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  1. #3
    BPnet Lifer Kaorte's Avatar
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    Re: Just got a new Pastel Ball Python....

    I don't really like the coco fiber bedding just because its so much like dirt. I don't like the idea of cleaning dirt..just seems counter productive . I prefer aspen or paper towels and many people use newspaper or cypress mulch.

    I suspect from the way you have your thermometers placed that they are not digital. I would recommend getting a different thermometer. The Accurite weather station from Home depot, lowes, or walmart, is about $12 and measures ambient air temperature, ambient humidity, and a hot spot with the external probe (you would put this under the substrate right above where the UTH is).

    Climbing all over things does not mean he loves them. He is a new snake and he will probably spend the next week or two cruising all over the tank looking for a way out. Constantly cruising around is a sign of stress which is normal for a new snake during its acclimation period.

    I would actually suggest getting two identical hides. That half log thing isn't really going to get the job done. Ball pythons spend 90% of their time in hides so it is important to provide them with tight fitting "cave like" hides that only have a small entrance.

    As far as your heating goes, you will find that the UTH should be more than enough to provide an adequate hot spot, you are just not measuring its heat output correctly. You will also probably find that it gets way too hot. UTHs run at about 115-120* unregulated which is much too high for ball pythons. A reptile thermostat is the best way to control the temperature and keep it around 90*. The reptitemp 500r is widely available online for about 20-25$. I would highly recommend purchasing one BEFORE you find your snake with a thermal burn. Even if you put more substrate between the snake and the heat pad, it can and will move the substrate to get closer to it.

    I would move the red bulb to the cool side. The UTH will take care of the hot spot temperature just fine. The red bulb should only be used if you need to raise your ambient temps.

    50-60% humidity is recommended and 70% during a shed cycle.

    I would start your ball python off on adult mice. Pinky mice are like popcorn for ball pythons. Also, wait one week from the day you got him before trying to feed him. You will be more likely to have success if you wait the full week. Also during this week, do not handle him. Handling is stressful and you should hold off until he feels safe in his home before you take him out. remember, you are a big scary monster to this little guy!

    Good luck!
    ~Steffe

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