Hello and welcome!!
Sounds like you're on the right track.
I personally would look elsewhere as far as where to purchase the snake itself though. I've not heard much good about xyz. I would check out morphmarket.com and look around. You can find plenty of reputable breeders on there.
You're not going to want to get hoppers either. BPs eat hoppers right out of the egg for their first few meals, typically 3-5 and quickly move up to small adult mice.
Since this will be your first reptile you want to make sure your new snake is a well-established eater before he comes to you. If you plan to feed F/T (frozen/thawed) prey to your snake you'll want to try to purchase a snake already readily accepting F/T.
Now on to your shopping list... I'll just comment on some of the things that stand out to me:
- you can get thermometer/hygrometer combos cheaper. Many of us use Accurite brand. They can be found at Wal-Mart for $10
- those hides are HUGE for a juvenile BP. You'll want to start smaller. Just stick to simple, cave style hides with single entries. They like them snug and low fitting. Avoid the half log hides, they don't offer the security BPs crave.
It's also beat to have identical hides. This will prevent the snake from choosing security over proper temps.
- you don't need the water conditioner. It's a waste of money and just not needed. They can drink tap water just like you and I.
- for a thermostat, you're better off going with a HerpStat if you can swing the upfront cost. If not, JumpStart is a much better entry level t-stat.
- one thing I noticed, you only have one heat source. Unless the ambient temps in the room where your snake will be kept stay in the upper 70s-low 80s you will need an additional heat source. Your UTH is there solely to provide a hot spot and not for ambient temps. So if your room gets cooler than high 70s you'll need a heat lamp with a CHE (ceramic heat emitter) or heat bulbs or a RHP (radiant heat panel). And remember, ALL heat sources should be regulated by a thermostat.
- Lastly, have your enclosure setup, dialed in and ready to roll before bringing your new snake home.
As for handling, I strongly advise no handling until the snake has eaten three consecutive meals without refusal. You'll have 20+ years to handle the snake, getting him well established should be priority.
This link will teach you how to set up your tank and thermostat: pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?201740-How-to-Setup-a-Glass-Tank-(20-long)-With-Pictures!
This link will teach you about appropriate prey size for your BP: pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?243687-Ball-Python-Feeding-Guidelines
I hope I helped you out! Feel free to ask plenty of questions. The more prepared you are the better the experience will be for you and your new pet.
Reply With Quote