Terrarium help?

[panella0115]

I'm new to the forum, and I would like some help. I have been using grass turf for my BP and I wanted to know what bedding I should be using, or if that is fine. I would also like to know of some good sites for buying fake plants and backgrounds. It would help me out a lot because I feel that my tank is not sufficient for my BP. Thanks a lot!

[WarriorPrincess90]

Hello and to BP.net!

Congrats on your new snake. To begin, here is the Ball Python caresheet that all new owners get the link to.

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...s%29-Caresheet

Read that over as it will help you a lot with your setup and husbandry practices.
As to the bedding question, turf is not exactly ideal. I would suggest using aspen shavings, cedar bark, or coconut husk. Just be sure you never use pine as it can be harmful to your snake.

Fake plants and backgrounds can usually be purchased relatively cheaply at your local pet store. For instance, I purchased my backgrounds at Petsmart. You can probably purchase those things from them online as well. Hopefully some others can chime in if they know any other places where you can get them online.

As to hides, you should have two identical hides. You need a cool side and a hot side in your enclosure to create a temperature gradient for your snake so that he/she can thermoregulate. You should then place one hide on the cool side and one on the hot side so that your snake can decide where they feel more comfortable. A great place to get those is:http://www.reptilebasics.com/hide-boxes

What type of thermometer are you using? And what type of heating element are you using?

[panella0115]

Thank you so much! I only have analog stuff but I'm hoping to change it to digital soon. My hide is a mock turtle shell, he seems to like it very much and it helps him shed, so I'll get another. I have a UTH and a heating lap, and I alternate them. Thinking of getting repti-bark. It seems to be the favorite for many BP owners.

[The Serpent Merchant]

Is your UTH being regulated by a thermostat? Do you have a probed thermometer to see how hot the UTH actually is?

[panella0115]

I have a thermostat in the tank, and I use the lamp more. I regularly check my BP for burns and what-not. But do you need a special UTH to have it regulated?

[The Serpent Merchant]

I have a thermostat in the tank, and I use the lamp more. I regularly check my BP for burns and what-not. But do you need a special UTH to have it regulated?

you have a thermoSTAT in your cage? are you sure that you don't mean a thermoMETER?

any UTH can be regulated by a thermostat, in fact they ALL MUST be regulated by a thermostat. UTH's can easily get hot enough to kill a snake if they aren't being regulated.

Here are 2 good thermostats:

Budget: http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR.../dp/B000NZZG3S

High Quality: http://spyderrobotics.com/home/products.html

Stay away from the thermostats sold in pet stores they are overpriced junk.

Here is a thread with more info: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...t-Thermometers

Switching between 2 different heat sources probably isn't the best idea. you want your cage to be as consistent as possible (and in the right temperature zones: 88-92 F on the hot side and 78-82 F on the cool side)

[Simplex]

Did u buy ur bp from a petstore?

[FrankieCarbone]

that fake grass is the worst kind of bedding in my opinion for the simple fact that u cant "spot clean" it. I mean once they poo on it and u try and clean it, it smudges into it and what not.

Also another suggestion for fake plants and decor is the arts and crafts store "Michael's", u can get alot of stuff, especially fake plants/leafs that would normally cost big bucks at petstores and expos, for dirt cheap there.