New baby ball python. Need some help :{

[blueberrypancakes]

You sound just like me when I got my first ball python! (Just got my second yesterday, and I'm talking like a veteran...) Don't panic, everyone on here gives great advice. It is funny how the pet stores convince you that these are such cheapie pets at 20-40 bucks and then you see how much specialized care they need...
I haven't had to deal with an RI yet, but I'm super paranoid about them and if I heard one of my babies wheezing, I would take them to the vet. (But I am a notorious worrier, so that might be an over-reaction.) Watch closely for fluids coming out of his face.
You do need to move your thermometers, your snake isn't typically going to be up that high and against the glass. (Although the pic of him wrapped around the thermometer is really cute!)
As far as the hides go- you don't need to spend lots of money. You can cut an opening in a cool whip container. I have an upside-down ceramic pot that I chipped a "door" into, it was 59c. Your snakes comfort is more important than aesthetics right now, you can make it look good later.
After getting an accurate reading on the temps, I have found that the red lights give off more heat than those white ones, and they also double as a night light for me! You should really look into getting a thermostat too. Mucho, mucho impotante. With a UTH and the lights, though, you might be surprised at what the temp is down on the ground where your snake is... it's just as important not to fry them as not to freeze them.
Stick around here and don't be afraid to ask "stupid" questions. The people here care a lot for the animals and are well experienced with them.

[Anakalia6]

You sound just like me when I got my first ball python! (Just got my second yesterday, and I'm talking like a veteran...) Don't panic, everyone on here gives great advice. It is funny how the pet stores convince you that these are such cheapie pets at 20-40 bucks and then you see how much specialized care they need...
I haven't had to deal with an RI yet, but I'm super paranoid about them and if I heard one of my babies wheezing, I would take them to the vet. (But I am a notorious worrier, so that might be an over-reaction.) Watch closely for fluids coming out of his face.
You do need to move your thermometers, your snake isn't typically going to be up that high and against the glass. (Although the pic of him wrapped around the thermometer is really cute!)
As far as the hides go- you don't need to spend lots of money. You can cut an opening in a cool whip container. I have an upside-down ceramic pot that I chipped a "door" into, it was 59c. Your snakes comfort is more important than aesthetics right now, you can make it look good later.
After getting an accurate reading on the temps, I have found that the red lights give off more heat than those white ones, and they also double as a night light for me! You should really look into getting a thermostat too. Mucho, mucho impotante. With a UTH and the lights, though, you might be surprised at what the temp is down on the ground where your snake is... it's just as important not to fry them as not to freeze them.
Stick around here and don't be afraid to ask "stupid" questions. The people here care a lot for the animals and are well experienced with them.

Yeah, its crazy how different ball pythons are compared to the little green tree snakes I used to have. So much more maintenance. But I love him already he is only 6 months old so I worry about everything for him. I have finally gotten the heat/humidity up, and his wheezing has gotten a bit better, and Ive been making sure there are no bubbles or fluid. I also bought a Digital infrared thermometer so now I know where the temp is everywhere. I also got some shrubbery and another hiding place, making 3. I posted a new pic of my tank updated. Its still not perfect but its getting so much better. I so appreciate everyones help and encouragement!!! Thank you so much

http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php...type=1&theater

[Anakalia6]

Another question..... At night I have my blue light above and the Uth directly under the log where he sleeps, but still the temp right inside the log is still between 78 and 82. Does he need more heat during the night?? Would a red lamp vs the blue make a difference?? I know my blue one doesn't give off near as much heat as my white one.

[Gbusiness]

Another question..... At night I have my blue light above and the Uth directly under the log where he sleeps, but still the temp right inside the log is still between 78 and 82. Does he need more heat during the night?? Would a red lamp vs the blue make a difference?? I know my blue one doesn't give off near as much heat as my white one.

I don't think it would make a difference in red or blue at night. Red does seem to be the popular choice. I have a purple bulb for only one of my tub's for night time. I wouldn't say he need's more heat at night. Usually, it's ok if the ambient temp drop's like 5 degree's. The uth heat will stay the same thru out the night. He will decide on his own if he's to cool.

[jdouglas]

These recommendations are because you appear to be on a budget.

1. - Put your UTH on a thermostat - hydrofarm 30$ from amazon
2. - Get an Acu-rite thermometer with probe from walmart or amazon 10-12$

3. Insulate your cage back and sides - Anything thick will work (cardboard, foamboard, cloth, etc.)
4. Seal off the screen lid. cover 3/4 of it with 3 layers of tin foil and fasten it down with duct tape.
5. Identical hides for both sides of the cage(since its large put the cool one on a spot thats 80degrees until you can get the cage temps right!) - this may be closer to the middle if the far cool side is 70.
6.Get a room heater(and raise the temps in your room to 78degrees until you can get this sorted out or have more money to spend on the equiptment to heat that 40 gal.