New Ball Python Owner...Please advise

[FubarTheBallPython]

Hi.
I have aquired a ball python through a friend of a friend. I was told it was a bermese python, but after research I believe it's a ball. It is about 1 year old, and 4 feet long. This is Fubar-->

I'm familiar with the basic setup for reptiles. I have 2 texas cooter water turtles 2 years old, and a florida softshell turtle 1 year old.

I have Fubar in a 50 gal tererrium. 1/2 white sand with a UVB light (90deg.). 1/2 bark with water bowl. This is the Setup-->

I've had Fubar for 10 days and so far he/she has eaten 2 small rats. I got these frozen from petsmart. I plan on ordering larger rats in bulk online...

Please let me know what basics I am missing for sure.
And any extra information that will make Fubar happier.

Thanks,
Dylan

[waltah!]

Hi Dylan, and welcome to the site.
You've come to the right place for sure. First off, you definitely have a bp and not a burmese.
I would say to ditch the sand. While it's pleasing to the eye, your snake would do better on something like Aspen bedding and it still has a nice look. The sand can get caught in the scales and vent area and with your current setup that's where it has to go for extra warmth.
You will more than likely have humidity problems with an open top glass tank and heat lamp. Under tank heaters with a thermostat to regulate the temps are your best bet with a bp, and you can use a lamp if you need to get the overall ambient temps up.
With an open glass tank you might want to provide some hiding spots as bp's tend to hide quite a bit (that's a good sign).
Here is the link to our caresheet. It will give you some good ideas for sure as well as solid basic guidelines.
There's a good bunch of folks here who can help you out so don't be shy about asking.

[MakiMaki]

Hi Dylan,
Welcome! I agree with everything Waltah! wrote. Definitely switch your substrate and check your temps and humidity. It's a good sign that Fubar is eating. You'll find lots of helpful people at this forum, so be sure to ask if you have any specific questions.

[DZ Reptiles]

Hey there Dylan, you cant even imagine how much help this forum is. The people here can help you through anything even if you think it might be a dumb question. Everyone here started out with there first ball python once. Your not alone. Do exactly what they said, the caresheet will be extremely helpful. Good luck with your new friend!

[BPelizabeth]

Hey welcome to being a ball owner.....you will LOVE it. Listen to Walt...he knows his stuff and def. go through the care sheet....it will make your life so much easier and the snake much healthier. For temps most ppl on here without a temp gun go with an accurite. This thermometer is very on point and will also give you humidity reads which is so important. You can find those at wally world.

Also just another tip.....when you see your snakes eyes go blue that means it is going into shed. When you house in an aquarium sometimes humidity can be difficult. Be sure to cover the top with a damp towel....I also put a damp hand towel over the warm hide to raise the humidity....plus it gives them something to scratch the shed w.

[MitsuMike]

Plz read and redo your setup:

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...thon-CARESHEET

[PghBall]

Welcome, and as some others have already said, you'll find everything you need on this site. If you can't find something, just ask. There are plenty of helpful people here as well.

[jsmorphs2]

Everyone offered great advice so I just want to say congrats on your new BP!! I love the name too.