Safe way of viewing?

[uTiRambo]

Hey everybody

I've heard from a few people that there snakes become pretty active at night. I'm basically wondering what's a good and safe way to view your snake at night? (without raising the temperatures, disturbing the snake) And also it can't be to bright because I have bearded dragons that like to sleep at night.

And keep in mine I'm going to be using a tub of some sort so I'm not sure if this is possible but I just thought I would ask anyways. I will be using a clear tub so that might help..

And what are the best times to handle your ball python? And how much handling is too much? And are there any guidelines I should go by?

Thanks
Alex

[blackcrystal22]

Don't handle your bp after at least 48 hours of feeding. If their in shed too it might want to be avoided because they can get nippy (if your looking for safe handling? O.o)

I'm not too sure what you mean by safe? Generally handling them when they're a bit more active after/during dusk is easier but bps are not dangerous and I handle them in the daytime all the time.

Also, for bps there is no reason for a night drop unless it's unavoidable. ;]

[uTiRambo]

I guess you didn't understand my post, what I'm wondering is my room is dark at night obviously. And seeing as ball pythons are nocturnal and I've heard from many people that they become much more active at night. I would like to be able to view my snake at night without disturbing her. (temps, light) And she will be housed in a tub/bin so I'm not sure if this is possible but like I said I just thought I would ask. And about the handling I'm in no way scared of snakes my question was is there better times to handle your snakes and how much handling is too much.

Alex

[blackcrystal22]

I guess you didn't understand my post, what I'm wondering is my room is dark at night obviously. And seeing as ball pythons are nocturnal and I've heard from many people that they become much more active at night. I would like to be able to view my snake at night without disturbing her. (temps, light) And she will be housed in a tub/bin so I'm not sure if this is possible but like I said I just thought I would ask. And about the handling I'm in no way scared of snakes my question was is there better times to handle your snakes and how much handling is too much.

Alex

Bps will come out at random. If you want to have her undistirbed and view her at night, get a red/nightime bulb for a lamp and use that to look at her. If your in a tub, then it's kinda hard to look at her in general unless it's clearer. If you want to look at her with a flashlight then cover it with red clear plastic. (I know they have craft stuff like that.)

Red lights (I think purple too maybe?) are unseen by reptiles eyes (I'm pretty sure for lizards too..). So it doesn't distirb both your snake and bds.

[uTiRambo]

Thanks for the response, I doubt it's probably worth it to view my snake at night.

[blackcrystal22]

It'd be pretty difficult to catch him in action at night too.. they sleep a lot after all.

[uTiRambo]

Yea after I thought about it.. it's probably not worth it. But thanks again for the response.

Alex

[TanyaL]

I guess I could consider myself as nocturnal so catching our bp out and about was pretty easy for me since I was awake anyhow. BUT, now that she is a happy camper (feeding great, temps/humidity up to par, mites are gone) she rarely comes out of her hide rather it be at night or during the day. AND, I have a glass tank so it's super easy to see her...if only she would come out. I do use a red bulb so that should she come out I can catch her. It almost makes checking temps/humidity easy since I can see it without having to turn a light on.

[starmom]

All of mine come out at night and cruise around. It is difficult to see the ones who are in tubs, but the ones in my RBI reptile cages are very fun to watch!

[Argentra]

Just a simple 25w blue moonlight bulb in a basic clamp lamp is all you need for night veiwing. Not too expensive, non-invasive to other reptiles, and easy to get and use. Hang it above the enclosure, but not directly, and it'll be just enough light to see them cruise about.