Hi guys!
I just purchased my first ball python about a week ago. I've been doing lots of research and I was always brought back to this site so I decided to join as I'm already hooked! He/she is super sweet and relaxed, just hangs out with me for the most part when out and I love it. However, I'm having some issues keeping my cage at a consistent temp. and higher humidity. The tank set I bought came with a smaller under tank heater and a day lamp and the wattage wasn't listed but it seems to keep the cage between 85-90 degrees. I also bought a 100 watt red bulb to keep the cage warmer at night since I live in the midwest where it is currently under 15 degrees outside most often at this time and I live in a very old house that is relatively cool during these months. I have a space heater in the living room where I usually handle him/her and also one in my bedroom where his/her tank is all while having the thermostat as high as possible.
But anyways, the tank is a 20 gallon tank, since it's pretty young, but I do know I'll have to upgrade eventually. I use 100% natural cypress mulch to help with the humidity and have a nice half log hide with several suction cupped vines he/she likes to hang out on along with a bowl for soaking/drinking and a branch for it to relax on. I keep the under tank heater under the hide and mist several times a day along with keeping a moistened towel partially covering the top and that has worked wonders. But I was wondering if anyone had additional suggestions for me?
Also, I haven't fed him/her yet and I was wondering about in tank/out of tank feeding? I could only find one thread on here and no one mentioned the possibility of the bp ingesting any of the substrate? That was my only concern. I am going to try f/t and hopefully he/she takes to it! Is after a shed a good time to feed? It's been home for about a week and I was wondering when was good to try.
And one more thing, I apologize for all of the questions, but I noticed him/her making a very faint and inconsistent popping noise a day or two after I got him/her. It is not consistent with his/her breathing but is on occasion. I looked in his/her nose with a light and did not see any bubbled or obstructions and am trying to observe his/her mouth for mucus/bubbles. He/she also just shed (mostly clean!) a few hours ago and I noticed it's eyes clouding up days ago so I didn't know if it would have something to do with that? It's very strong and almost seems more active and happy now that it's shed but I'm worried about the popping. It hasn't gotten worse or better. I am planning to make a vet appointment soon if it doesn't subside.
I'm excited to join this site and any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks guys!
(I'm not sure how to insert pictures from a file or I would have
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