My Ball Python wants to eat me. T_T

[lefty]

@Lefty
Her lamp is off right now. If the room is hot I turn it off....

xD

thats good. but the problem is that if the whole room is 88 then the snakes enclosure is at 88 without any cool area. 88 is plenty warm but the snake must have an area to cool down. i keep mine at 88-91 on the warm side and 76 on the coolest side. this is done in a room thats at 72 degrees. i use a UTH and a 40 watt bulb in a 20l size tank. even in an 80 degree room, with the 75 watt light on, im sure i ts climbing to 100 degrees or higher. that will=cranky unhappy and unhealthy snakes. i'd say your best bet is a therm. and temp regulation. i bet she calms right down.

as for feeding in their tanks, i've done it for 20 years. never been bitten. the only times i've been struck at were when something funky had happened to temps(burned out bulb, worn out uth....)

[Kaorte]

If you want a cheap and easy way to cool down the room you could try getting one of those big box fans and put a couple two liter bottles filled with ice (freeze them) behind the fan to help circulate some cool air.


I know money can be tight sometimes but there are a few simple pieces of equipment you just can't skimp on. You NEED a thermometer in that cage. Time to gather up your pennies and get one! The best thermometer for your money is the Accurite weather station. It has a probe for measuring the hot spot, and also measures humidity and temperature at the unit. It costs about $11. If you can't afford something that is required and only costs $11, then I don't know what to tell you. I hate to say that you should pass on the snake to someone more financially stable, but that would be my advice. I know you are trying to do the best with what you have, but you do need a little bit more.

Also, I would defiantly get her some new hides. The half log hide does next to nothing for making your snake feel secure. Here is what I would suggest. Head over to the dollar store (surely you have a dollar?) and buy yourself two plastic bowls that you think the snake would fit snugly under. I usually find these bowls in a two pack which is awesome since you want two identical hides. Cut a small hole for an entrance and smooth the cut edge with a lighter. Then cover the back and sides of your tank with some black construction paper. Any color will do really. The idea is to make your snake feel less exposed.

A few simple adjustments can really make a difference in the snakes behavior, but it will take a week or two to notice the difference. Snakes can get stressed and pissy when you make changed to their environment. Good luck!

[Solstice]

Thanks for all the help everyone. =)
I fed her another rat, got her two new hide boxes, moved the tank downstairs where it is cooler, and got a thermometer and hygrometer. Currently the cold side temperature is 82 degrees, the hot side is 88 degrees and the humidity is 51%.

ATM she is sitting in her hide with her head poking out the entrance. She looks like she is waiting for food or something. I guess maybe she is still hungry?

[Kaorte]

Thanks for all the help everyone. =)
I fed her another rat, got her two new hide boxes, moved the tank downstairs where it is cooler, and got a thermometer and hygrometer. Currently the cold side temperature is 82 degrees, the hot side is 88 degrees and the humidity is 51%.

ATM she is sitting in her hide with her head poking out the entrance. She looks like she is waiting for food or something. I guess maybe she is still hungry?

Much better!

If you just fed her then she is probably full.

[lefty]

Thanks for all the help everyone. =)
I fed her another rat, got her two new hide boxes, moved the tank downstairs where it is cooler, and got a thermometer and hygrometer. Currently the cold side temperature is 82 degrees, the hot side is 88 degrees and the humidity is 51%.

ATM she is sitting in her hide with her head poking out the entrance. She looks like she is waiting for food or something. I guess maybe she is still hungry?

good job. she should mellow out and become a happy snake.

[LadyWraith]

WTG! Your BP will be so much happier with the cooler temps and a way to monitor them.