First bp.

[Kaorte]

How old is your BP? If your BP is a baby or juvenile the cage is just right. Adults will need a 40-55 gallon, 40 is the minimum size for an adult. The Aspen is just fine, I actually recommend that substrate for this species because it's safe to use and easy to spot clean.

Now for your UTH, you will need a thermostat right away because it is too cold in your enclosure if 80F is what the temp is on the warm side of the enclosure. Without proper heating, your BP could get RI (respiratory infection) from not having the correct body temperatures since snakes are cold-blooded. If they are too cold that lowers their immune system allowing the snake to become ill.

I had one of my King snakes switch from live to f/t and I had no problem with it. Feed the snake a mouse/rat about the same size as the middle part of the snake's body. When you thaw out the mice, put the mice in a container of really hot water and it should thaw within 5-10 minutes. Dry off the mouse, and then try wiggling it in front of your snake with tongs. Tongs are always best to use when feeding a snake so you do not have to use your hands which can also cause a bite since your hand is warmer than the food item.

One last thing, your hide should be on the warm side for now. BPs don't spend too much time on the cool end of their enclosure, so keep the hide on the warm side for now so the snake can get somewhat warm. When you purchase the other hide, make sure it looks exactly like the other hide you are using. You didn't mention a water dish, but I'm assuming you have one because it's very important and hard not to forget to have in your enclosure. Make sure you clean out the water dish daily ot every other day so the snake has fresh drinking water.

Okay now. I see you posting quite a bit of advice on this forum as of lately and I think you need a bit of a reality check. Some of your advice is very good, most of it is not though. PLEASE know what you are talking about before you give people advice on caring for these lovely creatures.


OP: I would say a 30g is way to big for a hatchling. All that space is pretty overwhelming for something so small that has to constantly be worried about getting eaten by something. If you can, get him in a 10g. A 30g is good for a huge adult female. A 20g is good for an adult male.

Sounds like you don't have the right kind of thermometers. A UTH will actually heat up to about 115*F. A digital thermometer with a probe is what you need. Then put the probe right on the glass on the inside of the tank where the UTH is. You still need a thermostat.

Def. Get two identical hides. They need to be able to thermo regulate between the hot and cool side.

A picture would help us out so we can tell you exactly what you need.

Also, WELCOME!!