Total Newb here!!

[Kayla]

Ok, this post is going to be a little broken up, because in my attempt to make my first 3 posts so far, they have been deleted the second I try adding photos, so let me try this again. Hi, so I just bought my very first ball python yesterday! I had honestly no intentions of bringing any snakes home with me, just kind of wanted to get my feet wet and play with one to see how I like it and try picking out a type of snake, and before I know it I fall in love with this sweet little ball python. But now I have a ton of questions, and see sooo many contradictions online! So I need your help! 1. My general set up is a 20 Gallon tank (he's small, but he's about probably about 20 inches or so). We have 100% Pure Fir Bark (as recommended by pet store worker). We have a half log. We have a fake brank for climbing (he's climbed once or twice). We have fresh water supply large enough for his whole body, but not too large. Our two heating sources is a UTH and a mini halogen bulb (25W, Day Blue). We also have a thermostat at basking level, as well as a thermostat and hydrometer on the "cold" side of the tank. Heating sources all the way to the right, then the half log, then the branch, then the water source. At basking level, the temperature stays pretty constant at 88 f, which is a tad on the warm side according to what I've been reading, but the cool side is getting down to 75 F, and I know it should be a contrast, I don't know if it should be THAT MUCH of a contrast in such a small space. Plus I'm concerned with the water getting too cold. Any recommendations so I can make this a more comfortable home for my new pal? 2. I've read MUCH debate between the benefits of UVB rays and those who say there's no need. I would love to hear from anyone who's had experience between the two and their preference. 3. I have absolutely no idea what the difference is in breeds of ball python. I'm slightly curious as to what mine is, though I'm sure he's nothing extraordinary. I will post pictures in a separate post. Thanks for your help! I'd love to hear any other tips as well!

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[Kayla]

[Wizard]

So far everything sounds good. The tank is a bit large for your snake, so keep an eye for stress. If he doesn't eat or stops feeding I'd move him into a smaller enclosure. I'd love to see a photo of your set up.

/edit/ Do you have a thermostat or a thermometer for the UTH?

[cory9oh4]

You could always put the water bowl on the warm side under the light or on UTH to help heat it up. That will also help with humidity.

[Kayla]

[Kayla]

Here's the current set up. Husband and I are thinking of moving he branch all the way over, the log to where the branch is, and the water to where the log is. I don't have a thermometer or thermostat for the UTH itself, but we have the strip right above the basking area where the UTH is. Another question, is there too much bark?? It seems like a lot to me but my husband did that part so it would be level with the water bowl.

[Wizard]

The stick-on thermometer is almost worthless. I would purchase a temp gun to achieve reliable readings for your enclosure. You can get an accurate and inexpensive temp gun from your local hardware store for under $30.00.


/edit/ I would move the analog therm/hygro closer to the bottom. Preferably on the hide.

[jwill226]

You could always put the water bowl on the warm side under the light or on UTH to help heat it up. That will also help with humidity.

This is what I do in my tub. You can use this to regulate the humidity so that you can raise it during the shedding cycle.

Also, I'm guessing you're using a standard aquarium with an open top. Make sure you have a SECURE screen top on it or you will be playing a game of find the python very soon. Open top aquariums are hard to keep the humidity up. Make sure top cover the top with something like a folded towel to help keep the humidity in.

Cover the sides and the back of the tank with paper to give your snake a more secure closed in feeling. BPs are used to living in small holes in the ground and normally don't like big open spaces to live in. Add a hide on the cool side so your snake can decide what it wants and still feel safe.

For the most part BPs don't need light. They are nocturnal. But the light may help with heat. I would recommend a ceramic heating element in place of the bulb. You will lose a lot of heat out of the top.

Other then that enjoy your new buddy and welcome to the forum.

[Kayla]

[Kayla]

I will hunt down a temp gun now, thanks! I was wondering how accurate the stick on would be, and it read about 2 degrees lower than other thermostat when I put it in the same spot, so I knew I needed to get something better soon. Water bowl is now next to the uth and almost directly under the light. Placed a couple hand towels on the cold side, hopefully that will keep it above the 75 it's been at. We tried last night without the light to see if the UTH would be warm enough, and it just wasn't, so on the hunt now for ceramic, for sure. Dug out a little under the branch in the corner as a make-shift hide for now, with the towels, hopefully that will be good enough. I ordered a couple clips for the cage from amazon since the local store didn't have any. Will be using a couple books for now, I'm not terribly worried because anytime he goes towards the top of the tank, he tends to lose balance and fall over so he's kind of stopped trying. for the time being, and the clips should be here in no time. Since we got him yesterday, how long should I wait to let him adjust before I try feeding him? And he had been eating frozen mice, but should I introduce him to live? Also, if anyone noticed the scales that were kind of stuck from his last shed, I guess, my friend who has had numerous snakes told me to use luke warm water and a soft wash cloth to gently rub it off, so that's now gone. I don't plan on touching him again, he seems less active today, so I'm guessing he's stressed out now.