New to site and BP.. have some questions..

[twinklestar]

Hi everyone, I'm a new owner of a beautiful Ball Python. I've had her for just over 8 months and still have a ton of questions... I'm not sure how old she is, her previous owner had her for less than 6 months, she is 2'11" and 600grams, and I feed her 1 large adult mouse a week but she seems hungry still. Do I up her food intake or see if I can get a larger mouse? also I have her in a 30 gal tank (formally a fish tank) How do I keep the temp up? It usually stays between 80-82deg... I currently don't have the funds to go buy a new setup for her so I need tips on how I can improve what I already have.

[BHReptiles]

Hi everyone, I'm a new owner of a beautiful Ball Python. I've had her for just over 8 months and still have a ton of questions... I'm not sure how old she is, her previous owner had her for less than 6 months, she is 2'11" and 600grams, and I feed her 1 large adult mouse a week but she seems hungry still. Do I up her food intake or see if I can get a larger mouse? also I have her in a 30 gal tank (formally a fish tank) How do I keep the temp up? It usually stays between 80-82deg... I currently don't have the funds to go buy a new setup for her so I need tips on how I can improve what I already have.

1 mouse a week is much too small a meal for her. Can you get a hold of rats? A weaned or small rat would be the prefect size for her. You would only need to feed one rat a week to her. If you can't get a hold of rats, trying feeding multiple mice in one feeding session (at least two...three if she'll eat it).

As far as the temps, what are you currently using to heat the cage? UTH are great for creating a 88-90* hot spot (but it must be hooked up to a thermostat). If you are more concerned about ambient temps, then you can use a lamp on a dimmer (you can get these from places like Home Depot) to make sure that the lamp isn't getting too hot. Another thing you can try is covering most of the lid with foil. Not only will this help to trap in heat but it will help with humidity levels too. Even though you didn't mention humidity levels, there are ALWAYS humidity issues when tanks are involved.

[twinklestar]

1 mouse a week is much too small a meal for her. Can you get a hold of rats? A weaned or small rat would be the prefect size for her. You would only need to feed one rat a week to her. If you can't get a hold of rats, trying feeding multiple mice in one feeding session (at least two...three if she'll eat it).

As far as the temps, what are you currently using to heat the cage? UTH are great for creating a 88-90* hot spot (but it must be hooked up to a thermostat). If you are more concerned about ambient temps, then you can use a lamp on a dimmer (you can get these from places like Home Depot) to make sure that the lamp isn't getting too hot. Another thing you can try is covering most of the lid with foil. Not only will this help to trap in heat but it will help with humidity levels too. Even though you didn't mention humidity levels, there are ALWAYS humidity issues when tanks are involved.

I have a day/night lamp with a blue and red bulb and also a UTH (came with her when we got her) but it doesn't have any form of heat control.

[FireStorm]

How are you measuring temps?

[twinklestar]

How are you measuring temps?

The tank has a thermometer sticker on the outside

[FireStorm]

The tank has a thermometer sticker on the outside

Ok. You need to get a better thermometer and a thermostat ASAP. I would bet lots of money that your temps are much higher than you think given that you have an unregulated UTH and a lamp. Quite possibly even dangerously high. Here are some links to get you started.

http://firestormreptiles.com/weblog/...hermostat.html
http://firestormreptiles.com/weblog/...rmometers.html

[twinklestar]

I also want to get another BP after I get the tank under control. How do I go about introducing them? Is a 30gal big enough for two or would I need to look into getting something bigger? I eventually would like to start breeding so I want to get a male... any advice I could get would be much appreciated

[AlexiTLO]

House them separately. There have been reports on cannibalism with balls. Plus if you have 2 in one enclosure you would have to have 2 of everything to ensure they're both getting their needs met.

[timely.grace]

If I was you, I'd do a LOT more reading and research on the topic before getting another BP. Focus on the girl you have now and get her enclosure set up the way she needs it to be. Make her happy. If you don't have the funds to get proper equipment for the snake you already have, you shouldn't be thinking of adding to your collection until 1) the husbandry is how it should be and 2) you're a bit more educated on their needs. Snake care isn't a cheap hobby in the least. Just like having children, you should be properly prepared before taking the plunge in owning a BP or any new pet for that matter. You wouldn't want to have a baby without getting proper diapers or clothing, right? I know it's exciting to get new pets, but they're living beings. They can't voice their needs like babies can with crying so you have to be educated on picking up on their habits & mannerisms to be able to adjust their enclosures accordingly. Not being fully educated & prepared is just doing your pet a disservice. Read, read read and read some more. Get the equipment you need (temp/humidity equipment ASAP) and enjoy her. Good luck.

[timely.grace]

What kind of substrate are you using? Have her sheds been complete? Does she have proper bowel movements?