a luck thing if they eat or not. I have a consistent humidity around 60 and my temp on hot side is 88-92ish and cold side 79-84ish

    If those are your temps and you can keep them there great. I run mine at about the same. And most eating problems in young snakes are from bad set ups from the owners. Good luck to you and your animal.
  • 02-05-2008, 02:47 PM
    mtxsub7
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Wolves-N-Dogs View Post
    If those are your temps and you can keep them there great. I run mine at about the same. And most eating problems in young snakes are from bad set ups from the owners. Good luck to you and your animal.

    If you guys use a overhead lamp how long do you leave it on during the day? IE 9pm to 5pm or something like that
  • 02-05-2008, 03:05 PM
    starmom
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    Okay, I'm not understanding what your -ish temps mean. Are you measuring the temps and what does the thermometer say? There is no -ish with the acu-rite; just one number for the ambient temps and one number for where the probe is placed.
    Lights need to be on a 12-12 hour schedule.
    You have reported humidity as being around 50% and around 60%; are you measuring the humidity? Again, one number will read out. I am asking only because steady temps and humidity is what your goal is!
    The suggestion for buying a reptile tank is a really good one! Rich @RBI is a great place to purchase from. Here's his link to a cage that will do the trick:
    http://www.reptilebasics.com/2x3-Cag...h-p-16286.html
    While this cage is too big right now for your little guy, you can fill it up with crumpled newspaper. You can also get a Helix from him to control the flex-watt output.
    I believe you purchased to soon, but that is not the point now. I am very glad that you keep coming back to the forum for input and help! I hope that you are listening to the advice!!!
  • 02-05-2008, 03:14 PM
    extensive
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    lights dont NEED to be 12-12. you can just let the natural light come in. the thing is you are using your overhead as a heat source. what is the night time temp?

    you really need to read a book or something.
  • 02-05-2008, 03:35 PM
    stevehanks00
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    If you are using an over head light I recommend getting a ceramic bulb from your pet store and just using the rooms natural light to light up the tank. As for substrate I use the repti-carpet. It comes in packs of 2, so I have extra for all my tanks. When it gets dirty I take it out and put a clean one in, than I take the dirty one and wash it in my washing machine or my sink and it is ready for next time. Good Luck
  • 02-05-2008, 03:40 PM
    starmom
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by extensive View Post
    lights dont NEED to be 12-12. you can just let the natural light come in. the thing is you are using your overhead as a heat source. what is the night time temp?

    you really need to read a book or something.

    I said 12-12 because this person is using a 75w bulb for additional/ambient heat and so I wouldn't want them leaving it on 24 hours a day....
  • 02-05-2008, 03:44 PM
    starmom
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    Ya know what mtxsub7? You really need to read the care sheets and sticky's on this forum. Also, do a search for some answers to your questions. I really feel like you need to empower yourself with a bunch of additional info that is too extensive for everyone here to go into. After doing your homework, you'll undoubtedly have further questions or things you'll want clarification on (that's true with all of us!) BUT, it begins with doing your research.
  • 02-05-2008, 03:45 PM
    extensive
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    oh i understand you but the OP might not... basically i was saying bps dont need light cycles.

    the OP might go get a ceramic heat emmiter and then come back here and post that his temps are 120 degrees because he has both the ceramic on and the light bulb.

    i still dont get why people still put snakes in fish tanks.

    oh im done. :D
  • 02-05-2008, 03:49 PM
    waltah!
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    I'm a firm believer in having your enclosure setup well in advance and measuring temps throughout the day and night to make sure all is well. I will say that this guy came here for help so that's a good thing. If you jump all over him then he will not be back and who knows what will happen. You can get a couple of plastic cereal bowl from a supermarket or Walmart for about $2. Cut out an entrance on each of them and they make great hides. They coil up in a circle and like to feel their hides around them. If you need to raise your humidity then place the water bowl closer to the heat source and it will help. Leave him alone for a week once all is properly setup. Feed him after that week. Stressed snakes don't eat. If he eats then look at that as a positive. It seems that you really do care or you would not be here. We all just want to see a happy healthy BP. Good luck and feel free to pm me if you have any questions.
  • 02-05-2008, 03:54 PM
    mtxsub7
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by waltah! View Post
    I'm a firm believer in having your enclosure setup well in advance and measuring temps throughout the day and night to make sure all is well. I will say that this guy came here for help so that's a good thing. If you jump all over him then he will not be back and who knows what will happen. You can get a couple of plastic cereal bowl from a supermarket or Walmart for about $2. Cut out an entrance on each of them and they make great hides. They coil up in a circle and like to feel their hides around them. If you need to raise your humidity then place the water bowl closer to the heat source and it will help. Leave him alone for a week once all is properly setup. Feed him after that week. Stressed snakes don't eat. If he eats then look at that as a positive. It seems that you really do care or you would not be here. We all just want to see a happy healthy BP. Good luck and feel free to pm me if you have any questions.


    you might as well come over and help me set it up, I live practically next door. I am in brockton MA
  • 02-05-2008, 10:35 PM
    kc261
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    I just don't understand all the negativity in so many of the replies to mtxsub7.

    I agree that it would have been best if this poster had spent a little more time doing thorough research, then spent a little more time getting the enclosure set up and temps and humidity stabilized, and only after that bought the BP.

    But we don't get to decide what someone else does.

    And really, mtxsub7 isn't doing all that bad. Many people buy on impulse the first time they see a BP or other animal that interests them in the store. Mtxsub7 did not. Mtxsub7 did some research first.

    Many people come to our forum and ask advice, and then tell all the reasons why they aren't going to follow that advice, and get angry at the persons who took time to try to help them. Mtxsub7 joined this forum only 2 days ago, but appears to be making a sincere effort to learn proper care for his/her new pet.

    What we can control is how we react to this person, and others in similar situations. We can say things like you are stupid or you shouldn't get a snake or you should be doing the research yourself and only asking questions to clarify a few details. But that is likely to end up with this person still owning a BP, still not knowing how to care for it properly, never coming back to this forum, giving our hobby a bad name when they complain to friends about all the troubles they have with their snake, and the snake living in miserable conditions.

    Or we can offer help. Constructive help and direct answers to direct questions. If you don't want to type it all, cut and paste or provide a link. By doing that, we are more likely to end up with this person owning a BP, learning to care for it properly, hanging around this forum and eventually being able to help other newbies, thoroughly enjoying BP ownership because proper care is likely to end up with a trouble free pet which will get their friends turned on to herps, and the snake lives a long and "happy" life.

    No matter what, you don't get to choose what mtxsub7 does. But you do get to choose what you do. Which path are you going to choose?
  • 02-05-2008, 10:50 PM
    mtxsub7
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by kc261 View Post
    I just don't understand all the negativity in so many of the replies to mtxsub7.

    I agree that it would have been best if this poster had spent a little more time doing thorough research, then spent a little more time getting the enclosure set up and temps and humidity stabilized, and only after that bought the BP.

    But we don't get to decide what someone else does.

    And really, mtxsub7 isn't doing all that bad. Many people buy on impulse the first time they see a BP or other animal that interests them in the store. Mtxsub7 did not. Mtxsub7 did some research first.

    Many people come to our forum and ask advice, and then tell all the reasons why they aren't going to follow that advice, and get angry at the persons who took time to try to help them. Mtxsub7 joined this forum only 2 days ago, but appears to be making a sincere effort to learn proper care for his/her new pet.

    What we can control is how we react to this person, and others in similar situations. We can say things like you are stupid or you shouldn't get a snake or you should be doing the research yourself and only asking questions to clarify a few details. But that is likely to end up with this person still owning a BP, still not knowing how to care for it properly, never coming back to this forum, giving our hobby a bad name when they complain to friends about all the troubles they have with their snake, and the snake living in miserable conditions.

    Or we can offer help. Constructive help and direct answers to direct questions. If you don't want to type it all, cut and paste or provide a link. By doing that, we are more likely to end up with this person owning a BP, learning to care for it properly, hanging around this forum and eventually being able to help other newbies, thoroughly enjoying BP ownership because proper care is likely to end up with a trouble free pet which will get their friends turned on to herps, and the snake lives a long and "happy" life.

    No matter what, you don't get to choose what mtxsub7 does. But you do get to choose what you do. Which path are you going to choose?

    nicely put, well I am having issues with temp/humidity.. not so much with temp anymore but humidity is a big problem so waltah! is going to come hook me up with a special tank thats smaller and a lot better, so thankfully that happend. A lot of people did help out though, My snake is currently being very active in the dark, very interesting. but nicley put man
  • 02-05-2008, 11:08 PM
    kc261
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    Here are some comments:

    The complaint I always see in regards to carpet as a substrate is that it is not easy to clean and it can be a breeding ground for bacteria. As long as you keep these things in mind and act accordingly (change it often and clean it thoroughly), you should be able to use it without problem. In the long run, you might be happier with a different substrate. Lots of people are very happy with newspaper which is cheap and easy. Aspen is also popular, but since most people spot clean when using aspen and only doing a full change occasionally, it also has the potential to not be as clean as would be ideal.

    You snake probably is stressed. Get your temps and humidity stable and cover the back & sides of the tank to help it feel more secure. Then leave it alone for a week. It will probably settle in a lot within a couple of days. If it still is active in the day and doing more climbing than hiding, you can try adding a layer of crumpled newspaper which will allow the snake to feel hidden and secure even when not in a hide. Then gradually (over a month or so) remove the newspaper.

    Plenty of people have talked about temps and the importance of knowing exactly what they are that I think I can skip that.

    I didn't see a direct response to your question about the best way to maintain humidity. That is probably at least partly because there isn't a "best" way to do it. Unless it is switching to a tub. But in a glass tank, there are several things you can do. You will almost certainly need to cover most of the screen top to prevent humidity (and heat) from escaping. Then you can increase humidity by having a water bowl with more surface area, or putting the water closer to the heat source, having a substrate that can hold some humidity, misting, etc. Also, heat lights and CHEs suck the humidity out of your tank. You'll fight the humidity a lot less if you can manage to get the right temps using UTHs.

    The pepsi-box hides aren't going to be the best, but they are at least better than nothing. You can find plenty of other very inexpensive or even free things that will work better. My BP is using black plastic food containers (minus the lids) that we got at a chinese take out place.

    One thing you said is that you have heard BPs often go off feed, so if yours does it doesn't mean you are a bad keeper. That is only partially true. Part of the reason BPs have the reputation of going off feed is because many people don't understand their requirements. So while sometimes BPs go off feed for unknown reasons, and sometimes adults do it because of the breeding season (whether they are breeding or not), it is most often that there is something in the environment that could be improved and make the snake feel more secure, and then it starts eating again.

    Hope this helps!
  • 02-05-2008, 11:15 PM
    JASBALLS
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by giaach View Post
    The snake is crawling around because A it's in a new setting and B it's probably stressed out. An active bp during the day is usually attributed to stress.

    Wow!! What book was that in?? Not all bps are lazy sleep all day snakes you know..
  • 02-05-2008, 11:53 PM
    TanyaL
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    I also have my bp in a glass tank (a tub is out of the question). When I had humidity problems, somebody suggested laying a t-shirt over the screen, but be sure it's not touching the shade of your lamp. Misting the glass instead of the substrate also made a big difference. We keep constant watch on temps and humidity and adjust accordingly until we can get something to regulate it instead of relying on dimmers and a constant eye. Fortunately, there is usually somebody awake 24/7 in our house so keeping an eye on temp/humidity isn't that much of a problem for us.

    Good luck with your new BP!
  • 02-05-2008, 11:53 PM
    Subzero
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by waltah! View Post
    I'm a firm believer in having your enclosure setup well in advance and measuring temps throughout the day and night to make sure all is well. I will say that this guy came here for help so that's a good thing. If you jump all over him then he will not be back and who knows what will happen. You can get a couple of plastic cereal bowl from a supermarket or Walmart for about $2. Cut out an entrance on each of them and they make great hides. They coil up in a circle and like to feel their hides around them. If you need to raise your humidity then place the water bowl closer to the heat source and it will help. Leave him alone for a week once all is properly setup. Feed him after that week. Stressed snakes don't eat. If he eats then look at that as a positive. It seems that you really do care or you would not be here. We all just want to see a happy healthy BP. Good luck and feel free to pm me if you have any questions.

    There ya go, nice post. People do tend to buy a snake and then ask questions, most ppl start into a hobby that way, My advice is read the care sheets here, and follow them. Glass tanks are not ideal, but it can work for now. Two identical hides on either side (snug hides) good temps and humidity, using heat bulbs is not ideal (too bright in most cases and the hot light kills humidity)

    Honestly If you wanted to buy the proper cage and flex watt and thermostat thats ideal for your snake, youd be spending about 400$ for a 50$ snake, most people dont realize that.
  • 02-06-2008, 06:22 AM
    rabernet
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by mtxsub7 View Post
    I read that problems eating aren't uncommon

    Actually, they are very uncommon when all their husbandry needs are being met.

    A non-feeding ball python is a symptom. A symptom that you will need to be able to identify and correct.

    Repti-carpet is bad - it is great for building up mold and bacteria when it's soiled. Your better choice is aspen, cypress mulch, paper towels or newspaper.

    Pepsi cartons for hides are bad - with an animal as small as the one you have, there's no way that they are touching him on all sides when he goes inside them, so he's not feeling the security that he desires. Also, as soon as they get wet - more mold and bacteria.

    The enclosure also seems a bit large for a baby. If your ball python is training for the snake olympics, he's probably stressed.

    I have 22 ball pythons that eat each and every week even in the winter. Not eating is VERY uncommon in my experience. And it's very uncommon for a ball python your size to not eat, unless he's stressed out about something.

    Edit - good to see that Waltah! is going to come over to help you get him set up properly!
  • 02-06-2008, 12:09 PM
    reptile3
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    Thank You Jas.... the reason I am thanking you... My bp doesn't sleep/hide allday. He is very active.. He is NOT stressed!!! :gj:


    Quote:

    Originally Posted by JASBALLS View Post
    Wow!! What book was that in?? Not all bps are lazy sleep all day snakes you know..

  • 02-06-2008, 12:26 PM
    mtxsub7
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    I got a UTH and a thermostat, and have it in a tank made to keep in humidity and its working great, temps and humidity are up and staying stable and I saw my snake drink water for the first time since I had him
  • 02-06-2008, 12:45 PM
    recycling goddess
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    that's great news. keep up the good work. researching these beloved critters never ends... so strap on your thinking cap and join in the never ending fun of your new learning curve!
  • 02-06-2008, 12:59 PM
    GirDance
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Subzero View Post
    Honestly If you wanted to buy the proper cage and flex watt and thermostat thats ideal for your snake, youd be spending about 400$ for a 50$ snake, most people dont realize that.

    400$? How do you figure?

    Thermostat - 109$ (herpstat) 139$ (helix)
    Tub - 5$-15$
    Flexwatt or heat mat - 2.10$/foot-19.99$ (at most, adding money for wiring)
    Accurite - 10$ - make it 2 for 20$
    Plastic container hides - 5$ for a bunch.
    Waterbowl - 1-2$

    Thats 165$ - 205$... And that's going with some of the more expensive options.

    I'd like to see how that turns into 400$?? I'm only wondering because I don't want someone doing research a head of time to read that the wrong way, freak out and decide they will never be able to afford one.

    Also... Not all of these snakes are 50$ - and not all owners are looking for a bargain.
  • 02-06-2008, 01:27 PM
    waltah!
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    I think that they were talking about getting a cage from AP or Reptile basics or something. The tub being so cheap is what makes the difference. I'll probably keep mine in a tub for a long time. It will depend on how many I end up with;) I am already planning on having a cage made for my boa though:) She's a good girl who deserves her own apartment. lol
  • 02-06-2008, 01:33 PM
    scoobyark
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by GirDance View Post
    400$? How do you figure?

    Thermostat - 109$ (herpstat) 139$ (helix)
    Tub - 5$-15$
    Flexwatt or heat mat - 2.10$/foot-19.99$ (at most, adding money for wiring)
    Accurite - 10$ - make it 2 for 20$
    Plastic container hides - 5$ for a bunch.
    Waterbowl - 1-2$

    Thats 165$ - 205$... And that's going with some of the more expensive options.

    I'd like to see how that turns into 400$?? I'm only wondering because I don't want someone doing research a head of time to read that the wrong way, freak out and decide they will never be able to afford one.

    Also... Not all of these snakes are 50$ - and not all owners are looking for a bargain.

    Example
    RBI 2x3 w/heat $244.99
    thermostat $109
    accurite $15
    temp gun $54.99
    total $423.98
    For the people who don't want to use tubs or fish tanks. I like my snake to be on display. And I only have one snake to care for.
  • 02-06-2008, 01:36 PM
    GirDance
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    I understand those who want it to be on display... But I wouldn't call display vivs "the proper cage", that was all. I guess it's my own thing for not considering BPs a good display animal, I always tended to think the most suited environment was a tub, not a big display viv. That's all :)
  • 02-06-2008, 01:52 PM
    scoobyark
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by GirDance View Post
    I understand those who want it to be on display... But I wouldn't call display vivs "the proper cage", that was all. I guess it's my own thing for not considering BPs a good display animal, I always tended to think the most suited environment was a tub, not a big display viv. That's all :)

    Each to his own.:)
  • 02-07-2008, 06:46 AM
    ChrisBowsman
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    What's the point in spending a bunch of extra money to display an animal who spends the vast majority of its life hiding?
  • 02-08-2008, 06:46 AM
    rabernet
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by GirDance View Post
    I understand those who want it to be on display... But I wouldn't call display vivs "the proper cage", that was all. I guess it's my own thing for not considering BPs a good display animal, I always tended to think the most suited environment was a tub, not a big display viv. That's all :)

    I agree - ball pythons are not display snakes, unless you just like displaying hides! :P
  • 02-08-2008, 03:39 PM
    mtxsub7
    Re: Finally got my BP, tell me what ya think!
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by rabernet View Post
    I agree - ball pythons are not display snakes, unless you just like displaying hides! :P



    UPDATE: humidity and temp is fixed, Going to try and feed tonight, hope it goes well!
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