New and very thankful

[frankykeno]

We aren't sure if this is the correct place to post this...however...my husband, Mike and I are getting our first ball python within the next month. He/she is about 18 months old and has been a well cared for pet but the young couple just doesn't have the interest level in snakes that they feel he/she needs (a smart decision to put the snake's best interests before they own need to own it we thought). We wanted to just say how wonderful and informative this forum has been to us as we do the research before the snake arrives.

Hope you all have infinitive patience (hey what snake breeder doesn't have to be patient come to think of it LOL).

Any particular advice you feel is absolute, and maybe often overlooked, for first-time BP owners? We've researched housing, heating, illness, feeding, pooping (seems to be a huge concern for some LOL) and have already found a local vet to do a health check and properly sex this snake as soon as we pick it up.

Btw we are crossed eyed from reading care sheets, websites and every decent forum online (is this normal????) LOL.

Joanna and Mike

[Shelby]

Hey, welcome! Sounds like you've done your research. It could help us help you if you describe in detail, or include a picture of your enclosure for the snake.

The hardest thing for new snake owners is to leave the snake alone for a week to settle in. I wanna play with my new snakes! lol

[kavmon]

well as you've read in the caresheets proper husbandry is a must. getting your snake setup properly will benenfit you and the snake and eliminate alot common problems. the right type of setup and heat regulated by a thermostat will go a long way towards your snakes well being. keep us posted and let us know when the big day arrives.


vaughn

[frankykeno]

Thanks for the warm welcome. Sorry no pics of the enclosure yet (another thing to add to the "Buy for the new Snake" List....cheap digital cam LOL)...we are looking at a number of Rubbermaid bins as it seems on the forums that's the way to go for the best humidity/temp control...the one we are most impressed with is about 36 x 24 x 8 (approx)...it has a lid with snap locks at both ends and opens with a hinged middle (so you can open either end of the bin without taking the whole lid off (Walmart $15.00 what a deal!)...air holes melted out with a soldering iron....we will use two terracotta pots with holes drilled out for cool and warm hides....cypress for substrate...heavy low bowl for fresh water....under tank heat (rather than basking lamp type thing)....we found a great deal online for temperature probe but are still looking for humidity testing ideas.....any suggestions that way? As soon as we have a definite date to pick up the snake we will set it all up in advance to get the heat and humidity stabilized for a few days before....does this sound sufficient for a 18 month old BP...we are waiting for pics of her/him but have been told the snake is around 24" long...unsure of weight at this point (sorry for this long post LOL)

[Egyptian_Sphynx]

humidity testing ideals ... talk to justcage on this forum im not sure of his website but i think he might have some thermo/hygrometers that way it is two in one. i work at petsmart so i bought mine in the reptile aisle. they are fluker's digital thermo-hygrometers and they are 17.99 at petsmart. but like i said talk to justcage im sure he will be able to help out with the humidity thing!! he is great to buy and get advice from!

[frankykeno]

thanks, I think we have justcage's website (MGReptiles I think)...that's where we saw the great deal on the temperature probe...we've been told he's great for flexwatt when we are ready to go to a rack when we get more snakes....we had already decided to buy two babies this year then this "adoptee" sorta feel in our laps first so we will get that one sorted out first (vet checked, etc. before the new babies are ordered)

[cueball]

Thanks for the warm welcome.

Welcome to bp.net

[Blu Mongoose]

Welcome to bp.net

GO AHEAD!! MESS WITH LITTLE MIND I HAVE LEFT!!
Boy, was I confused while reading those posts! Took me a while to notice the dates!!

[frankykeno]

LOL well that brings back memories. The snake mentioned in this old post of mine was renamed Kyna, ended up doing very well once she was on a proper feeding schedule and is right now going through her pre-lay shed (her first clutch, the sire is our YB male Riordan).

Oh and btw, I'm still thankful for this place every single day.

[Beardedragon]

Welcome to bp.net

WHY the HECK would you pull this thread up? I thought something had gone terribly wrong with my computer until I looked at the dates!