BP Research paper-am I missing anything?

[fluffpuffgerbil]

Hi! I just registered here, as I am interested in owning a ball python(have a name for one and everything. XD) someday.
And instead of a literature paper, I convinced my mom to let me write a research paper on Ball Pythons.
I have done quite a bit of research already just last night and today.
I still need to do a lot more, but here's the rough infor I have now:

Cage size: A 40 gal breeder or 32q tub for adults, 10 gal tank or 15q bin for juvies.
Diet: F/T mice or rats(ooc//I rather feed rats as I hear they have more nutritional value)
~Feed every 5-7 days.
~Ball Pythons are reputable for hunger-strikes. Seek vet if animal starts losing weight.
Lighting: No UVB since they are nocturnal
Heat: An Under Tank Heater with a thermostat to contorl the temperature
Substrate(I would/could use): Aspen, Carefresh, Paper Towels, Newspaper, Carpet.
Substrate(I wouldn't/ couldn't use): Cedar, Pine
Temperature: 85-92*F in basking spot, no less than 70* all around.
Humidity: 55%-60% when not shedding, 70%-....80%? when shedding.(Not sure on that one)
Life span: 20-30 years or more with proper care
Length: Males 3-4 ft, females 5-6 feet.
~~A thermometer with wire and probe that also measures humidity.
I think I covered the major things...
Now onto smaller things.
~~Two hides, one in cool side, one in basking spot
~~A water dish big enough to soak in and help keep humidity up
~~branches and maybe fake plants to help them feel secure
~~A secure lid! Snakes are escape artists!

I feel like I am forgetting something... But that's what I got.
Now I would add other things in the paper, such as common behaviour, habits, ect, :3 So how does it sound? Let me know if there is anything wrong with my information or if I'm missing something important. This is all less than a day's research, too. XD Okay, well, that's that! I hope you more knowladgeable can correct my information if it's wrong, confirm if it's right. I have read the caresheet on here and I have that favourited so I can turn to it for reference. I just listed everything I remembered off the top of my head.

[OhhWatALoser]

I rather feed rats as I hear they have more nutritional value - No evidence of this, everyone says different things, I find rats easier to fed though.
Life span: 20-30 years or more with proper care - IIRC someone had a 35 year old still kicking, so who knows
females 5-6 feet. - 4-5, there are some 5+ out there though.

[Skittles1101]

Here is the nutritional value chart of all feeder prey
http://www.rodentpro.com/qpage_articles_03.asp

Cage size: A 40 gal breeder or 32q tub for adults, 10 gal tank or 15q bin for juvies.
I would add 20 gallon long in there, I have used that successfully for one of my 2010's.


Substrate(I would/could use): Aspen, Carefresh, Paper Towels, Newspaper, Carpet.
Add cypress and coco fiber, a lot of people use it

Temperature: 85-92*F in basking spot, no less than 70* all around.
I'd change that to 88-92. 85 is a little cold. I'd change the word "bsking spot" to "hot spot" since they don't bask

As for bahavior, you can add in the activeness during the day can be a sign of stress. For example, my snakes are ALWAYS hiding when it's daylight, and out and about when I get home after 11pm. This morning I ran out for a few hours, came back around 11:30am and one of my bps was stretched out across his tank. I knew immediately that something was wrong. I used my temp gun and his temps had dropped, and he was cold. I bumped up the heat and put him around my neck for about 15 mins to warm up. I felt so bad, but that's just my own personal experience with a behavior that could be an issue.

Another behavior that you could mention is stargazing, which could mean serious problems. I had no idea what that was when I first read about it, I searched youtube videos to see what it looked like and it is very distinctive. It can mean anything from IBD to neurological damage. Too hot temps can cause permanent neurological damage.

Oh, maybe you could touch on IBD and ball pythons, and how boas should be kept completely separate to reduce risk of exposure

It looks awesome, I wish you luck with getting a ball python in the future. They really are interesting and fun little critters. I love all mine as if they were my kids. It's funny because everyone who talks to my mom says "how are the grandsnakes?" haha. Welcome to the site too

[TheWinWizard]

I would up the basking spot to 88 to 92 degrees, 60 to 70 when shedding for the humidity, 50 to 60 when not. Welcome to the forums and good luck on your new acquisition whenever that may be. Be sure to post some pics please.

[fluffpuffgerbil]

Thanks for all the great replies! I'll be sure to add changes to it and check out that nutritional feeders chart!
I want to feed rats even though I'd feel a bit bad seeing as I own two. XD They're great pets. :3
Well, seeing as they're nocturnal, it might be nice for me. I can hold my dragon in the day and my snake at night.
I really hope to get one around christmas/january time. There's a reptil expo in January, probably close to my brithday, so I see it as a great opportunity to get one. XD