Got my first BP

[omega45820]

Alright i was reading there it need a good hiding place well since the rocks really don't give it that what could i use for this and how would i go about getting it in there because i don't wanna scare it anymore then i have to and don't wanna get bit so i could probably use cardboard to separate me and the snake that way it might not get to scared

[dembonez]

Well i probably should have but it was a spure at the moment decision since ive wanted one for a while and what just curious that if anyone on here could tell me the proper way of setting up the tank its a 10 gallon i got with him and she gave me a heat pad that sticks on the bottom of the tank 4X6 i belive a couple rocks and of course the bow for water just curious of what the temp should be and stuff and what kind of bedding ....she gave me Cypress Mulch

i dont have mine yet but i got the tank and everything ready yesterday to get the temps ready once i get it its gonna be so hard not to look at it for a week!

[BPelizabeth]

Ok ok...we all make decisions and I too thought I knew what I was doing. Then I found this site.... The things they tell you at some pet stores are crazy. Read the care sheet module above....it is an awesome source of information and helped me out soooooooo much.

The hardest hardest hardest part of having a BP is leaving it alone for at least a week to let him settle in. Remember....as far as he knows you are a big monster out to eat him.

I am going to assume you probably have an aquarium set up. That is ok...lots of ppl do. Just make sure your set up is good. Have two hides for him....one on the cool side of the tank and one on the hot side of the tank. They should fit the snake tightly. Also obviously have a bowl of fresh water for him at all times. You will want the cool side around 82-83 and the hot side around 90-92. This is super super important...because I have heard lots of stores tell you that you will not need one. If you have an under the tank heater....YOU HAVE to have a thermostat to control it. They can and will get too hot and burn your snake. I might also suggest getting an accurite thermostat....it has a probe and will also tell you the humidity. You will want the humidity around 60%. In a tank...you will probably have to spray. You also might want to put some fake plants or something else in the tank to make the snake feel more comfy....they like it kind of cluttered...not too big. Also I might suggest covering up 3 sides of the tank....this will also help him to settle down and feel more secure. All in all BP's are very private snakes...they like to feel secure.

Ok...I have written you a book here....hope this and the care sheet helps. Please feel free to ask any questions you like. This is a really good site and there are truly some experts on here.

Welcome to the obssesion!!

[dembonez]

like the post above of me i thought i knew stuff but im so glad i found this site

really helpful!

[BPelizabeth]

Omega ....for the hides you can get colored plastic bowls and cut a hole in it. Burn the edges so that it is not too sharp. Some ppl have used the bottom saucer of a plant pot. I think there might even be a sticky on here to help make hides.

[ClemonsKimberly]

Alright i was reading there it need a good hiding place well since the rocks really don't give it that what could i use for this and how would i go about getting it in there because i don't wanna scare it anymore then i have to and don't wanna get bit so i could probably use cardboard to separate me and the snake that way it might not get to scared

This is what I did for a hide in my snakes enclosure. You can any plastic, I used a dishpan because I was making mine for a very large ball python, but in my smaller ones enclosure I just use the cheap plastic bowls from the dollar store. Here are my instructions with pics:

I went to the family dollar store and bought black dishpans, like the ones that busboys use, cut them half, placed one side over the other, then put tape on it so it doesnt slide apart. Lastly, I just used the razor to cut out a hole for the snake to go into. If you have a buck fifty and a razor blade, this is a good option I think. My big ones certainly do love it. Since I have 9 snakes I cant see buying 18 hides for about 20 - 30 bucks each at petco when this works equally as well. I am posting pics, but I am going to change the tape to shiney silver tape so you can see where it is taped, it’s usually black tape and you can barely even tell its been cut and taped. ;~) Just a thought! And the best part is its completely adjustable so you can make it larger for you snake as you need to!
step 1

This one is just for size comparison - my snake is more than 5 ft long, use a smaller one for your snake ;~)

Step 2

Step 3

Final product - dont forget to cut out a hole for the snake. ;~)


I hear cheap is chic this year!! LOL I love dollar stores for this type of stuff!

[omega45820]

Ok so when i make a hide for him just one ?? that way i dont scare him and maybe get bit who would i go about putting it in the tank without scarying the crap out of him and maybe getting bit and outside rocks be used to as long at ya wash them and clean them up

[Moofins07]

Ok so when i make a hide for him just one ?? that way i dont scare him and maybe get bit who would i go about putting it in the tank without scarying the crap out of him and maybe getting bit and outside rocks be used to as long at ya wash them and clean them up

You want to make TWO identical hides, if the tank will fit them. Basic setup consists of one hide on the warm end, water bowl in the middle, and the second hide on the cool end. This gives them the security they need AND the opportunity to regulate their body temperature. They LOVE to hide. If they have only one hide, and it's on the cool end, they will choose to hide and freeze to death, rather than be warm and out in the open. That's how shy they are.

If you're worried about being bitten, go ahead and use a piece of cardboard or plastic as a shield to protect yourself. The snake will be startled and annoyed at the time, but I'm sure he'll thank you later for the hides.

Are the rocks you were given heating rocks? If so, TAKE THEM BACK, or THROW THEM OUT. If not, then great, use a few to clutter up the tank. BPs hate empty spaces. If you use ANY outside materials, rock, wood, anything, bake it in the oven first, to kill any bugs or bacteria.

Good luck, and have fun with your new friend!


PS: Even if you do get bitten, it's no big deal. It really doesn't hurt that much, and hey, it's an initiation into our club! You're not a true BP owner until you've been tagged!

[Swingline0.0.1]

No offense to anybody, but I suggest you do not use any kind of tape on anything in your bp's enclosure. Duct tape is very sticky, and could become adhered to your snake.

[Elise.m]

If you have that heat pad plugged in right now, unplug it immediately. They can get over 100* and will burn your snake. Go to a hard ware store (lowes, Home Depot, etc...) and get a lamp dimmer until you get order a thermostat over the internet. Or you can get them at reptile shows.

A lamp dimmer will run about $10, and the cheapest thermostats are about $25. Though, the more expensive ones are recommended.