i just got my first ball python

[blackcrystal22]

I would put paper towels, aspen, or newspaper down for substrate... green carpet is very bacteria succulent and isn't very easy to clean.

Get rid of any heat lamps you have. Or put a bulb in that has no heat if you just want light for viewing..

You need to get some THERMOstats (not thermometers) to regulate the heat of the heat pads. They will get too hot and you need something that controls the heat of them. Put the thermometer probes directly above the heat mats and underneath the carpet or substrate. If its over 95F it's too hot.

You need two hides. One on each side, both should be the size of your snake and fit him VERY snug with no space in the hide when he's inside it. Log hides are bad, as well as overly large hides.

That water bowl is a bit big and not needed. It could be 1/6 that size and be good. To keep up humidity you keep some moss in the cage or spray once a day.

[brandon82490]

okay i will get another hide and a smaller water bowl and put the sensor closer to the pad but i was told that you want something like a log for them to rub on when they are shedding and that would make sense to me ?

also these are some pics of him he gets active at night and he is pretty big i think they said he was six months old when i got him on Friday. also this is a 20 gallon tank


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[Montie Python]

I'm also learning here...

I did think logs were better...how come we shouldn't use them?

[stratus_020202]

Wood is porous. Meaning bacteria can breed in there easily. I think you can have them, but clean them often. Like at least once a week. They can also fall off them easily. Mine climbed on hers all the time, but fell quite often.

The wood I had molded easily because of the high humidity. That's bad. bacteria can give the balls scale rot, and it's not fun.

[Sarin]

I think wood is fine as long as you are smart about it and clean it regularily. I have drift wood in my future BP's enclosure to aid him in shedding but for decoration as well. I plan on baking it every so often to kill any bacteria and I do not plan on getting it wet, ever. (including when I spray)

[brandon82490]

how would i clean or "bake" the wood exactly because I really would like to keep it in there to make the shed easier

[unrezt]

how would i clean or "bake" the wood exactly because I really would like to keep it in there to make the shed easier

I would assume you just put it in the oven at a low enough temperature that it doesn't go up in flames, yet high enough to kill any bacteria.

[blackcrystal22]

I was talking about log hides as being a very bad type of hide.

Climbing logs (as long as they are not too high, because they will fall and hurt themselves) are fine.

[brandon82490]

yea i just have a small piece of drift wood a few inches high and he is actually enjoying using it right now he seems to like it a lot. but do you think if i used a very light bleach/water on it and left it out to dry and evaporate for a few days do you think that would work as well and "baking" it would ?

thanks again guys you have all been so much help i did a lot of research before i got him but you guys have helped me so much more than all the care sheets and other websites. i really appreciate it

[Kevin_Hornby]

To clean/bake the wood just put it on a cooking sheet and put it in the oven at 400 for like 5-10 minutes (alternately you can do it at around 200 for like 20-30 minutes).

I've heard of people that have done the glove thing, but then as soon as they tried to ditch them the snake had gotten used to them and would be uneasy when handled without gloves. Really a ball python bite doesn't hurt at all, especially that size. Kinda feels like getting shot with a rubber band/a cat scratch.

A great type of wood looking hide is

http://www.petco.com/Assets/product_...316685512C.jpg

These work and are aesthetically pleasing (plus they are easy to clean). They can be purchased at most pet stores.

BTW I wouldn't worry about getting a smaller water bowl if that one is working for you, we have one snake that gets cranky if we try and give her a small bowl. She really likes to soak. And the larger bowls are especially nice when they are shedding cuz they just curl up in the water.

Good luck with the new snake.