Hi there,

I am new to the forum and to snakes. A couple days ago I got a 1 1/2 year old male ball python from a local breeder. Ive set up a 55gal for him (I know thats a bit big, but he really likes to explore and he seemed cramped in the 20 gallon. I figure as long as he still has some nice hiding spots he will be happy.

I do have a few questions that have arisen over the past few days.

1) Substrate:

Right now I have him on eco-earth, but when I clean the tank Im going to switch to forest floor cypress mulch. Does that stuff stick to prey items too? Does the mulch carry mites? Can I freeze it for a day prior to use to kill them if so?

If the prey will stick to the mulch, I will be using a separate tank for feeding. My only concern is I was told not to handle him for a couple days after feeding, so how am I supposed to transfer him back to his tank? Also, how long after hes gotten the prey down do I wait before trying to move him back?

2) Feeding:

He was used to mice, so for our first feeding last night, thats what we used, although the mice are too small for him, so he will need to be switched over to rats unless we want to feed multiple mice. Last night was a bit of work and my first time so he only ended up getting one, but in the future, how long do I wait to offer the second mouse? Just as soon as he has the first one down? Do I need to wait an hour? A day?

Also, any tips for when I switch to rats?

One thing about the feeding that really bothered me and I was not expecting...... when he took and squeezed the mouse... it bursted open leaving the mouse nearly severed in half and organs hanging out. Is this normal?

After feeding he first started to "climb" up the side of the tank seemingly to help get the food down, then he was slithering around rubbing his face on everthing for a while. I got worried and looked it up and it seems this is quite normal after feeding? Hes just trying to re-locate his jaw? Eventually he just settled down and chilled on top of his half-log.

3) Humidity

Ive found that most everyone agrees the humidity should be at least 50% but I found many opinions on what the high end should be, Ive found anywhere from 60% to 80%... so... how high is too high?

4) Mites

I made a mistake and didnt bake the eco-complete or the driftwood branch I used, so after reading I realize I could have given him mites... how will I know if he has them? are they easy to see? Will the mite spray at the pet store work if he does have them? I know I will need to thoroughly clean the tank and bake all the wood and use fresh/clean bedding.


Thanks in advance, and btw... Here is Zeus!