Got a ball python for Christmas and really don't know much(but am willing to learn)

[PitOnTheProwl]

welcome

remember to get a thermostat for that UTH, it can cook your snake if left unregulated.

[tdrusk]

welcome

remember to get a thermostat for that UTH, it can cook your snake if left unregulated.

Will do! Can you recommend something on the cheaper side? I found this and it seems like it will do the job. http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR...6&sr=8-2-fkmr0 i just thought that the one at petsmart for $50 was a little expensive.

Also, I discovered that my heat mat was supposed to have some space in between it and the tank. The tank was just resting on it. (This is the way that it was set up when given to me). I used some bottle tops and raised it up about half an inch.

[brobertson]

Will do! Can you recommend something on the cheaper side? I found this and it seems like it will do the job. http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR...6&sr=8-2-fkmr0 i just thought that the one at petsmart for $50 was a little expensive.

Also, I discovered that my heat mat was supposed to have some space in between it and the tank. The tank was just resting on it. (This is the way that it was set up when given to me). I used some bottle tops and raised it up about half an inch.

The thermostat you mentioned will do the job just fine, but it would be worth saving up for a proportional thermostat like a Herpstat or Vivarium Electronics model. These will run you up $100-200, but are packed full of safety features to keep your snake safe, and also provide far more precise temps than the hydro farm. The recommendation that I would have for the hydrofarm is to not trust it's temperature readout, and use a digital probe thermometer to double check your temps, as they can be very inaccurate. Best of luck with your snake!
Benek

[tdrusk]

Okay just an update. On Monday I tried to feed him a frozen/thawed small mouse. I put him in his feeding tub and shut the lid. He kind of just looked at it and walked away. I was unaware of the dangling technique.

With this failure I put him back in his cage and left him alone for a few days. I tried to feed him a live mouse yesterday and he seemed much more interested. He would go up to it, get really close, then the mouse would move and he would back off. After an hour of that(with close monitoring) I took him out and left him alone.

I now have a mouse living in his feeding tub. I'm not too sure about what to do with that... I guess I'll just give it food and water...

Should I wait a week and offer again? Would it be more comfortable for him if I put the mouse in his cage? Any tips are appreciated.

[snakecharmer3638]

Hi.......

Moving him to a feeding tank may be stressing him out and causing the refusal. I would try feeding in his tank and see if you have better luck.

[tdrusk]

Hi.......

Moving him to a feeding tank may be stressing him out and causing the refusal. I would try feeding in his tank and see if you have better luck.

okay so should i try this today or wait a week?

[Kaorte]

Agreed, no need to feed him outside his enclosure. Ball pythons are not particularly cage aggressive and they are smart enough to differentiate between your hand and a mouse.

Love that picture of the two of you!

[tdrusk]

He looks like he is starting a shed. His eyes are a grey/blue and he is less shiny. Should I still try to feed him the live mouse in his cage? If not, when should I try to feed him?

[angllady2]

Oh goody! Another "victim" of the ball python obsession!

It's going to take some time and hit and miss before you get his tank right. Most snakes won't eat when in blue, but you could try. Just be sure to monitor him closely. He can't see well, and a hungry mouse can inflict severe damage in a short time. Otherwise, just set up a little cage for the mouse, give it food and water and wait until he sheds to offer again. There really is no need at all to move him to feed him. That is a very persistent myth, people think it makes them more likely to bite you. In reality, moving a snake that has just eaten and is still in "hunt" mode is a lot more likely to get you bitten. Some people also worry about the snake swallowing bedding. Sometimes the snake will swallow a little bedding, but it's nothing to worry about.

It's going to take a while to learn the in's and out's of owning a ball python, but we are always eager to help you and guide you. Most of us own more than one, and we love our snakes a lot and are only too happy to spread that love to another.

Gale

[tdrusk]

Argh! I was trying to feed him and in the midsts of moving the mouse into his cage the lid fell in the tank and landed near Drako. After I picked up the lid Drako quickly went back into his hide and hasn't came out. I don't think drako is hurt and I think it is best that I just leave him alone now.