New to the site!

[Snape]

Hey all,

Just joined this site tonight after reading over tips for the past few months. I purchased my BP from Petsmart (I know, I know, but it worked out well) in the beginning of November and he's been the most amazing pet ever. My first snake I've ever owned and it's been a dream. When I first purchased him, he ate the day I brought him home and has never had any problems feeding. Currently is about 3ft long, between 32-40" if I had to guess, I feed him once every 7-10 days, live feed. The only issue is shedding which is done partially, even though warm spots are 88-92, cool spots 80-84, 60-70% humidity at all times. I've helped get it off with your recommendation of leaving him in water for half hour. Anyway, will post pictures of him and the 20gallon tank set up I have tomorrow.

Thanks for all the tips so far everyone! You've helped me out of a lot of nervous moments

[GirDance]

Welcome, and it's good to hear that things have been going well with you and your guy.

[Nikki0326]

The only issue is shedding which is done partially, even though warm spots are 88-92, cool spots 80-84, 60-70% humidity at all times.

I would read the sticky on shedding to help with that. And when your snake isn't shedding the humidity should be at about 50%, and I believe 60% is the standard during shedding. If the humidity is too high you can increase the odds of your snake getting an RI. Also stress can cause a snake to not shed in one piece.

[JLC]

Welcome aboard!


What are you using to measure the humidity?

[Snape]

My ball is anything but stressed. He loves coming out and is comfortable in his hides, moves around at night, eats immediately, etc. I read the humidity by a humidity gauge on the side of the tank in the middle, right next to the temp gauge. Anyway, he is very healthy and happy and I don't mind helping him with the sheds if he has a little problem.

My only question is that he still has a touch of shed on the top of his head, above his neck but past his eyes (he shed the eye caps), it's just a bit hard to get off because that's the only place he's sensitive to me holding. Any recommendations?

[GirDance]

It should come off with the next shed.

Out of interest what kind of guage are you using to measure the humidity, a digital or an analogue??? The analogue one's are almost always off!

(I have a thread with a pic for comparison between the two with a zoomed analogue and my combo digi somewhere in the bphusbandry section)

[JLC]

Two recommendations:

One...get a digital thermometer and hygrometer, if you don't already have those. They will give you much more accurate readings than the analog dials you find in pet stores.


Two...for the little bit of stuck shed, I wouldn't worry about it. He may rub it off himself in time. If not, it won't hurt to let it sit until the next shed cycle. But if it's really bugging you, you could try letting him squirm through a wet towel in your hands...that way his head rubs against the towel without you having to actively touch it in a way that scares him.

Sounds like you're doing a fine job with him so far. It's obvious you care a great deal, and that's always inspiring to see.

[Snape]

I have an analogue gauge, my friend measured it with his digital gauge and it was only like 3-5% off so I can't really complain too much, it's good enough just to keep an idea, as long as it's between 55-65% I'm not worried.

[Snape]

Sounds like you're doing a fine job with him so far. It's obvious you care a great deal, and that's always inspiring to see.

Thanks! It's funny, I was just at the pet store one day picking up dog treats and saw a ball python and also a red-tail boa, decided to read up a little first, got my ball, and have just followed through with everything I've read. Got the best of everything and made sure he's taken care of. I couldn't get a second dog so the snake has been my substitute and he's been great.

I can take him out whenever I want, let anyone handle him, and he's never had ANY issues or aggression towards anyone. He's awesome, more than I expected.