A couple of questions

[Lorgakor]

I am getting my first ball python in a couple of days, so I just have a couple questions about my set up.

I am getting an '09 Mojave male, it is 244 grams. I will be housing it in a 14 quart bin on paper towel. (It's a bit larger than a shoebox size) What is the best hot temp? Is 92 a good temp? Or does it need to be higher?
Also, do they need a water dish large enough to soak in? Or should I just mist it periodically to keep humidity up? My other snake is an arid species so I haven't dealt with humidity issues yet. If I mist the paper towel, should I just let it dry on its own? Or is it bad to have the snake sitting on wet paper towel?

I know balls are higher stress than some other snakes, is one week enough time to let it settle before I handle or offer food? Or do ball pythons need longer?

[Lorgakor]

Bump Anyone?

[Sarin]

First off congrats on the future boy!! Mojave's are awesome, especially if you're getting one as your first Ball.

If you're just using paper towel, 92 degrees is a very good temperature to keep the warm spot. I wouldn't go any higher, personally.

You do not need to give them a dish big enough to soak in; just one big enough for them to drink out of. As long as your humidity is at a good % and the snake doesn't have mites, they won't really need to soak.

Also, with a tub, you probably won't have to worry about misting unless you live in a very dry area. That's what's so great about tubs. They hold in heat and humidity very well.

Do not let the snake sit on any wet substrate for too long. It will cause the humidity to skyrocket and could cause belly rot if left for too long.

A week is a good amount of time to give them to get used to their new home. I usually wait 3-5 days for my new guys unless the snake is a hatchling.

[mr. s]

I agree with all that advice. Make sure to get a proper humidity reading device so that if there are problems with humidity, you can rethink and try to correct them.
Good luck.

[ClarkT]

Just from a lot of reading here on the forum, the waiting period, I'd say it greatly depends on the snake.

For temp, 90-93 warm side, 80-82 cool side, ambient (air temp) around 80 deg. should work wonderfully. Also, have at least one good hide.

Mine has been a "picky" eater her whole 6 years...at least that's what the previous owners have told me. However, not a whole lot was done to try and make sure her environment was in those ranges.

It took some finagling to get it all right. I have a 20 gallon tank. I ended up putting 1" foam on the back and sides for both insulation and privacy. Before that, I could keep the spot temps ok, but the ambient air temp would drop to 77 at night. Now it stays a constant 81 deg. 24-7.

After getting the conditions right, she ate for the first time at my house. That was 2 weeks after her previous feeding -- the shortest period between feedings she ever had, I'm told.

She just cleared the smoky eyes yesterday, so I hope she's done shedding by the end of the week. I can't wait to see if she'll keep eating well. Hope so. After shed, I'll be taking and posting pics.

Good luck with yours.

[Lorgakor]

Thank you.

[seeya205]

No handling until it eats about 3 meals for you! Leave it alone completely for one week then feed, if he doesn't take it then wait another week. Keep repeating until it eats for you! After 3 meals then it will be okay to hold. Start holding once a week and slowly go for more. Always wait 48 hours after a feed before feeding!