1st ball python, 1st time owner

[Horde]

Hi

My family bought a new ball python. He ate his first meal 2 days after we brought him home.

Here is a video on You Tube, I wasn't able to record the strike, but the swallow is there.

Follow link if interested.

YouTube - 1st Ball Python feeding

Thanks!

[Kaorte]

and congrats!

A couple suggestions if I may

I think I see tape in the back there, if it is tape, get it out. They will find a way to stick themselves to it and it is REALLY not fun to get them off :/
Also, the probes should be right at ground level. If you are using a UTH the probe needs to be under the substrate right in the middle of the UTH. This is to make sure the temps don't get too high (over 95*) in there for your little guy.

I know getting a new snake is very exciting and you will want to take him out and play with him, but do your best to resist for at least a week. Give him some time to move in and settle down. I am glad he ate for you though! I am not sure what that was that you were feeding him (rat pink?) but you could probably move up in size fairly soon.

Good luck with your new one! They are really great animals and you have come to the right place!

[Horde]

and congrats!

A couple suggestions if I may

I think I see tape in the back there, if it is tape, get it out. They will find a way to stick themselves to it and it is REALLY not fun to get them off :/
Also, the probes should be right at ground level. If you are using a UTH the probe needs to be under the substrate right in the middle of the UTH. This is to make sure the temps don't get too high (over 95*) in there for your little guy.

I know getting a new snake is very exciting and you will want to take him out and play with him, but do your best to resist for at least a week. Give him some time to move in and settle down. I am glad he ate for you though! I am not sure what that was that you were feeding him (rat pink?) but you could probably move up in size fairly soon.

Good luck with your new one! They are really great animals and you have come to the right place!

Thanks! I really appreciate your input. I will get rid of the tape immediately and I will reposition the temp probe as well. I do have a UTH and will use your suggestion. I named my snake Apollo after the character from BSG, I see you are a fan too.

Stay cool!

[Kaorte]

Good stuff! I might name my next male Apollo

I love BSG. Have you seen the new show Caprica? It looks like it will be excellent!

[dc4teg]

ya i would bump up prey size!

[Horde]

Good stuff! I might name my next male Apollo

I love BSG. Have you seen the new show Caprica? It looks like it will be excellent!

I haven't seen Caprica yet, I'm waiting for it on Blue Ray.

Also, I did feed him a rat pinky, which was frozen, I did thaw him out beside Apollo's cage.

I've taken out the tape and repositioned the temperature probe. Where should I place the humidity sensor?

Thanks!

[Kaorte]

I would place it close to the top of the substrate, where the snake will be spending most of its time. Maybe an inch or two above the substrate.

[Horde]

Thanks again, I appreciate the tips!