Intro and Questions

[Janelle]

Thank you all! I was just given a 40 gallon long tank, so it's 48" by 13". So that could make it easier to keep temps and humidity up. Is that wide enough for him? I need to quickly get it cleaned and ready.
I found out a bit more information. They say he has been fed twice a month, live medium-sized rats or 4 large mice, and that he eats them well. So should I stick with live for his first few feedings until he settles in, and then try f/t? I'd really prefer him to eat the f/t. I worry about injuries with live food, and f/t I can order in bulk and keep them on hand.
They say he used to be handled regularly and has a great temperament, but that they haven't taken any time to handle him lately. Apparently they're moving and can't or don't want to take him with them. When he gets here tonight, I hope to get a quick weight and measurement on him before we put him into his new tank. And snap a couple of good photos. Then I can leave him alone for a while.
Thank you all for the tips and encouragement. I love bp's, but I never thought I'd own one. Now that it's becoming a reality, I'm getting really excited to add him to our family.

[Janelle]

Correction, it's a 55-gallon. it's 48 x 13 x 21.

[Bogertophis]

Hey, I'm so glad you got more info on him. If that were me, knowing that he's eats well but has only been fed live, I'd offer a live rat crawler (eyes closed-
completely safe, they won't bite until eyes are open), & also have another small thawed rat on hand, ready to go immediately if & once he takes the live
"appetizer". That's the best of both worlds...'live' to be sure he takes it, & using his feeding response, he is more likely to accept the second (f/t) item.

This is the way to wean him off 'live' & show him that f/t is "edible" too; the combination of a rat pup + a small rat should roughly equal the "medium" he is
used to being fed. I wouldn't offer him any food right away though...wait a week or two, for him to settle in.

The narrow width tank for a BP isn't ideal & makes it harder to keep the heat in. Also, I would disinfect any used tank multiple times with different disinfectants
if that were me...it takes a while to do that, and so does setting up the tank as far as temps. go. If I were you, I'd keep this new snake in the tank he's coming
with for now, because a new tank will make it harder for him to settle in & feed for you. Remember, to a snake "new" is frightening & disorienting, & eating is
"job one". The spare tank is great for something later...

[Janelle]

Thanks! I'll let him settle for a week or two and go with your feeding suggestion. That sounds ideal.
And thanks for the tank tips. I'm hoping to make this transition as easy as possible for him. My hubby probably won't want a spare tank lying around. He'll be afraid I may fill it with something else.

[Bogertophis]

Thanks! I'll let him settle for a week or two and go with your feeding suggestion. That sounds ideal.
And thanks for the tank tips. I'm hoping to make this transition as easy as possible for him. My hubby probably won't want a spare tank lying around. He'll be afraid I may fill it with something else.

I was just returning to say that tank would be perfect for the rat snake you don't have yet!

You'll probably be able to tell when your new snake is hungry...they often sit in their hide box, peeking out & ready to ambush
prey going past. He won't starve in 2 weeks time, he'll just be more likely to feed, as long as you give him privacy & NO handling
until he has fed easily for you (on schedule) for 2 or three times (for best results).

[Janelle]

I was thinking a crestie might be nice, but a rat snake would work, too! Talked to my friend who is picking up the tank. Should be here sometime after 8:30 tonight. I'll let you guys know how things go. Thanks from the bottom of my heart. My new baby will thank you, too, I'm sure.

[Janelle]

He is GORGEOUS!!!!! I didn't get a good weight on him. He wouldn't sit still. He's very active and stressed tonight. I was told they fed him last night, knowing he was getting moved today. He's in his hide right now, but keeps sticking the front 12 inches or so of his body out, sniffing around. I'm sure there are so many different smells here. He's super gentle. I had zero trouble handling him and picking him up (only as necessary to move him out of the bin into his tank). I already love him so much!

[Bogertophis]

Gee, that was really dumb of them to feed him right before the move...but I suppose they thought they were doing a good thing.

I'm glad he got there safe & sound...let him rest & relax (if that's possible for him?) Can you imagine how much more stressed he'd be in a different cage
right now? I wouldn't worry about taking pictures or getting his weight or anything...that could make him regurgitate his meal. Wait until he has digested
this meal, at the very least. (I'd wait until he soils his cage.)

Congratulations on your new beautiful ball python!

[Janelle]

Thank you! I just saw him yawn. *swoon* He is so adorable.

Unfortunately, our friend who had bought his tank and brought him to us wanted to keep that tank he paid for, because it looked more pristine than the one we already had here. So we did end up having to switch him out, unfortunately. We kept all his hides and water dish and everything, hoping that it would make him more comfortable smelling like home as much as possible.

I couldn't have done this without you guys. I appreciate it so much. I'm sure I'll keep asking questions as I tweak things and try to get the environment perfect for him.

[Bogertophis]

I love it when snakes yawn too. Sorry about the tank deal (I'd forgotten that it wasn't YOU that purchased the tank) so let's hope
it doesn't upset him too much. I agree about keeping his other stuff, at least for now.
By all means, ask questions...it makes us feel useful...