Just Some Pictures

[moondevourer]

Rescues? Dude. You can't rescue an animal without really knowing anything about how to care for it... if you go in blind, you're no better than the pet store, sorry.

Anyways, I've never had any snakes yet myself, I will admit. However, my research tells me the same things that everyone else will tell you in this thread. Experienced users, please correct me if I'm wrong/let me know if I'm overstepping my bounds; I have yet to actually have any snakes, so I dunno if my advice is truly valid since it's based on reading only.

You need a dependable temperature and humidity monitoring system. A stick-on thermometer won't cut it; you need something with a probe. For humidity, you also need to find a good hygrometer. I think there's an AcuRite thermometer that also measures humidity, although I'm not personally acquainted with its accuracy, so older members please correct me if I'm wrong: http://www.acurite.com/weather/humid...red-probe.html
This general caresheet will give you temp and humidity specifics: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...s%29-Caresheet

Temps need to be kept as a gradient so your snake can thermoregulate properly. There should be a "cool side" and a "warm side". This is also why it's important to have a good thermometer. Temps that are too high or too low could hurt your snake. On that note, each side should have a snug, identical hide so that your snake feels comfortable no matter what side it's on. A hiding ball is a happy ball. This thread shows fine examples of good hides: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...0-Hides-my-way

Also, I've noticed that you're using a tank setup. I plan on a rack system w/tubs myself, but this sticky should help you out when you reconsider your current setup: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...p-w-pics-*DUW*

You should also probably get a temp gun so you can further monitor your temps.

Hey, what substrate is that? Remember, woods like pine and cedar could potentially harm your snake.

The other members of the thread talked about how to use Provent-a-Mite already, but there was a great post about it made recently in another thread that I can't seem to find. >_<;

I would like to note that you are not being attacked by anyone in this thread. Rather, we wish to help you care for your snake so that the two of you don't have to go through so much heartache in the future. I apologize in particular if I come off as a rude, uppity, arrogant know-it-all, but I love snakes too much to just ignore this thread. Remember, bro, ignorance can be just as bad as intentional abuse/neglect in some cases!