Brand new Ball Python owner here!

[Gemma]

I've wanted a snake since I was a kid. I finally got one for my birthday this past year & it's like I'm a new parent. Every little thing freaks me out. So, if you guys could give me some general helpful tips on how to keep my snake happy & healthy, that'd be greatly appreciated!

[thejennabird]

Haha, all I can tell you is I'm in the same boat! I just brought my little girl home this week and I fret over every little thing. (Are her hides comfy? What if my Accurite isn't accurate? Is she happy? What does she neeeeed?!) I take comfort in knowing I did a lot of research and tried to get everything "right" for her - particularly temperature gradient, humidity, and environment.

I think it's great you're trying to keep your snake as happy and healthy as possible! It's hard to know what sort of tips you need without seeing your current setup. Here's a common a survey I've seen that introduces people to your situation. Maybe consider filling it out so you can get some peace of mind about caring for your new friend!

1. How long have you had your ball python?
2. How old (or how big) is your snake?
3. Does it eat on a regular schedule?
4. How long since its last meal?
5. What type/size prey is being offered?
6. How often do you offer food?
7. What type and size of enclosure does it live in?
8. What are you using as substrate? If it has depth, how deep is it?
9. What type of heating do you use?
10. Do you use a thermostat to control temperatures?
11. What do you use to measure/monitor temperatures?
12. What are the surface and ambient temperatures in the enclosure?
13. What is the average humidity level?
14. How many and what type of hides does the snake have?
15. Is water readily available at all times?
16. Does the snake live alone or does it share the enclosure with anything else?
17. How often and for how long is the snake typically handled?

[The Golem]

I'm also new at this, got my snake on August 29 and am filled with questions and concerns. So I have no practical tips but there are a lot of online resources for info. This site and forum is filled with useful and practical tips. And there are many videos on Youtube that demonstrate setting up the enclosure, feeding and handling.
BPs can have a long lifespan so I'm trying to learn by reading up on the experiences of people who have been keeping them for a while.
Good luck! Post some pictures! And specific questions which could get specific answers.