Now that she's here...

[BlueMoonExotics]

First I want to thank everyone for the great advice on my new ball. She took her first f/t rat pinky for me yesterday right away and she seems to be doing well but there's a few things that I'm not sure about still. From what I've read climbing vines and wood aren't required for a ball but I've seen her climb up onto the cord for the thermometer probe and do a balancing act (2 suction cups hold the cord and keep it up out of the way except in the corner where it goes down farther into the tank). I've also seen her wrap around the thermometer itself which is suction cupped to the back of the tank. So I ordered some twisty vines and a piece of sandblasted grape vine like I use in my gecko and frog enclosures and was wondering if it would be ok to give them to her as something to climb on? She just seems happier being able to climb around on stuff.

The other thing I was wondering about is the breeder told me to keep her a little cooler than you would normally keep a ball so her temps are 86-87 on the warm side and 80-81 on the cool side as per his instructions. I've provided a hide for both sides but she really only uses the cool side even after her meal. I have yet to see her use the other hide at all. I thought they needed belly heat to digest a meal like leopard geckos do?

Last thing is I KNOW I've read it somewhere on these forums but I can't seem to find it again with a search... how long should I wait after a meal to handle her? This is for future reference of course I have yet to really handle her yet except for the first day I got her for about 15 seconds lol.

[Annarose15]

There's no harm in giving her something to climb on, as long as it's sturdy. She is probably just exploring her new environment. As far as the lower hot-side temps, hatchlings don't seem to need as much warmth as adults, so 87deg should be fine (mine are 87-90deg). BPs do need heat to digest, but she will regulate herself as needed, so don't worry as long as you give her a gradient to choose from. Finally, it is generally recommended to wait 24-48 hours between feeding and handling. Good luck and congratulations on your new BP. Where are the pics?!!

[John1982]

So I ordered some twisty vines and a piece of sandblasted grape vine like I use in my gecko and frog enclosures and was wondering if it would be ok to give them to her as something to climb on? She just seems happier being able to climb around on stuff.

This is fine, having extra stuff in there to clutter up the enclosure is generally considered a bonus with shy snakes.

The other thing I was wondering about is the breeder told me to keep her a little cooler than you would normally keep a ball so her temps are 86-87 on the warm side and 80-81 on the cool side as per his instructions. I've provided a hide for both sides but she really only uses the cool side even after her meal. I have yet to see her use the other hide at all. I thought they needed belly heat to digest a meal like leopard geckos do?

These temps are fine, I keep my warm end the same but my cool end is usually a bit lower in the 77-79 degree range.

Last thing is I KNOW I've read it somewhere on these forums but I can't seem to find it again with a search... how long should I wait after a meal to handle her? This is for future reference of course I have yet to really handle her yet except for the first day I got her for about 15 seconds lol.

You should be fine to handle after 24 hours but as always, be gentle.

[BlueMoonExotics]

lol Sorry no pics yet! I haven't wanted to bother her too much until she's settled in and the only time she's ever out and about is at night. My camera doesn't do well in the dark so it's a bad time for pics lol. I really want some pics of her too! Darn nocturnal creatures!

[Michelle1221]

We usually wait 48 hours after they have eaten to handle them.

Hope your able to post pics soon! I find with our younger ones on feeding day they are out lurking pretty early in the evening.

[BlueMoonExotics]

I did finally get a few pictures of her. I posted one under the photos section of the forums. Here's the link: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...all-python-Eve. She did finally start using her hide on the warm side last night as well. Thanks for putting my mind at ease!