Im going to need help and LOTS of it.

[Momto3boys]

Without getting into too many details...I have 3 baby ball pythons coming to me this morning. This was a last minute decision to help a friend out who needs it right now.

This is all I know. 3 baby balls who are housed together in a tank, I have no idea if they've eaten, what they've eaten or anything else.

So Im going to separate them into bins...its been a long time since Ive researched balls but Im guessing they'll do better in their own Rubbermaid, correct?
Also what about a heat source? What do you guys recommend?

I do have a 3 yr old corn snake, Im not a complete noob when it comes to snakes but Im definitely a little nervous about getting these tubs set up and fast for these guys.

I also don't want to spend hundreds of dollars since they're not my snakes (we might end up keeping one, not sure yet).

So please be gentle and don't hate me for jumping right in, Ive done my research at one time but its been a while...I need a quick crash refresher course.


Im going to be driving you guys crazy with questions and pictures, I hope you're all ready for it, haha.
Im excited and scared all at the same time.

Sorry, my mind is all over the place and it seems my post is too.

[Neal]

Without getting into too many details...I have 3 baby ball pythons coming to me this morning. This was a last minute decision to help a friend out who needs it right now.

This is all I know. 3 baby balls who are housed together in a tank, I have no idea if they've eaten, what they've eaten or anything else.

So Im going to separate them into bins...its been a long time since Ive researched balls but Im guessing they'll do better in their own Rubbermaid, correct?
Also what about a heat source? What do you guys recommend?

I do have a 3 yr old corn snake, Im not a complete noob when it comes to snakes but Im definitely a little nervous about getting these tubs set up and fast for these guys.

I also don't want to spend hundreds of dollars since they're not my snakes (we might end up keeping one, not sure yet).

So please be gentle and don't hate me for jumping right in, Ive done my research at one time but its been a while...I need a quick crash refresher course.


Im going to be driving you guys crazy with questions and pictures, I hope you're all ready for it, haha.
Im excited and scared all at the same time.

Sorry, my mind is all over the place and it seems my post is too.

An UTH(under tank heater) will work the best for heat but you'll end up needing three of them. It's always a good idea to house them separate. I'd probably recommend a rack system if you can order one and get it sometime next week. I'm on my phone so give me a minute and I'll get on the PC to type better.

[Momto3boys]

Well I had my son clean off his long dresser so I can put 3 bins on there.

I don't even know where I would get a rack in Canada?

I can get 3 UTH's...I will also need 3 rheostats, right?
I was hoping to do this cheaply since they're not my snakes but it doesn't look like that's possible.

I guess 3 of everything it is!

[liv]

That's awesome that you are willing to give these guys a new home

What you will need to start:
3 x rubbermaid bins
3 x under tank heater
3 x ceramic water bowl
6 x identical hides
3 x thermometer/hygrometer
Substrate-- paper towel, aspen, coco husk... whatever you prefer
Thermostat-- You can probably get away with one for all 3 bins if you use a power bar and check the temperatures regularly. A dimmer will work if you need to order one.

And of course a camera for all the pictures

[liv]

Well I had my son clean off his long dresser so I can put 3 bins on there.

I don't even know where I would get a rack in Canada?

I can get 3 UTH's...I will also need 3 rheostats, right?
I was hoping to do this cheaply since they're not my snakes but it doesn't look like that's possible.

I guess 3 of everything it is!

You can definitely get a rack in Canada. Try browsing the Reptilescanada classifieds and kijiji for someone who makes them in your area.

[Neal]

Well I had my son clean off his long dresser so I can put 3 bins on there.

I don't even know where I would get a rack in Canada?

I can get 3 UTH's...I will also need 3 rheostats, right?
I was hoping to do this cheaply since they're not my snakes but it doesn't look like that's possible.

I guess 3 of everything it is!

You can use rheostats or a dimmer switch, but it'll be not recommended on here, though I use them and I know several people who do without any issues. The thing is they can't count for room temperature change so if the room stays a stable temp then it's not a huge deal. You definitely need a thermometer for sure, maybe an Infrared Temp Gun may be better for you since it's very accurate and you don't need 3 of them. One thing to keep in mind though about the infrared temp gun is you can't shoot reflecting surfaces, otherwise it'll give you back a false reading. I mean like a shiny metal surface or glass, stuff like that.

[dr del]

If you are putting all the bins on one surface then you could probably get away with one longer heat mat instead of three small - should be a lot cheaper.

You might need one on the cool end too depending on the ambient room temps.

As long as they are controlled and you put something between the mats and the furniture they sit on you should be fine.

Is this a long term thing or just helping in an emergency?

[Momto3boys]

Right now its just helping in an emergency. BUT I don't know how long this emergency is going to last. It could be a week, it could be a year.

I have a rheostat with my corn snake and Ive never noticed a problem.
And ohhhhhh I never thought about a long heat mat! Ive never seen long ones? I wonder if our local pet stores sell them.

Thanks for all the help guys.

We will probably end up keeping one of them, my oldest son has wanted a ball python for a long time.....so I guess this will be his chance.
Im also supposedly getting a hatchling corn snake and about 10 tarantulas.

Have I mentioned I am a parrot person?
Eeek!

[Crazymonkee]

Omg you are a true friend!! I would not be able to take on the tarantulas, I'm terrified of spiders!!

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[Momto3boys]

Well part of me knew I shouldn't have said anything because I would jinx it.

Whats going on is my friends pet store needs repairs so he was cleaning out the reptile room, but 2 balls sold so we decided to buy the 3rd one!

And there's only 2 Tarantulas left....heading in after lunch and we'll pick up our new baby which my son named Struddle. Our corn snakes name is Skittles so now we'll have Skittles and Struddle, LOL

The snake is actually my 12 year old sons. I had originally bought the corn snake for myself but he has been obsessed with reptiles ever since he could walk/talk. He basically took over and started doing everything with her,. My heart is with parrots so I decided to "give" him the snake. 2 years later and the novelty has never worm off. For about a year now all hes talked about is a ball python, so he's finally getting it...he is one happy little boy this morning!