Went to pick up my youngest son's birthday present today, a Ball Python. It has been years (about 25) since I have had a snake I know things will come back to me in time but really would appreciate any advice now. I know I will have TONS of questions.... Please bear with me.... This is like having a baby all over again! I don't even know if the snake is a male or female! LOL I guess time will tell. S/He is home. In a 55 gallon tank, I have to get a smaller tote or something. It has a heating pad, a hollowed out 1/2 log, a tree branch type thing and a heat lamp with a 200 watt bulb. I put one of my incubator thermometers in the tank to keep temperature at about 84° F. The guy said s/he is 15 years old, I measured him/her and it was 60" long {5 feet} Is that about how long a 15 year old should be? We are not handling it too much today so it can get acclimated to our house. The guy we got it from just fed yesterday and gave us 1 med frozen rat for next time. He also gave us what looks to be a controller... I guess I have to do some research on it... The name on it is "Zoo Med" and it says reptile temp control.... Well I guess that just about says what it is, but now to find out how it is used! LOL The kids got home from school and were VERY happy the snake is here! We are going to have to take it one day at a time, LOL tomorrow I have to go back to the guys house and pick up the tank stand.... it did not fit in the car LOL!