Normal Ball Python

[Gene0514]

Hey guys
I'm new to ball pythons but have been actively lurking around this site taking in all the info i could. I got this 3' long male ball python on nov 30th. He is a great eater and is eating 2-3 adult mice a week. According to his previous owner, he is about 4 years old. He is eating both live and f/t mice no problem and has just shed on friday. I am going to see next friday if he'll take a small rat. I have him in a 90 qt tub which is about 31" x 12" x 12".

Here are pics










and a close-up of his pattern

[mpkeelee]

nice snake. the husbandry and feeding could be improved a tiny bit but there is plenty for you to read here. i started off with a baby normal and sat back with a beer and read everything i could find. soon enough i was providing my animals with optimal living conditions. good luck. i encourage you to read all that u can. if you cant find it, just ask. we will happily answer

[Gene0514]

Thanks!

Can you let me know what I should improve on?
You can't see it in the pics but I have a heat mat with a dimmer on it thats keeping the hot side from 89-94 throughout the day. And there is a digital thermometer on the side with a probe going right over the center of the heat mat under the substrate.

[mommanessy247]

ok digital thermometer = good. those little analog ones - throw them out they're trash (much too inaccurate)
get yourself an accu-rite - its a digital thermometer/hygrometer (measures humidity). can get this at walmart, lowes or home depot for $12-$15.
& i imagine that hide box is a little big for him cuz i see him curled up in there and having a bunch of space...these guys like to feel hugged on all sides of their hides, my little girl has to practically squeeze into her hide boxes mostly after she's eaten but she curls up and sometimes the hide box ends up ontop of her and she's fine with that she still thinks she's "hiding". you'll also want another box on the cool side, preferrably identical to the one you have on the warm side so if your guy decides he wants to go cool off he has something else to hide in.
thats what i see...

[Pinoy Pythons]

He's such a cutie! I love his pattern. I bet you'll learn alot here just like what I did. Visit the Husbandry section for more detailed information on your pet's husbandry needs.

[Gene0514]

@mommanessy247

Ah yeah I know the analog ones generally aren't accurate but one of those is a hygrometer and idk the ones I have seem to be pretty accurate. But I'll see if I can get an accu-rite around here. Is this model good? http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053

I've actually thought of just removing the hidebox because he seems to prefer hiding under the paper. Do you think that would be ok?

@Pinoy Pythons
Thanks! I will keep on reading and see if I can get more advice

[mommanessy247]

um well that one really doesnt look like it displays humidity...mine has the time displayed on top, temp in middle and humidity on bottom (the humidity is seen as a percentage)
honestly i'd make sure he has 2 hideboxes regardless that way if he should decide he wants to go in one they're there for him. these snakes will sacrifice warmth for security so you wanna give them options no matter where in their cage they are. thats how i see it...
if i'm wrong here someone please correct me...

[grits]

He probably hides under the paper because is tighter to him than his hide you have. I would toss the box and let him use the paper. Thats where mine prefer to be no matter how small of a hide box I would use.

[zina10]

Beautiful snake You already got great tips on husbandry

[TheWinWizard]

Pretty Boy, Wal-Mart has the Accu-Rite for 12 dollars, measures temp and humidity and has a probe so you can check the hot and cold sides.