Quote Originally Posted by FearlessLeader View Post
Starscream, thanks a million!!! I've torn the stick-on thermometers out and made sure there is no adhesive residue where they were. I use a digital thermometer to probe his hot spot, i feel naive for assuming those dials would be okay. They were being used at the establishment i purchased my snake from, and now i feel disappointed with them, too.

I have a digital thermometer, but Im afraid of leaving it in there all the time. It comes with suction cups, which I wouldn't feel exactly okay with slapping onto his hot spot. Vlad doesnt go in there much as far as i know.

I cant thank you enough for answering- I'm going to add more cover in his tank, change my temperature setup... i was wondering, do the reflections frighten him? For instance, does he see himself and feel displeased? I may cover up more of the front of the tank...

Won't be feeding him just yet- I feel so dumb for having to disturb him/stress him...But the temp is crucial. Going to better it and make sure its alright, and then feed him tomorrow instead.
It's not something pet stores really seem to know/care much about -- they're usually a bit more focused on selling the thing than whether it's actually safe for the animals. Take "Repti Sand" and other "reptile" sands, for example. Not safe, will most assuredly cause impaction if ingested, but marketed as best substrate for arid species. Now, play sand and regular sand IS fine -- but that's because the consistency is very, very different than the sand most pet stores sell. I wouldn't use straight sand for a ball python either way, but I digress.

Suction cups are fine -- no chance of it getting stuck to the snake whatsoever. From my experience, they don't usually use the hot side much, unless it's right after they've eaten, or in Maze's case, while she's in shed.

Reflections -- doubtful. The few times I've had Maze in front of a mirror she poked around trying to figure out her 'reflection' for a few seconds before losing interest. I've seen setups where they've had mirrors instead of glass and the snakes have done just fine. It's arguable that they can even 'see' reflections, since their eyesight isn't always the best. What they would likely notice is the reflection of a heat signature, but again, doubtful that that would bother them within their own enclosure. Having one side of the tank open for viewing is also fine -- I just noticed what looks like insulation (?) on the sides in your pictures, and that's perfect.

You said you got Vlad on Sunday? I'd wait until next Sunday to try to feed him, especially since you'll be messing with things. Some snakes will handle intrusions better than others, but for now it's best to give him space once things are where they should be. Also, on prey size -- it depends entirely on weight or the thickest part of the body. Even if Vlad is particularly young, the smallest he should be eating is an adult mouse or a rat fuzzy. Mouse fuzzies are far, far too small for a ball python.