New Ball python

[BrandyL1193]

Based on the picture, should I be feeding a rat pup or rat fuzzy then. I also did a Google search and found the picture I was thinking about on this site and saved it to my computer. Weaned mice are equivalent to rat fuzzy and large mice are a rat pup. If a small mouse is just a little too small for him...should I go for the rat pup and see how he does? Thanks for your replies, I really appreciate all the helpful information!

[NH93]

I think you would benefit from a digital kitchen scale to weigh your snake and its food (found at bix box or army surplus store for around $10). You may want to buy a few of the rat fuzzies and a few of the rat pups to see. It is better to go a little smaller than a little bigger, as bigger can sometimes cause a regurge which is very serious for snakes.



Just to add, although it is anything but necessary for balls to have head space, as Slim says, it can be utilized by some (but certainly not all). My BP is in a 24x24x18 and DEIFNITELY uses the head space when I put logs and things up. He's always draped as high as he can go, and stretches to check out the ceiling every other day. I imaging as he gets heavier he may have a difficult time lugging his body up there though

[BrandyL1193]

But yes, as mentioned you do NEED a thermostat!!
These work well if you have a couple of snakes http://www.amazon.ca/Jumpstart-Digit...art+thermostat

I just went to this site and says it cannot ship to my address. I am guessing this is Canada and I am in the United States. hmmm at least I have a name now and can look online for one! thanks again. the only thermostats I am finding are for gardens...are they one in the same?

[NH93]

I just went to this site and says it cannot ship to my address. I am guessing this is Canada and I am in the United States. hmmm at least I have a name now and can look online for one! thanks again. the only thermostats I am finding are for gardens...are they one in the same?

I normally ship mine from the US (so on Amazon.com). For some reason it wasn't there today, but normally IS. They are one in the same, yes
Thermostats made for reptile UTHs work amazingly I have heard, but cost a pretty penny. Herpstat I think is one very popular and well made one. But these Jumpstarts work well, and I personally use them and can vauche. The difference is they turn on and off the UTH, so the temperature will vary up and down a couple degrees F, but not a big deal. For example, if you set it to 85F it will go between 84F and 86F.

[George1994]

Completely unecessary, in my opinion. The OP sounds quite genuine to me, and sounds like they are doing a better job at taking care of this ball python than the previous owner, even if some tuning up is required.
The set up this person is describing is far from terrible, considering some of the people who post on here and believe their set ups are okay.

I agree with you. I was too abrupt. I have since messaged Brandy and apologised. When I first posted I had envisioned the setup to be different to how it was; hence the rant. Either way, it was too harsh and I am sorry.

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[BrandyL1193]

Okay so I just went and bought a digital scale. If the reading is correct, I zeroed it out and then put him on there. it said 192 grams. If a year old ball is suppose to be around 900 or so grams did this person just lie to me about his age or is he THAT under weight?? I also purchased the thermostat suggested earlier in this post and a digital hygrometer...should have both by early next week. so with his weight....any suggestions as to what size rat I should try next. Also he has eaten 4 times for me since I got him.....he hasn't pooped or peed yet (that I can see in his enclosure) should I be concerned?? thanks in advance for any further information and suggestions!

[NH93]

Okay so I just went and bought a digital scale. If the reading is correct, I zeroed it out and then put him on there. it said 192 grams. If a year old ball is suppose to be around 900 or so grams did this person just lie to me about his age or is he THAT under weight?? I also purchased the thermostat suggested earlier in this post and a digital hygrometer...should have both by early next week. so with his weight....any suggestions as to what size rat I should try next. Also he has eaten 4 times for me since I got him.....he hasn't pooped or peed yet (that I can see in his enclosure) should I be concerned?? thanks in advance for any further information and suggestions!

No pooping is not a concern, but no urates is.
Make sure you do regular spot cleaning to see that this happens.

I hope someone with a more experienced eye comes along with regards to knowing if you were lied to or if the snake really is that underweight.

I would be feeding at 10-15% body weight or to the widest part of the body (as previously mentioned). Only you can eye that up for yourself, really. But somewhere between 19-28g rat should do. I'd stick to the lower end myself - this would probably be rat pups.

[BrandyL1193]

I did fine some urate on the side of his water bowel rock......but that is the only one in almost 3 weeks....????

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[Shera]

Here's the link for the thermostat if you haven't found one yet: http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR...ords=hydrofarm

[NH93]

I did fine some urate on the side of his water bowel rock......but that is the only one in almost 3 weeks....????

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It's possible that s/he passed urates in between that time and you missed it (I have that happen a lot and then find it them when I do a more thorough cleaning). Ball pythons vary when it comes to defecating. Some do it regularly every week, others it's only after a shed or so. I have had mine 6 months and only found 3 or 4 poops but then again I haven't really been counting.