First ball python

[numeroclaire]

This is my first ball python that I've owned and first snake in general. Her (hasn't been sexed but we use female pronouns) name is Oya for the Yoruban/Candomblé goddess of change and transition (pronounced like oy-ya). She's about 18 inches long so she's still pretty young. Was suffering from mites recently but we've hopefully conquered that problem - fingers crossed, send good vibes her way! Here's a picture

[IMG][/IMG]

[Evildrdee]

Good luck on the mites. Shes very nice and dark

[numeroclaire]

Good luck on the mites. Shes very nice and dark

Thanks! We cleaned and sprayed her tank and gave her two good soaks today so I'm hoping they won't come back

We've had her about a month now, she's been eating weekly and does really well with being handled so far. I'm so happy I made the decision to get my first ball I just hate those damn mites!

[sharkrocket]

Great looking snake! Welcome to an awesome hobby.

On the mite issue, honestly...they are a nasty thing to get rid of completely since they can crawl out of the cage, lay eggs, then crawl back in. A wash of the cage and snake might not eradicate it.

What you need is called Provent a Mite. It lasts on the cage for a solid month, so the critters can't come back in. Look it up and order some. It took care of our problem easily!

[numeroclaire]

Great looking snake! Welcome to an awesome hobby.

On the mite issue, honestly...they are a nasty thing to get rid of completely since they can crawl out of the cage, lay eggs, then crawl back in. A wash of the cage and snake might not eradicate it.

What you need is called Provent a Mite. It lasts on the cage for a solid month, so the critters can't come back in. Look it up and order some. It took care of our problem easily!

Thanks!

I sprayed her tank with a spray containing similar ingredients because I live in NYS and Provent A Mite is illegal here you can't even get it shipped here. Also vacuumed the whole room she's in, washed all linens nearby including the curtains behind her tank, etc

[Luciferskeeper]

Nice snake, love the dark snakes. I don't know anything about mites, but good luck hope you was able to get rid of them.

[sharkrocket]

Ah, that sucks! One thing you can do is use flea powder on the carpet too, and if you do research online there are some home remedies, like spraying lemon juice on the carpet. But, hopefully they are all gone anyway. Yay!

[PyramidPythons]

Awww, Oya is adorable! I really love those dark colors! Keep up with your mite treatments for at least a couple of weeks AFTER you don't see any. Mites lay eggs as quickly as possible, so just when you think you have a handle on them, the eggs hatch and then you have another infestation. Continue to treat well after you think you've seen the last of them and then you really will have seen the last. Best of luck with her, you're definitely in the right place! This site is full of tons of great knowledge and wonderful people! Welcome to the addiction.

[arialmt]

Ah, that sucks! One thing you can do is use flea powder on the carpet too,

Don't forget about diatomaceous earth. It's very effective without the risk of tracking chemicals all over the house.

Here is a packaged example from the Big Orange:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Safer-Bra...5#.UbNMmfnVDX8

[Inarikins]

Very nice dark little normal! Everybody oohs and aahs over the light normals, but dark ones are so pretty, too.