Hey Guys,
My name is Ben; I'm from Jersey and I have just recently purchased a Ball Python. This is my first snake. I have had a variety of animals, specifically dogs, and this is my first real reptile. I have read alot of the forums on husbandry and have read a book I purchased regarding these snakes prior to my purchase.

The only thing that I will probably be questioned on hard is where I bought my snake: Petco.... I know I know.... I've read it all on here, but it's done and over with and now I have my snake....

I've had my snake (Gaston) for 5 days now.... I've handled him a couple of times to which he was very tame, and crawled around my hands and arms happily.... For the past 3 days I have abstained from handling him as I have read about in these forums, so that he can adjust to the new surroundings and begin to eat.....

Now onto the setup, for your review please... Tell me what you think:

Tank: 30 Gallon "Critter Cage" with sliding screen top....
Substrate Astroturph
Water Bowl
Log Hide
Rock Hide
(2) Wood objects
(2) Thermometers
(1) Hygrometer
(1) Daytime Lamp 0800-2000
(1) Nightime Lamp (same side) 2000-0800
Under tank heater on hot side of tank

I have the tank graded in temperature from 90 degrees on the left to 80 degrees on the right. I have had some humidity issues... It's about 55% now.. I think i'm going to cover up some of the screen to help keep in some moisture. (tell me what you think of that)

Feeding: According to the reading that I have done, my 16" - 18" snake is somewhere between pinkies and fuzzies. On day 2 I purchased a fuzzy and attempted to feed the snake, however he did not eat. I removed said fuzzy and discarded it. I then read that I should wait 2 weeks before feeding a snake in a new habitat.

Snake Activity: Gaston generally stays in the log hide during the day, with a short appearance to explore in the early evening. He is most active while being handled, but as I said before I am abstaining from handling until he has a few mice in his belly.

Now for everyone's favorite part: PICTURES!!!!!

Gaston Mantooth: My Baby Ball Python


Tank Setup:


Tank Overhead View Including Sliding Lid:


Hides/Sticks/Things:


Thanks for any information you can provide. I'm looking forward to Gaston's First Meal.....

A note on my Petco purchase.... Gaston is a Petco Purchase, and I undoubtedly should have gone somewhere else... I was able to find out that he is captive bred... I have a friend at the store who was able to get invoice information regarding the purchase, and it stated 6 Baby Ball Pythons Captive Bred... I am going to try to call the company on the invoice to double confirm.

Thanks again,

Ben