Hey new BP owner!

[snakeys1996]

hi im Trevor. i just bought my first ball python! ive been obsessed with snakes my whole life and im so happy i finnaly have one. but i have a few questions because i want to do everything right. first of all, i have a baby ball python, i havent measured him because i want him to get used to his new home before i bug him bye handeling him, but do you think a 24L X 22W X 15H tank will be a sufficient size tank when my snake grows up? or will i need to upgrade. i was also wondering about heat because my mom is NOT the biggest snake fan and is making me house my snake in my garage. i have an under substate heater and an infrared light and the temperature is good right now, but i live in north carolina and the temperatures can vary so do you think i will have problems keeping the heat consistant? im hoping that i can show my mom how not scary a baby ball python is but she is REALLY REALLY scared lol. il send pics in a few days bye

[Marla]

Welcome to the site, Trevor! This is the best forum for ball python fans, hands down (no pun intended). Your cage is fine for a baby, but he will need something bigger as he grows, whether an aquarium or a Rubbermaid type container or a custom cage.

I understand about your mom, and it means that you should definitely monitor your temps and humidity with something reliable (digital, not those stick-on thermometers), and should probably insulate the tank as well (cardboard, styrofoam, old blanket, pretty much anything will work). Inside the house is definitely a better place for your baby, but you can probably make it work in the garage if you work at it.

Tell us more about what you have set up so far. Is he in an aquarium? Does it have a screen top? If so, is the screen covered? How are you measuring temps and humidity? What are the temps and humidity? How many hides, and what are they? How do you plan to cool him off during the summer?

[JLC]

One thing I'd like to say, in addition to Marla's excellent husbandry advice:

Be VERY patient with your Mom. Don't try to force the snake on her. Don't insist that she touch or hold it. Don't surprise her with it in her face. Don't walk into the house with it wrapped around your neck. Don't sneak it into your room. You probably know all this anyhow...but just in case you don't...or in case there are other young snake lovers out there trying to convince their moms. Any of these things will only set her back and/or cause her to lose trust.

Just let her come around in her own time. It'll most likely be a VERY slow process...but a very rewarding one if you are patient and mature about it. Her trust in YOU will be magnified...and that is priceless.

And welcome to the site!!! This is THE BEST place to come to get your questions answered!

[snakeys1996]

lol yea my mom agreed to some "snake therapy" lol. were going to start with small things like being in the same room as it and when shes comfortable we move closer lol. my cage is a vision 211. i too was confused on what to do during the summer monthes. i was thinking fans and cool water in his soak dish. he/she is the most beautiful thing i have ever seen lol. i have a picture im going to try and see if i can upload it. i felt bad taking it because i had to move his hide. after this im just going to let him get used to his new home in peace

[VigosPal]

Hey Trevor!
You've come to the right place!!! I'm pretty new to the world of BPs myself and I find so much advice and answers here that I returned all my books to the library...lol
Diana

[snakeys1996]

trying to figure out this camera thing lol [img]buddy[/img]

[snakeys1996]

[Smulkin]

Welcome aboard - indeed a very good complete and helpful community here!

[JLC]

Trevor...at the top-left side of the screen is a list of links. Click on the one that says "Photo Gallery." Then click on the button that says "Create/order my albums" and create an album for yourself. Near the top of the page is a link that says "upload picture." Click on that and follow the directions. Voila...you've got an album with a picture uploaded. You can just tell us to go look at it and we will!

If you want to try posting a picture here on the board...go to your picture in the album and right-click on it. A menu will pop up. Find "Properties" and click on that. That will reveal the exact URL for your picture. Highlight and copy that URL. Then come here and use the [img] tags like you just did...but paste the full URL for your picture between them. If you're not sure if it'll work, you can click the "Preview" button instead of the "Submit" button and see for yourself.

If this is still confusing, don't be afraid to ask for clarification! Looking forward to seeing your pics!

[Marla]

Good for your mom for agreeing to "snake therapy." Definitely let her go at her own pace, though, or she could end up more scared than she was before. Maybe by summer she'll let the little guy in the house so you don't end up cooking him. I know my garage gets really hot in the summer.