Being fair about PetSmart (and buying your ball python from them)

[m3gz]

I appreciate you guys' help so much, I've had all kinds of companions and they thrive, but i haven't had a pet with a longer life span than 5 years, other than my dog of course. You guys (obviously) know FAR more than i do, so i would be rather foolish not to listen lol.

[predatorkeeper87]

I was told to go with the glass one because it gets really humid in the area we have her, im baking/cooking almost constantly its almost a sauna haha. But you think she'll be ok???

glass can work don't get me wrong but that coupled with a light instead of a UTH is going to crush your humidity regardless of how humid your home is lol. Cover 3/4 of the top with foil to help with the humidity. She will be fine, take some deep breathes and let her be for a bit haha.

[Craiga 01453]

Honestly, it's my pleasure. I enjoy helping. I am FAR from the most knowledgeable person on this forum, but I have years of experience. I just recently got back into keeping snakes after many years away. A lot has changed in the snake game since the late 90's/2000 when I re-housed my snakes back then (rough patch in my life that lasted about 12 more years after that).

Your snake will be fine, and you will too. It is very clear that you are indeed concerned and want what's best for the snake. Keep asking, keep learning and all will be fine.

You'll notice some of the more experienced keepers with more knowledge will start chiming in too, they're probably just starting to wake up (it's 8:22 here in MA, been up since 3:30, couldn't sleep, uggh) so the east coasters will probably be on soon and the rest will follow as the morning hours approach the different time zones.

I highly suggest reading some of the "stickies" on this forum, much better than most of the crap you'll find on goggle searches. Anybody can post on sites google will link you to, but the stickies on here are written by educated snake keepers and only become stickies with admin approval (I believe that's kinda how it works anyway).

[predatorkeeper87]

There is one, but you should see the reviews on it...from what i hear their animals all die within a month or two....its sad really

well..I'd go in and ask if they have frozen hopper mice or even rat pinks. They may be a bad shop but if they have frozen rats cheaper its always a better idea.

[predatorkeeper87]

I appreciate you guys' help so much, I've had all kinds of companions and they thrive, but i haven't had a pet with a longer life span than 5 years, other than my dog of course. You guys (obviously) know FAR more than i do, so i would be rather foolish not to listen lol.

believe me I was in your shoes with more than one type of animal in the past haha. BP's are easy to keep once you nail down the husbandry requirements for them. It all seems overwhelming but soon enough you'll be waking up checking temps and humidity without a second thought haha. You'll start to be excited when you don't see your snake for days too hahaha.

[m3gz]

Been up all night as well, watching the escape artist. And chatting with you guys trying to figure out just how badly i got screwed lol

[predatorkeeper87]

Honestly, it's my pleasure. I enjoy helping. I am FAR from the most knowledgeable person on this forum, but I have years of experience. I just recently got back into keeping snakes after many years away. A lot has changed in the snake game since the late 90's/2000 when I re-housed my snakes back then (rough patch in my life that lasted about 12 more years after that).

Your snake will be fine, and you will too. It is very clear that you are indeed concerned and want what's best for the snake. Keep asking, keep learning and all will be fine.

You'll notice some of the more experienced keepers with more knowledge will start chiming in too, they're probably just starting to wake up (it's 8:22 here in MA, been up since 3:30, couldn't sleep, uggh) so the east coasters will probably be on soon and the rest will follow as the morning hours approach the different time zones.

I highly suggest reading some of the "stickies" on this forum, much better than most of the crap you'll find on goggle searches. Anybody can post on sites google will link you to, but the stickies on here are written by educated snake keepers and only become stickies with admin approval (I believe that's kinda how it works anyway).

I feel ya...PA here been up since 430 for work lol.

also agreed, read the stickies. great info on them.

[m3gz]

I know you said the little thermometers dont work right, but should it be hovering at ~70% humidity?

[Craiga 01453]

...oh, and as far as glass goes, you will be fine with glass. All my snakes are in glass and are all healthy and doing well (my Cal King just shed a few minutes ago, perfect one-piece shed). However, I do plan to switch to PVC when I can. Unfortunately, it's a money thing right now. I've never had a PVC enclosure, but based on everything I've read, they are awesome. I personally like having the display style enclosures, so a tub and rack system doesn't fit my personal needs.

[m3gz]

I also read all the ball python fact sheets and stickies on here already haha. have to do something to stay awake