New snake owner - given wrong info?

[Dawn1131]

Thank you! We are going today to buy an under tank heater and thermostat. She does have a day/night heat lamp, so she isn't totally without. It just isn't doing enough. I believe he told me it was cyprus mulch, and I've read that's the best? I really appreciate your reply! Thank you again!

Pretty much all wrong. I would read through the "stickies" on this forum, lots of good info from well educated, experienced people. You definitely don't want temps falling below 75, a respiratory infection is almost a guarantee. Your snake needs heat, and pretty soon. There's no way the snake shed twice in a week. What type of "mulch"? It needs to be spot cleaned whenever the snakes poops, or pees. And cleaned thoroughly monthly.

[Dawn1131]

We are going today to buy an under tank heater and thermostat. She does have day/night heat lamps, but they aren't cutting it. I'm also going to totally clean her cage, since he was probably wrong about it being cleaned recently. Thank you so much for your reply! I appreciate it!

Ya go tell that employee he is 100% incorrect and shouldn't be in animal care/selling animals.

you absolutely need a heat source unless you have a room that can maintain a completely ambient 85 degrees, otherwise you should have a 90 degree hotside, and the rest of the cage should be between 76-80ish.

you need an undertank heater, not a heat mat that can go inside the cage. Those are a no-go for snakes. You also need a thermostat to regulate your heat source, no exceptions. You can use a light dimmer from Lowes temporarily until you get a good thermostat.

cleaning is subjective, but I clean all my tubs 1 time a month and I spot clean them every day.

You don't need 2 inches of substrate, ball pythons don't burrow nearly as much like some other species.

[Dawn1131]

Thank you

He told you every thing wrong, your substrate is good. For temp. you want the warm side between 88-94(I keep mine at 89ish). The cool side at 80-84 (I keep mine at 82). You need an under tank heater with thermometer to keep them stable. Keep the humidity at 50-60. Go to the care sheets and look it will give you better info.

[Dawn1131]

Thank you!! Last night was the first time she hung out on my lap for any length of time, and then on my shoulders. It was a great experience.

Well, burrow as much is what they meant, I'm sure. Bix is known to snuggle down sometimes, but it's very infrequent. I'm sure some BPs have a big habit of it. I'm sure quite a few don't burrow at all. Like you said it depends specifically on the particular animal.

Don't feel bad about asking questions! I've posted mile-long threads and I still have questions (a lot of them) and the need to double check/clarify things. Pet stores in general are really terrible with their care - my advice is to stick with the forums and do some outside research - I always always feel better when I cross-reference all my info. The more consistencies you find throughout your research, the better the bet that it's the safe and correct way to go. Definitely dive into that if you're nervous about what you're being told.

Burrowing/eating/activity/mannerisms are, as far as I can see, very particular to any given animal, so those details may take you a bit to iron out! As long as you get the basics down first, your snake will do fine and you can grow together!

[Craiga 01453]

Thank you! We are going today to buy an under tank heater and thermostat. She does have a day/night heat lamp, so she isn't totally without. It just isn't doing enough. I believe he told me it was cyprus mulch, and I've read that's the best? I really appreciate your reply! Thank you again!

Sounds good!! Stick around this forum and ask questions, read, study, learn and take the advice of the experienced keepers on here and you will be fine. You'll have many years of enjoyment with your new animal.

[Maggie Louise]

Thank you!! Last night was the first time she hung out on my lap for any length of time, and then on my shoulders. It was a great experience.

The bonding process is one of the best parts of owning a BP

[Dawn1131]

I will, for sure! I think I found my new favorite online hang out.

Sounds good!! Stick around this forum and ask questions, read, study, learn and take the advice of the experienced keepers on here and you will be fine. You'll have many years of enjoyment with your new animal.

[Zincubus]

I will, for sure! I think I found my new favorite online hang out.

Oh and WELCOME !!!!

[CALM Pythons]

Just when you think you've heard it all🙈

[Zincubus]

Just when you think you've heard it all

Well actually ...... there is another current thread where the guy was advised to scent the rodent with GARLIC as it supposedly encourages Royals / Ball pythons to feed !?!




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