new to the snake world. help?

[jaygarsh]

so i just bought a bp yesterday; i went to petco and really didn't know anything at all so i relied on the salesmen to help me through setting up my tank. i don't have anything to measure the humidity in the tank as of yet; hence the container of water to make sure that there is a sufficient amount of humidity. and i need to get him another hide and something to climb on. but this is what i have so far;;















any recommendations?

[llovelace]

1. You will need 2 identical snug hides with only 1 opening.
2. loose the hammock
3. go to either walmart or home depot and get a accurite thermoeter/hygrometer with probe $12
4. change the water dish to a pet type ceramic dish, they sometimes like to soak and they can't tip it over
5. Take the lamp back, and get a under tank heater & a zoomed rheostat to control temps

[llovelace]

An inexpensive way for hides is chinese take-out containers the plastic round types (I assume everyone has a stack of em like I do) just make an opening they will work fine til you can get the ones you want.

[jaygarsh]

i actually have a uth ;; but with that and the lamp im only getting up to a temp of 84

[snakedork]

Well just a note the thermostat you are using in the picture isn't that accurate. I would strongly suggest finding a harbor frieght close by and picking up a non contact thermometer. They cost about 10 to 20 dollars for cheap ones and around 50 for a pretty descent one. You want to know the temp of the substrate. most uths get up to about 120+ degrees. Most people get belly burns from that heat. if it isn't getting hot enough with the uth you have i would suggest getting a larger one. most uth units are cheaper to run than that light anyway. Plus you have the ability to increase the coverage over the top of your cage to increase humidity

[llovelace]

I would suggest a space heater then, I don't heat my house but have a 2 space heaters for the reptile rooms

[candyman88]

you should did research before you got the bp.but we will help u out u came to the right site welcome.

[Lateralus_Love]

you should did research before you got the bp.but we will help u out u came to the right site welcome.
YouTube - ball python

why do you keep posting this video?

[twisted-wing]

Hmm lets see. I'd hit the caresheets listed in the forums if you haven't done so already. You'll find lots o' good info there.

I use two ZooMed(brand) uth's (one on bottom, one on side) to get the warm side what it's supposed to be. (85-94 degrees F). I agree with what someone already said about getting another hide. There should be identical hides on the warm and cool sides of the tank. Your bp should be able to fit snuggly inside, so he/she will feel secure. Bp's typically don't climb much, from what folks say, so nice climby branches are sadly moot.

I had huge problems with low humidity levels due to a ceramic heat emiter, like the one you have. It sucks way too much humidity out of the tank. As suggested previously, you should take the che back and get some uth's.

The bedding you have looks perfect. I've heard that aspen bedding is very good for bps, looks like that's what you have.

And...last but not least:

[Lateralus_Love]

Bp's typically don't climb much, from what folks say, so nice climby branches are sadly moot.

Just wanted to say that Ball Pythons will indeed put climbing material to good use, if it's offered. It's just not specifically needed