New with a few questions

[ChristinaP]

We bought our first ball python last night (Named him Jake, but I call him Jakey)

He's very docile, which I love, and is great with our 4 year old, who pet him with our supervision of corse.

What "extras" do we need in our set up? He has a house on the "cold" side, a water bowl on the "cold" side, and a plastic plant with a terra cotta base on the "cold" side. But there's nothing on the "hot" side...........

I thought about crocheting a "hammock" to put above the warm side so he could have something to climb on. What's recommended for "climbing"??

What heaters are needed? The pet store said he would only need the one that goes under the cage, however that side's temp is only about 83, and I've read it needs to be higher than that. The "cold" side is about 70. Is that appropriate?

I have read things to do for humidity. We live in NC, so the humidity is high here year round, would this still be a concern?

Set up:
10 gallon (he's only 18-19 inches long)
wooden hide out
terra cotta water bowl
plastic plant
the bedding (don't remember the brand) looks like astro terf
2 thermometers ground level on each side

[Michelle.C]

First off, a hammock would not be a good idea. It would be a breeding ground for bacteria. Jakey needs two identical hides for each side, one for the cool side and one for the hot side. They need to be low to the ground and tight fitting, this is how he will feel secure and safe with his environment.

You can get a few sand blasted grapevines from your local pet store for climbing. You might also want to pick up a few fake plants for him to hide in.

As for the heat, you can use a basking light (probably 50-75w) above the cool side, this will raise the ambient temperatures to an appropriate level (80-84). For the warm side, Jakey will need an Undertank Heater with a thermostat or at the very least a dimmer. You can order a thermostat from http://www.beanfarm.com or go down to your local hardware store and wire a dimmer up for a temporary fix. You will eventually need a proper thermostat. His hot spot should be 90-94.

For humidity, get a misting bottle and mist his cage when the humidity drops below 50-60%. Placing foil over 2/3 of the cage will also help hold in the humidity and heat.

If you don't already, a digital hydrometer/thermometer is vital. Those stick on analogs are extremely inaccurate. You can find a digital for under $15 at Wal-mart.

As for substrate, astro-turf is horrible, again this is also a breeding ground for bacteria. I would switch to Aspen, Cypress, Paper Towels or Newspaper. Remember to stay away from Cedar and Pine.

http://ball-pythons.net/modules/Sect...warticle&id=59 Visit this link for a Care Sheet.

[ChristinaP]

We have the under tank heater on the hot side, and it said for up to a 20 gallon tank, however, it's still cool. Is there a better heater or should we go with a higher level for the warm side?

Thanks for the links, I appreciate it!

[Michelle.C]

We have the under tank heater on the hot side, and it said for up to a 20 gallon tank, however, it's still cool. Is there a better heater or should we go with a higher level for the warm side?

Thanks for the links, I appreciate it!

No, you don't need a larger Undertank Heater, do what I suggested. Get a basking light for the cool side and place foil over 2/3 of the screen top. You can also pick up foam board from Wal-Mart and cut it to the correct size and tape it alongside the back and sides of the enclosure. This will insulate the tank.

If you are measuring temperatures with an analog (stick on) thermometer, they can be inaccurate up to ten degrees. Take a trip to Wal-Mart and buy Foil, Foam Board, Clamp Lamp and a 50-75W bulb and a digital thermometer. It should under $50 for all of it.

[DutchHerp]

The thermo/hygrometer brand you're looking for is Acu-Rite. They have a thermo/hygro with a probe for the hot side for 11-13 bucks.

[ChristinaP]

Thanks guys, we're heading out now to get a new light and foam. I appreciate it.

I wish tho that the pet stores would let you know things you need properly. This is why I generally refuse to buy any pet from one.

Lastly, are there "care guides" we can purchase? The pet store had pamplets on reptiles and amphibians however none on ball pythons

[Michelle.C]

Thanks guys, we're heading out now to get a new light and foam. I appreciate it.

I wish tho that the pet stores would let you know things you need properly. This is why I generally refuse to buy any pet from one.

Lastly, are there "care guides" we can purchase? The pet store had pamplets on reptiles and amphibians however none on ball pythons

Most books they sell in the Pet store sucks anyway.

http://www.newenglandreptile.com/ner...1/task,detail/ This one is a little expensive, but one of my favorites.

Honestly, you don't really need a book; they are nice to have, but all of the information you could ever need is free online.

[JayBP]

Thanks guys, we're heading out now to get a new light and foam. I appreciate it.

I wish tho that the pet stores would let you know things you need properly. This is why I generally refuse to buy any pet from one.

Lastly, are there "care guides" we can purchase? The pet store had pamplets on reptiles and amphibians however none on ball pythons

This is a great caresheet. Usually pet store caresheets arent very well done anyway.

http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules/...warticle&id=59

[JayBP]

Most books they sell in the Pet store sucks anyway.

http://www.newenglandreptile.com/ner...1/task,detail/ This one is a little expensive, but one of my favorites.

Honestly, you don't really need a book; they are nice to have, but all of the information you could ever need is free online.

Great minds think alike

[Michelle.C]

Great minds think alike

That they do! I already posted the link for the Bp.net Care Sheet.