Going to get my first BP, a few questions

[Iryendir]

To start off, let me say that I've read the Caresheet, done my own research, and done my best to educate myself. I currently have reptiles (lizards), but I need to know a few things as this will be my first snake, and I wish to give him as good a life as I can.

Should I get a hatchling, or a subadult? Which would be better to start out with?

Alright, hides. I have a pair of 6" wide, 2" tall wooden bowls that I'm going to bore entrance holes into. Will this be adequate for the snake, and up to approximately what size will he be able to fit into it?

Is live feeding or feeding prekill best for BPs? Why would you say so?

And, finally... what method is best for maintaining humidity in the tank? I have a 36x18x12 terrarium and a 15 gallon, which I need to take measurements on, but they're both glass on all sides..
I'm going to be using a UTH with a top which I've modified to only have a screen door - the rest is plastic. Would it be easiest to mist (if so, how and what should I mist in the tank?), or to heat his waterbowl?


Thank you to anyone and everyone who helps me. ^^

[Mft62485]

I'd get a hatchling, and it's really hard to read the purple font, also I prefer frozen-thawed food, its more convienent, but there is nothing wrong with feeding live.

[Mft62485]

Oh, and welcome to BP.net.

[Iryendir]

I'm sorry, I wasn't aware that there was a problem with the visibility of my font. ^^;
Alright, thank you very much.

[Mft62485]

Actually I just remembered it's because I've got the black ond gold background, but it can be seen clearly on the default settings, my bad.

[FatBoy]

Hatchling or yearling will be fine..get whatever you like. They are not like a puppy, if they are nippy they will probably always be nippy. Raising them and lots of handleing will not always calm them.

I would stay away from the wooden hide, it will get soiled easily and be harder to clean. Lean towards plastic. I stick with a hide until the snake stops getting under it or shows signs of stress. Each animal is different.

Either live or FT is ok. Some BPs are reluctant to take FT but other take right to it. FT is cheaper but S/H is a killer. Weigh your local options, you may can find a rodent breeder near by to get rats from.

Humidity can be created by using 2 UTHs. A regular sized one for one side and a smaller one on the other, keep the water bowl on top of the small one. Also cover 3 sides of the tank with corkboard (from Lowes) Avoiding heat lamps will help with humidity too.

Good luck with your new snake.

[Iryendir]

Very, very helpful. Thank you, I'll g'head and get corkboard for the sides. I believe I'll start breeding feeder rats, it seems to be most cost effective. Then I'll offer prekilled first, and if he won't eat that, I'll try live.