New to Ball Pythons

[NCtrickFL]

Hey guys and girls, I just purchased my first Ball Python (Monty) yesterday and joined the forum today.

First off is there a thread on here that all newbies should read through before we ask stupid questions? And in the event this question isn't answered there I was hoping some of you guys could tell me what to expect on Monty's first few days in my house.

[dr del]

Hi,

to the site.

The caresheet is probably a good place to start to get a feel for the most common way we recommend to do things.

If you already have things set up ( I assume you do since you have the snake already ) then you can throw up a thread with pics and descriptions of what you have and people can double check things for you and offer suggestions on improving things if needed.

We also do a good line in low cost equipment suggestions and fixes for common problems.


dr del

[NCtrickFL]

Yes I have already looked through the care sheet and many other articles online to make sure I would be able to care for my snake.

What I'm really looking for is stuff that the articles don't tell you. Anything that's happened to you guys that you didn't expect.

Also Monty has just been chilling in his hide rock for the past ~15 hours. He was exceptionally active when I brought him home, but now he just stays under the rock. I was wondering if this is typical for a snake when he moves in. If this is just his way of acclimating...

[jaybird0399]

Yes it is typical they love to stay in their hides

[het.pied]

thats a really good sign. if hes not wandering around thats a good indication that he is settling in just fine. give him a few more days to settle and then attempt to feed him!!! PICS!!!!!!!!!!!!! POR FAVOR~

[NCtrickFL]

Will do as soon as he's comfortable to come out! Thanks for all the support guys, I really appreciate it.

[NCtrickFL]

I have a few more questions.

I'm starting to get worried about the temps in his cage. I have a heat pad on the bottom of the tank and now a ceramic heat lamp on top of the cage. I can't get the thermometer to read above 70 and there is just no way that is possible. The thermostat in my house is at 68. What the hell guys????????

[krazypunk1018]

I have a few more questions.

I'm starting to get worried about the temps in his cage. I have a heat pad on the bottom of the tank and now a ceramic heat lamp on top of the cage. I can't get the thermometer to read above 70 and there is just no way that is possible. The thermostat in my house is at 68. What the hell guys????????

where do you have the thermometer at?

[WesleyTF]

when the tests seem off... test the test! grab another cheap-o thermometer and see if that's accurate. should also be pretty easy to 'feel' if it's that cold.

[BPelizabeth]

Not sure what thermometer you are using but try an accurite you can get it for about $12- at Lowes or wally world. It has a probe which is really important. Stick it into the substrate. Later depending on your cash flow...order a temp gun...it is the best thing in the world and a great investment. Also please be sure you are controlling your under the tank heater with a thermostat. I have had places tell you that you do not need them...WRONG!! You really have to have one. I personally keep my house warmer...around 78....and that is for my snakes only until I get my racks.

The problem that I remember when I got my first snake is I thought that you should feed outside the enclosure...so that is what I did. It was a pain in the butt, and it stressed the snake. So eating was a hit or miss. Now I feed in the enclosure and they are ferocious eaters each week.

If he is hanging in his hide...that is a great sign. Usually they cruize around when they are stressed...other than in the evening...that is there awake time and when they hunt in the wild.

This is the really hard part....when you get them....leave them alone for a week to get use to their surrounding and their new home. This gives them a proper adjustment period. Also and you have probably read this already....once you feed them...give them 48 hours to digest before handling them again. This is a time of mourning in our house as I LOVE to take my babies out everyday!!

I hope that I have helped you! Congrats...welcome to the obssesion....and we want pics!!