BP for my son!

[mattchibi]

The advice given is very good advice. Tub systems cost next to nothing. If you're willing to invest in the herpstat 2, I am guessing you won't mind dishing out a bit more money to set up a temporary tub. Here is a thread on how to set up a tub for cheap. All you need to buy is a UTH from your local petstore, or if you prefer to work with flexwatt that works as well, and then all that is left is the 15 quart tub! You already have hides, substrate and a thermostat so those are the hard parts already.

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...Basics...*DUW*

How are you measuring temps? If you buy one model of the accurite thermometer/hygrometer, which is $13, you can measure temps and humidity for your snake probably for the rest of its life.

And I dont think anyone really touched on the gender subject. Since your kids are younger, I personally would rather get a male for my kids because they usually dont get as big as females do. Males max out at around 3.5 -4 feet, Females usually grow to 4-4.5 feet if fed properly during its first 18 months. However, ball pythons are generally pretty timid and shy creatures and getting a female would not be a problem either. By the time the snake is bigger, your kids would be used to it already. The reason the feeding response at the beginning of a hatchling's life is because it has most of its growth spurts during the first years of its life so if improper living conditions are given, then your snake may not reach its physical potential. This all sounds pretty exciting and I can tell you are excited as well. Its great to see members on here who are willing to do whatever it takes to make their snakes happy.

[RichL]

I do agree with everyone that it may be a bit large to start. I would like to give my experience though.

I recently bought a couple babies myself. Both '11's. I had one in a homemade enclosure that was much larger than 40gal, and the other in a 20g tall. ( all temps and humidity are good for those wondering =P ).

In the large homemade enclosure, there were a total of 4 hides, and 1 ledge higher than the lighting. Plenty of fake plants and decorations. Lots to climb on and crevasses ( that weren't hides ) to hide in. He was eating like a champ. Liked to climb around and 'explore' at night. Would hide a lot during the day ( of course ). Never defensive or showed signs of stress (after the first day or two or anyways). I did recently move him into a smaller enclosure to put my '09 female in the bigger enclosure. He still eats great with no issues.

The other baby in the 20g tall has 2 hides and some other decorations. Same deal. Never defensive or showing signs of stress. Eats without hesitation.

I am by no means saying that you should house a small snake in a large enclosure, as it 'can' lead to stress. I am just giving my current experience in it. I have never had a problem as long as there were plenty of places to hide. If you do decide to keep the larger enclosure for the little one, I would just make sure to add more than 2 hides in my opinion.

My $.02

[Jessica Loesch]

But like I said, it all depends on the individual snake and you won't know until you have it.

[RichL]

But like I said, it all depends on the individual snake and you won't know until you have it.

I agree =)

[Gomojoe]

So this is at least something I could try without serious negative effect? Id like to see if it will do alright in the tank just cause I have it. What would a reasonable test be? Maybe go 2 weeks and if it doesn't eat move it? Here is the tank in question:



I'm gonna add two more hides before trying!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[RichL]

Yeah, I would say that there wouldn't be a problem with at least trying it out and see how it does imo. I would honestly probably give it 3 weeks though. The first week you don't want to do anything but leave it alone and give it a chance to settle in before trying to feed. Then if it won't eat for the next two weeks, I would try a smaller enclosure.

Just make sure that if it won't take F/T, try live or pre-killed before ruling it as stress related imo. My little one wouldn't take F/T but took live without issues after the first week in a large enclosure.

It will likely roam around a bit at all hours during the first week. If it settles in to roaming mostly just at night and hiding during the day, I would say your 'probably' ok.

I would say the extra hides are a good idea, just to give plenty of options. Enclosure looks great though ! =) Hopefully it all works out for you and your son.=P

[Jessica Loesch]

Its beautiful. You may stress out your new baby snake, but like I said - go for one that is an aggressive feeder. Ask the breeder, and tell them its important.

Like Rich said, it will likely take about a week to settle in, especially in that size cage.
Once it settles in a hide, you should be okay. I would give it 3-4 weeks before worrying.

Good news is, if you have issues, you just need to buy a 15qt tub and move the components over for a bit.

[Annarose15]

Definitely add a few more hides if you are going to try this enclosure first. Also, I suggest switching that log hide out for one that's more like the cave hide. Wide openings like the log make it feel less secure - if you can see him/her, so could a predator! Best of luck and welcome!

[satomi325]

If enclosure size is the main problem and you don't want to use a tub, then how about sectioning off your tank w/ a divider? (your tank is gorgeous by the way)

You can still use your tank and the baby will still have a small enclosure to live and feel safe. As it grows, you can always move your divider accordingly until your snake can comfortably live in the whole set up.


Edit: Also, it helps if you cover the sides of your tank as well. Your baby will feel more secure. Some people use black paper, a themed background, cardboard, etc.

[Gomojoe]

So here is the girl we just picked up for him! Just weighed in at 152g. First image is a little washed out.