two hiding spots

[movingthestars]

Hi, so I have never posted on here before. We just got a ball python so I hope my questions don't sound too stupid. Our friend gave her to us and he really didn't do much research before he did. We got her 2 days ago and she went to the vet today and all was well (and we found out she is female). Right now she is in a 10 gallon tank (good I think?) with "bark blend" (looks like that is acceptable but is there something you think is better?), one thermometer (will be getting another one to regulate the "warm side" tomorrow), a light for heat (not bright), a water dish that I am concerned is too small (it is made to look like a rock around the outside and it is definitely too small for her to get into should she want/need to), and a hiding place that looks like a rock as well, which is on the cool side of the cage.

- Anything you would use over "bark blend"?
- She should have 2 hiding places, on on the warm side and one on the cool side correct? I think they should be the same on both sides? Is plastic better? If I put a plastic or rock-looking hiding spot on the warm side, will the lamp heat it too much and potentially burn her? (this concerns me a lot)
- Tongs for feeding? Where can I get these/what kind?
- A slightly bigger/better water dish? Maybe just a low glass bowl-- what do you think?
- Under the cage warmer-- necessary? We live in an apartment with a flat rate for rent, and now because it is winter and I am cold all of the time we keep it about 80 degrees. So I have been watching the temp in the cage and it has stayed around 75 - 85 on the cooler side.

She is small, I guess still a "baby" just judging by other pictures I have seen.

I want to do this RIGHT, and take care of her 100% correctly. I have spent the last 3 hours reading up on ball pythons but I would still rather hear the answers to these questions from actual bp owners like yourselves. Any advice you can give before I go shopping would be GREATLY appreciated!

PS: Sorry this got a lot longer than I intended and the title doesn't make that much sense anymore but I can't figure out how to edit it!

[dr del]

Hi,

Have you had a read through the caresheet yet? It has a lot of good info and might also provoke more questions.

And to the site.


dr del

[Annarose15]

Definitely read through Dr. Del's link to the site caresheet. The primary two pieces that I would recommend adjusting are to ditch the heat light for a heat mat with a thermostat (it's coldest at night when the light needs to be turned off, anyway) and get a warm-side hide (you don't want her to have to choose between heat and security). Heat lights/CHEs are really only needed if your ambient temperatures are low, which yours isn't. The heat mat will provide a "hot spot" that gives her a temperature gradient for digestion, etc. However, you absolutely need a thermostat or dimmer (rheostat) to control the heat mat from getting too hot. I recommend the Ultratherm heat pad from Reptile Basics.

And Welcome!

[OsirisRa32]

be careful with bark blends as some species of tree's bark contains oils that are toxic to reptiles....I prefer cypress or eco earth.

Make sure you have a thermoSTAT to regulate the heat pad.

[movingthestars]

Okay I have now read EVERYTHING. So this is what I was thinking (I still feel a little confused so feedback please):

- Aspen for the bedding.
- 2 Acurite thermometers (picking up from Walmart tomorrow)
- A zoo med repti therm under the tank heater but only for 1/2 of the tank
- Thermostate for the UTH of course

Also thinking about getting a zoo med repti shelter for the second hide. and to increase humidity. Has anyone used this? Should I put it on the hot side of the cage or the cooler side (I know this is probably crazy but I am so worried about boiling or burning my snake)

Also, simple tips to increase humidity?? Right now its low which is bad.

Thank you all for your kind replies. I am just very very nervous and I want this to go well.

[movingthestars]

I recommend the Ultratherm heat pad from Reptile Basics.

Can you let me know why I might want to get this instead of a repti therm one? I don't have a strong opinion either way, but the repti therm I can just pick up from the store.

[kitedemon]

You need a heat source sooner than later. That said Ultratherm are better made than most and have a much lower max temp. This ultimately is safer if a pad cannot get dangerously hot if the thermostat fails.

Personally I hate accurites no more accurate than the other cheap digital units out there larger more expensive and I dislike having batteries inside with snake. I use the cheapest probed ones I can find instead it isn't hard to get as good as the 4 degree up or down of accurites.


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[movingthestars]

You need a heat source sooner than later. That said Ultratherm are better made than most and have a much lower max temp. This ultimately is safer if a pad cannot get dangerously hot if the thermostat fails.

I just ordered one and a thermostat should be here by Friday. Thank you for the advice!