Help! I found a ball python in the wild

[WingedWolfPsion]

That looks great--if your heater has a thermostat, make sure it doesn't go above 90F, temperatures higher than that can be dangerous.

Yes, I didn't even notice the dirt in there--get rid of the dirt, sand is very drying, and plain newspaper is much easier to deal with, and a lot more sanitary. Snakes actually pee quite a lot, and that would make quite a stink with a dirt substrate.

[icygirl]

Wow, good for you rescuing the ball python! Here are a few good things to know:

-Ball pythons are harmless snakes - not venomous - and rarely bite.
-They come from Africa and are popular as pets.
-It was probably someone's escaped pet, and would probably have died in the "wild" on its own.
-It probably won't bite, and if it does, you'll get a scratch the size of a papercut. (If it worries you, wear gloves.)
-It looks like a juvenile. They do not grow all that large (only a few feet long at most).
-It's totally NORMAL for ball pythons to stay in their hides most of the time.
-They can go a long time without eating. You are right to make its comfort the #1 priority, and feeding 2nd.
-It is perfectly fine to use newspaper or paper towels for substrate! Many of our members do just that. It really cuts down on costs.

As for heating, check these out:
http://www.reptilebasics.com/flexwatt-heat-tape/
You can get an 11" square, with wire/clip/insulator step, for around $10. You'll need some kind of dimmer switch or thermostat to plug into it though, as they get too hot by themselves.

Good luck and welcome to the hobby I hope you enjoy these snakes as much as we all do.

[Deacon240]

You've done a great job with what resources you have available to you. Get it on some newsprint or paper towels. Walmarts typically have accurite thermometers/hydrometers that measure temps in two places and humidity for cheap. I'd recommend getting one of those if you can budget it in. Hell... I need at least two more now.

Ball pythons beat the hell out of cats and other furry creatures as pets c:

[straydog1980]

He/she is doing well and in a good mood this morning! Exploring the terrarium.

[straydog1980]

HELLO! I want to put my hand in there and replace his/her water but I'm still scared of getting bit!

[straydog1980]

[Vypyrz]

If you need to, take a piece of cardboard and place it between the snake and water bowl. If he is in his hide you can simply block off the entrance to his hide so he can't see what you are doing.
As far as getting bit, it doesn't hurt like most people think, it's more of like a minor burning sensation. I've gotten bit by puppy teeth and cat claws, and tattoos that hurt way worse. Getting a flu shot hurts more, if that tells you anything. Usually it's the suprise of getting bit. You can always wear some gloves until you are more comfortable. If and when you get bit, just wash it with soap and water and put a little neosporin on it and it will be gone in about 2 days. But make sure you wrap it in a super huge, overkill bandage, so when people say "Oh my god! What happened to your hand?" You can just smile and say, "snakebite"... Just make sure you keep a camera handy cause we always like pics. I'm going to try and post a link to a video from Snakebytes TV. The fun starts at about the halfway point...

http://sg.video.yahoo.com/watch/4430191/11876626

Thanks to Brian and the crew at BHB. This is still my favorite episode...

Rob

[Karbon]

He's looking much better!

Honestly he doesn't look skinny so he must have either recently escaped or found some mice or rats when he was out.

Keep up the good work! Don't be too afraid of getting bitten. Have had my BP for almost 2 years now and i've never been bitten.

Grab a pair of leather gloves, if you have them, or use the arboard trick Vypyrz mentioned. All in all, great job! You've done more than most people would and that is commendable!

[Wh00h0069]

HELLO! I want to put my hand in there and replace his/her water but I'm still scared of getting bit!

Most ball pythons are very docile, but if you are afraid of getting bit you can wear a glove. Good luck!

[bamf64]

Good job so far, just TAKE THE DIRT OUT! lol newspaper is way better.