Let me introduce myself, my name is Steven i am very new to the world of ball pythons. this does not mean i am illiterate to reptiles, I am very knowledgeable of Iguanas and Tegus. This being said consider me a sponge for information. I know i can read a million care sheets, i however prefer to reach out to a community forum. Now a little background, yesterday i met this guy outside the store with mom around his neck and youngster in his hand, he was convinced and would have sworn and argued with you that they were burmese pythons. I have had limited contact with balls but i knew without thinking that it was a ball and not a burmese. so reguardless i bought it anyhow.
so i would like to ask a few questions to start and confirm some things i have read.
what i have read tells me 80 degrees with 90s in the basking area, hide box or boxes, 60% humidity tops, no temps falling below 75.
now she is aprox a foot in lenght give or take a inch or so. i have no idea when she last fed, i have bought a gerbal pup today they had no rat pups, she does not seem intereted atm. how long should i leave the food item for herand how often if not taken should i offer the food item. how large of a prey item should i offer and what type of food item is best at her size? is there a way to tell outside of probing the sex of the snake. how often should she be handled and what signs do i look for that she wants to be left alone. I have a 30 gallon tall for her right now, would a solid top with vent holes be best to hold in humidity ? right now i have a regular house light bulb for heat and a heat pad underneith. this i do not believe is doing the job it should. i think i have a che left over from when i had my tegu whiuch i can use to increase the heat, i am unaware of any way to keep humidity inn the aquarium besides regular misting. perhaps putting some moss in there would hold in the humidity better?
sorry if i have alot of questions but genral care sheets are very general and i have always prefered to ask those that do the actual caring so i can get a better rounded answer. i will probably post up a picture of her later or tommorow.
thanks in advance