First Post, First Snake!

[MikeH]

Hey guys. My name's Mike. I'm 20 years old, and yesterday I just got my first Ball! Still unknown on the sex, but will be taking it for a check-up and will have it vented. It's name is Kaa (10 points to whoever gets the reference). But without further adieu, here it is:

[Simple Man]

Congrats and

Regards,

B

[interloc]

The reference is obviously Jungle Book!!! Nice snake and welcome to the addiction!

Sent from my BlackBerry 9800 using Tapatalk

[ball python 22]

Somebody beat me to it but the Jungle Book is the reference. Kaa is the name of the snake.

[MikeH]

I'll give interloc 7 points, and ball python 22 3.

Thanks for the comments, guys. It's doing really well. From most of the information I've read, these are typically very timid and reclusive for the first few days/week, but it's been exploring its tank, flicking its tongue constantly, and it even ate a small f/t mouse!

[crazyj83]

Hey Mike welcome to bp.net, and congrats on the new bp. I'd like to first ask these question about your husbandry. what are your temps, hot/cool, humidity, how are you heating your tank, are you planning on using a different substrate, adding hot side hide? I am normally nowhere near this fast about asking new members these questions but pic #3 has me worried due to what looks to me drool or something coming from the bps mouth. If i'm correct you may need to have it checked for an RI. I sincerly hope i'm wrong and you have everything under control, I just like to bring attention to things that a new owner my over look or just not know what to look for. Anyways, again, welcome to the site, please feel free to ask any and all questions you have and most of all have fun here and enjoy.

[MikeH]

No problem at all!
The hot temperature is currently at 89F
The cold is currently 79F
Humidity is currently sitting at 58%
I have a 100w Full Spectrum ExoTerra light on the hot side, and a low wattage heating pad under the tank on the cool side
Substrate will be replaced with shredded coconut husk
I will be adding another hide and some fake hanging plants, as well as a climbing branch
Pic #3 is just after the snake had taken a drink, so it's just water. I witnessed it, otherwise I'd be as worried as you.

I've spent the lat 6-7 months doing research, so I feel like I have the jyst of it wrapped up. My only original concern was that the store owner was feeding live, and I won't do that. He was extremely quick to take a f/t mouse, though. Breathing has been very steady and normal-spaced breaths. Skin is silky smooth and seems to be well-hydrated. Anal opening is in tip-top shape with no signs of prolapse. I'll still be taking it to the vet for a check-up and a stool analysis, but right now, I have little concern.

[crazyj83]

Awesome, then no worries. Thanks for understanding my concern. Alot of new owners tend to not do research before getting their bps and have no clue what illnesses look like, so I tend to be the one that asks the questions...lol... Amyways great job with everything. Looks like your bp will have a great home. Keep us posted. Look forward to seeing more pics as it grows.

[MikeH]

Just got back from the LPS. Got a couple of climbing branches, a nighttime bulb, a hanging plant, and another hide.

[enchantress62]

Congrats! Ball python's are so cool aren't they? The only other snake I have is a baby corn and although I love him just as much as Baloo, he's not nearly as interesting. Frank, that's his name, hides constantly, where as Baloo comes out at night to cruise around and play. Enjoy Kaa he's really cute.