Literal spider ball

[angllady2]

Welcome to the wonderful world of inexperienced ball python owner versus stupid pet shops.

If you hang out here long, you will find a lot of good information, and that most pet shops know as much about how to care for a ball python as I know about building a space shuttle.

Your tank is a little big, but that can be adapted. That thermometer is the kind used to measure the temps of the water in a fish tank, and is not going to give you a clue about the temps your snake needs. I have no idea how many of the items we take for granted here in the states are easily accessible to you in Mexico. If need be, you can order most things online and have them shipped to you if they are not available locally.

I think you have some kind of substrate under the leaves, it looks like what we call Eco Earth, or something similar. If you can get it, fine shreds of aspen are really good bedding. They help with humidity, are easy to spot clean, and are snake safe. Newspaper and paper towels are also good options, but of course will need a bit more in the cleaning department.

Try to get a digital thermometer/hygrometer combination if you can, it will greatly simplify things for you. The safest and best thing to use for heat is an under tank heater, called a UTH. You want one big enough to cover about 1/3 of the tank to create a suitable hot spot. Ball pythons don't need heat lamps or UV lights like many reptiles do, so that is a bonus. Whatever you use for heat also needs a thermostat to ensure it doesn't get too hot, as ball pythons can and will get burned by a lamp or UTH that gets too hot.

Ideally, you want two hides, one for the hot spot, one for the cool. In a perfect world they will be identical, so your snake feels equally secure in both. You can crowd the empty space in your tank with silk flowers and leaves, and that will help your snake feel more secure. You can use plastic, be be careful as many plastic plants contain metal stems that can rust when exposed to humidity for long periods. Make sure there aren't any sharp points and no loops your snake could get hurt on or worse, stuck in.

If your tank has a screen lid, you will have a terrible time with keeping humidity in, you can cover part of the lid to help hold in the humidity, and there are lots of other tricks here to help with that.

You will find most people here are warm and friendly, and are only to eager to help with any questions or problems you may have. Goodness knows I learn something new every day, and I've been here for years!

Gale