Got me a new friend, need a little input

[ross870]

So around Christmas I "adopted" a ball python. A friend of mine told me a guy he worked with was giving one away because he was moving, and if he couldn't find a new home soon, he was going to turn it loose (I live in Southern Maryland, a sure death for this critter). I have a 6 year old son, and he was all for it like me! I picked "him" up (not sure of the sex, but they were pretty sure it was male) the Saturday before Christmas. He didn't have a name, so I left this decision up to my son, and Joe it was! I was told that Joe was about 2 years old, was shedding, and ate once a month (which I thought was odd). When I got him home, I took a closer look at him and it looked more like he had sunburn and was peeling. Joe was (and still is) in a 20L tank with a UTH and purple heat light on a timer, but the owner kept the timer...they didn't have a thermostat or thermometer though. So of course I started doing a little research on ball pythons and came across this site! SO VERY HELPFUL!!! I thought this tank was a little small, so I got a bigger one that is 36x18x17 off of CL. It came with a "day" light, a CHE, another UTH and a thermostat (zoo-med 500r). I also bought the acu-rite thermometer that is very popular. The glass tank Joe is in now is a pain to keep heat and humidity, so I imagined the larger one I got would be even harder. I've been reading and reading and reading some more... and learned about the pvc cages (animal plastics, Pro-line, Vision, ect) and I think I am going with the animal plastics t-8.

So here's where I need a little input...Joe is about 30 inches long, but I'm not sure of his weight. I am considering getting another ball python...yes I am hooked!! is the t-8 with the divider large enough for 2 adult ball pythons?

Also, I've been reading about better thermostats and will probably go with one of the Herpstats.

Oh, and Joe is eating once week now (live) like a champ, and has shed once more...not a complete shed though, but better then when I picked him up.

[steve_r34]

I can't help u with the tanks .. since Joe has had poor sheds next shed he has u need to pull it apart and check if his eye caps r coming off with his shed

[Archimedes]

I personally don't believe a pair of BPs would be housed comfortably in a divided T8, but I also don't own a T8, so someone with experience with them would have better input.

[ross870]

Yes the eye caps are coming off, that was one of my concerns

[Mr. Misha]

Welcome to the forum Ross. I'm glad you took in this poor ball python.

To answer your question, a divided T8 is definitely more than enough space for two snakes especially since Joe is still very small.

Here's a great thread on T8s:
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=165571
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[BumbleB]

Yes a t8 can definitely house two adult balls. The only time you might have an issue is with a HUGE breeder female then she might need the full space. While youre waiting for the t8 you shiuld look into buying some sphagnum moss and making a humid hide to help with humidity and getting the old shed off.