New baby Ball; dirty cage

[roseyoungblood]

I recently had a baby ball python kind of fall into my lap. He came with an entire, basic set, so he just moved from one home to the other, with all the stuff he was used to coming with him. Upon initial inspection the cage looked clean but yesterday I noticed a poo, not a very fresh one either, in the aquarium. It blended in with the douglas fir substrate he came with, which is why I didn't spot it initially. It made me concerned that the previous owner didn't likely think to regularly sanitize his stuff, or clean out his tank. Today I am going to the pet store to buy an under tank heater and thermostat and a couple other odds 'n ends that I feel would be beneficial to his well being, and I'd like to set them up in the never-used tank I have.

I'm on day three of having him and noticed he is showing symptoms of going into shed now, but I really want to get him into a fresh, clean tank with aspen bedding, a humidity chamber, etc asap. Should I wait until next week, to let him finish his shed & acclimation to new surroundings, or do it all now? I want him to feel comfortable so he will be more likely to feed next week, but I don't want him hanging out in a bacteria-infested habitat either.

So far he doesn't seem exceptionally stressed, he sleeps in his hide in the day, comes out at night to explore and do a little basking under the lamp, and he's drank water each day I've had him so far. He hasn't hissed or struck at me when I've stuck my hand in there to give him fresh water. Surely he is stressed in some way, but not to a point where he's balled up in a corner or lingering near the top of the cage all night long. What do you's recommend?

[Xotik]

I would go with cypress as opposed to aspen - not that aspen is bad, its definitely a good substrate - but cypress is much more beneficial to the humidity levels - which is definitely what he needs during shed.

I have moved snakes that are in shed with no ill effects - he shouldn't be too bothered - in fact, he probably will love the new humidity levels.

[bclose93]

i would just move him. Stressing him out abit is better than leaving him in a dirty cage for a few days.

[Emily Hubbard]

I would move him too. Especially if he is a good little guy and not showing huge outward signs of stress, it shouldn't bother him too much. A good set up is the most important thing.

[roseyoungblood]

I moved him & it went really well Everything in his tank is clean and sterilized and I gave him a bigger water dish. My old favorite ash tray (quit smoking 2 months ago), all cleaned up & disinfected. He took a little bath in it today; seemed to like it much better than his old one. I wound up having to go with aspen bedding though 'cause they didn't have any cypress available, but I think I'm going to go back for some sphagham moss tomorrow. He isn't that into his humidity chamber and I'm struggling a little with keeping the humidity where it should be. He's really enjoying the added boost in heat though. Thanks for your suggestions, folks! He's looking much better already. Seemed unphased by the handling, even.