New BP owner- help, please.

[kdm2865]

We just bought a ghost hypo ball python from a local pet store today. I had done research previously but the pet store gave me rather conflicting information about what we would need for the set up. I have her in a 20 gallon glass tank with a lid with paper grocery bags as substrate. The pet store said that a nocturnal infared heat lamp would provide adequate heat for her, so that's what I bought-- although I had read previously that under the tank heaters would need to be used? I made a hide for her out of an old plastic flower pot I cut in half. They store said she only needed one hide-- again I had read previously a hide should be on the warm and cool side?

[liv]

First thing you need to do is forget everything the pet store told you and read this care sheet: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ius)-Caresheet

[SRMD]

First thing you need to do is forget everything the pet store told you and read this care sheet: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ius)-Caresheet

my set up (not everything included)
Medium/Large Fifarium
Under tank heater
Thermostat
Thermometer
Hygrometer
Aspen bedding or Cypress mulch (nothing else)
1 small hide (depending on the size of your snake)
Water dish
you will need a spray bottle to keep mist up
feeding tongs
reptile disenfectant
etc..

[kdm2865]

Okay, read the sheet. I will go to the pet store tomorrow and get an under the tank heater, thermometer, and thermostat, different substrate, and a water bottle to mist her enclosure. Can I get a hygrometer there too, do you think?

Also, she's about a month old. The pet store said she was ready to eat a fuzzy, so we bought one and tried to feed her but she wanted nothing to do with it. She's very curious about her surroundings-- not shy at all.

[SRMD]

Okay, read the sheet. I will go to the pet store tomorrow and get an under the tank heater, thermometer, and thermostat, different substrate, and a water bottle to mist her enclosure. Can I get a hygrometer there too, do you think?

Also, she's about a month old. The pet store said she was ready to eat a fuzzy, so we bought one and tried to feed her but she wanted nothing to do with it. She's very curious about her surroundings-- not shy at all.

defo get a hygro meter im from the uk so not sure,
but feeding a fuzzy you should ger a hair dryer and blow the scent the fuzzy into the cage then try and feed him be patient with him when feeding, then just leave it in his cage and leave him for about 20 mins come back see whats happened

[liv]

You should give your ball a week to settle in before attempting to feed it. Also, you don't need to go buy fancy substrate, paper towels or newspaper work great! I find them to be more sanitary than mulch and also easier to replace when they get soiled.

And of course, pictures of your new friend are necessary

[I-KandyReptiles]

Okay, read the sheet. I will go to the pet store tomorrow and get an under the tank heater, thermometer, and thermostat, different substrate, and a water bottle to mist her enclosure. Can I get a hygrometer there too, do you think?

Also, she's about a month old. The pet store said she was ready to eat a fuzzy, so we bought one and tried to feed her but she wanted nothing to do with it. She's very curious about her surroundings-- not shy at all.

Go to Walmart and get an Accurite thermometer its about $12. place the probe over the uth, and place the unit on the cool side. It will measure both temperatures as well as humidity.

[Lisn123]

I agree with others- get the Accurite from walmart to keep track of temps & humidity.
Order Thermostat from amazon. Substrate, I agree with the others- the "mulch" may look more natural or nicer in a tank, but it is a PITA to clean - In my opinion.
Also go to reptile basics.com for hides. I also ordered moss & tank cleaner from them. (Great customer service.)

Im a newbie as well, but trust me. I learned the hard way of buying more expensive stuff from pet store, that my snake didn't really like. Then came here and found all this wonderful info. from the "experts" and wish I hadn't wasted the money that I did.

live & learn I guess

[kdm2865]

Thank you for the recommendation of Wal-Mart for the thermometer/hydrometer. They pet store told us to try and feed her today, of course! Here is a picture .. we haven't named her yet!

[youbeyouibei]

Nice looking girl you have there and congratulations on your purchase! I won't add anything to what's been said, as all the advise has been sound and no use reinventing the wheel, lol! Toss the pet store advice out the window and you'll be fine. Good luck to you and welcome to BP.net!