So, I'm getting my first snake.

[CagedWalnut]

Soon, I'll be getting a ball python. I'm wondering about how I should keep it nice for it. Considering I have never had a snake, I'm not sure exactly which advice to listen too. What I'm most concerned about is the heat pad though, because I've heard stories about it overheating and hurting the snake badly. I just want some friendly advice so I can care for the snake as much as possible.

[Rickys_Reptiles]

Search "Thermostat"

[DSpythons]

A heat pad will not overheat if you use a thermostat which is a must! A thermostat controls the heat pad and shuts off when the desired set temp is reached. A thermometer measures the temperature so always get a digital one with a probe or a temp gun. And a hygrometer to measure humidity but make sure its digital also.

You can get a combo hot side/cool side thermometer that measures humidity at Wamart its called a Accurite. Aim for warm side 92, cool side 80 and humidity around 60%.

A cheaper Thermostat that i use is a Hydrofarm from Amazon. There are better ones. Use 2 identical hides on both sides and a substrate that holds humidity like cypress.



Good luck and ask lots of questions.

[Neal]

Also dimmer switches work well also.

If you do use a thermostat though you need to make sure you put it to where the prob doesn't fall off or the snake can't move it otherwise it can raise the temp significantly.

[Rickys_Reptiles]

a hyrdometer to measure humidity

hygrometer

[DSpythons]

hygrometer

Sorry, spell check on my phone turned it to something that measures salinity in water.

[Rickys_Reptiles]

Sorry, spell check on my phone turned it to something that measures salinity in water.

All good!

Your answer was good

[DSpythons]

Also dimmer switches work well also.

If you do use a thermostat though you need to make sure you put it to where the prob doesn't fall off or the snake can't move it otherwise it can raise the temp significantly.

Dimmers vary greatly I used to use one and if the room got 3 degrees warmer the heat pad would go from 88 to 95 in a matter of a hour.

[Neal]

Dimmers vary greatly I used to use one and if the room got 3 degrees warmer the heat pad would go from 88 to 95 in a matter of a hour.

I guess you may of had a faulty one. I use the same brand dimmer and have for years. I've probably used I'd say about 25-30 and I've never had a spike in temp, it was always within 1 degree of what I set it for. I can set my room temp to 72, 74, 76 and the UTH stays the same temp may raise or drop one degree but that's all. I also double check and triple check with a IR temp gun. I wouldn't recommend just any random person getting a dimmer switch but it's another option and if used properly can have good success.

[DSpythons]

I guess you may of had a faulty one. I use the same brand dimmer and have for years. I've probably used I'd say about 25-30 and I've never had a spike in temp, it was always within 1 degree of what I set it for. I can set my room temp to 72, 74, 76 and the UTH stays the same temp may raise or drop one degree but that's all. I also double check and triple check with a IR temp gun. I wouldn't recommend just any random person getting a dimmer switch but it's another option and if used properly can have good success.

Im not sure if it was the brand but I had 3 running at the same time and I was constantly adjusting them throughout the day. I would set them and all would be at 88 then down to 82 and back up to 94 all depending if my heat or air condition was on. I will never use dimmers again.