New BP: A few questions, plus some news that might interest you.

[Docile1]

I am glad to hear that SHE is doing well. The guys at CRH are great, and I would definitely trust their ability to sex your animal.

Glad to hear that you give CHR a thumbs up

They've got lots of nice, healthy normals and morphs, plus they're nice people.

Thanks again!

[Docile1]

Yeah, she's thin. I got one from [insert name of reputable breeder] that was 6 months old and thinner than that, and all she's done since I got her is eat. She eats seconds and thirds and sometimes chomps me when I go to take her out of her feeding box because she's hoping my hand is the 4th helping.

Ball pythons can be sexed by a qualified vet or breeder at any age. It's really only tiny babies like green tree python hatchlings that can't be sexed until they're larger.

(Oh--just saw that this is an older thread. Glad she's a girl! Keep feeding her, especially if she acts hungry.)

Thanks for the info on sexing young snakes.

Wow ... 3rd's (and ouch 4th's ... that really IS a pinky!

I was feeding 2 fuzzies at a time a week ago and for the first time moved up to 1 small mouse per feeding - maybe I'll try 2 mice next time

[Docile1]

I am glad to hear that SHE is doing well. The guys at CRH are great, and I would definitely trust their ability to sex your animal.

Btw, switched substrate to paper toweling .. cleaning is a breeze and able to maintain belly temps under hides right where they should be - 81F cool-side, 91F warm-side.

My BP seemed a little confused by the paper toweling at first but acclimated within a day. Plus now she's feeding better right in her enclosure and without eating any bark with her meals.

For humidity, made 'humidity boxes' out of 4" round food storage containers - drilled as many holes in lid for good water vapor dissipation and filled with coconut bark, then fill with water, let soak a few minutes, drain and place on warm side of enclosure; humidity stays a 55%-60% for a week straight; during shed add another identical 'humidity box' and levels maintain 65%-70%.

Any feedback on using paper towels as a permanent substrate is appreciated.

[dkoehl26]

There are quite a bit of reputable breeders in the Chicago Land besides Chicago Reptile House. There is Mark Petros, Tom Furr, and Tuning Fork Reptiles are all pretty good breeders out here in the Chicago Land if you ever decide to buy another snake. They are very addictive. 1 never seems to be enough.

Welcome to the community!!

[Docile1]

There are quite a bit of reputable breeders in the Chicago Land besides Chicago Reptile House. There is Mark Petros, Tom Furr, and Tuning Fork Reptiles are all pretty good breeders out here in the Chicago Land if you ever decide to buy another snake. They are very addictive. 1 never seems to be enough.

Welcome to the community!!

Thanks dkoehl! I probably wouldn't have known about all of these breeders located in my own backyard had you not pointed them out to me. Looks like you have a nice BP collection!