new ball python mommy >>>>please help!!!!<<<<

[Cyndymei]

Yes definitely add more hides and more decoration to keep it more secure. What you can also do like in that tutorial for the glass setup is cover 3 sides of the tank with paper so the snake doesn't feel like it is being open on all sides. You can also crumple up newspaper balls and add it to the tank if you are unable to get decorations. Mine definitely enjoys silken plants and plastic plants.

You'll definitely want an identical hide on the cool side so the python doesn't feel like it has to sacrifice security for regulating its temperature.

As far as I know Lowes does not have proper thermostats but since your ambient temperature is around 86 I feel like it would be safer to turn the heat mat off for now. I know you can get hydrofarms on amazon. I Just got one for $26 with amazon prime here.

http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR.../dp/B000NZZG3S

It has a temperature swing but it works fine for its purpose and has worked well for many other users as well. The herpstat is just very accurate and definitely worth the investment.

[Egromalski]

I'm sure it has been mentioned already,
but I second anyone that suggested another hide on your cool side. Maybe try to get one similar to your current.
Also, since your tank is so large, I would definitely try to fill it up with more decoration and obstacles.
May I also suggest, blacking out the back side and both sides of your tank with a dark film or paper of some sort, perhaps a decorative picture wrap from your local pet store. That might help make him/her feel more secure as well.

Best of luck to you and hopefully everything works out, good luck!

[darkangel1708]

thanks every1 4 the help!!! i will def get a thermostat and tank decorations. i just got a 2nd hide 2day 4 the cool side. plan on getting the rest 2morrow when i get paid! i appreciate the feedback!

[Cyndymei]

Not a problem and please keep us updated. We're all here to help! How is your snake doing today?

[kylearmbar]

Also in bed in a screen top like that a big waterbowl will help a lot. I keep one of my balls in a 40 and I have a water bowl covering at least 1/4 of the enclosure and cling wrap covering 75% of the top and my humidity usually doesn't drop below 50% with misting every couple days.

[jasonmcgilvrey83]

U need to add some more things in there to clutter up the cage so it's not so open. And another hide on the cool side. Is your bp always out or stayes in his hide? Also do u have any belly heat for him? Try getting a better tempture and humidity reader. Accurite is a good one and cheap. U should have one on the hot side and cool. A hiding bp is a happy bp. Good luck to you and congrats on your first bp.

[elbee]

I have heard good things about these thermostats as well and I have one. I order gecko supplies from this site and shipping is a flat $5. Check this out if you want http://www.pangeareptile.com/store/v...cs-ve-100.html

[darkangel1708]

update: he still hasn't ate...I got a hide 4 the cool side, 2 fake plants, cleaned his tank up nice yesterday, covered back n sides of tank 2 help him feel more secure. I still need 2 get more décor 2 cluster the tank some more. I decided 2 try a medium rat this time, going 2 try 2night. w/the basking bulb & uth, the temp is reading 88. also bought a humidifier 4 my room, which sits right beside his tank n humidity is reading between 47% & 50%...still not where I want it. he normally stays in his hide, but came out 2 explore after I cleaned the tank n comes out once in awhile at night 2 roam n drink. he's very good w/being held 4 not eating since april. def is still a fat boy!!!!

[darkangel1708]

also, the tank I have him in is his original tank from his original owner, whom of which he ate 4....he always fed him in his tank, which I have also done....he will only eat live, white mice. decided 2 try something diff n go w/a medium rat, will try 2night.

[brock lesser]

also, the tank I have him in is his original tank from his original owner, whom of which he ate 4....he always fed him in his tank, which I have also done....he will only eat live, white mice. decided 2 try something diff n go w/a medium rat, will try 2night.

A medium rat may be to big and could injure your animal.
Be prepared to intervene with a pencil to put in the rats jaw.
Don't mean to freak you out but to prepare you.
How are you judging the size of the rat?
I would try a small or crawler first.
You could also try putting the snake and rat in a small tub and see if that works.