Newest addition

[Bogertophis]

I've not had a serpant in close to 16 years, which was more of a "shared" one then. I haven't checked for mites but I don't notice any of the usual signs. Bumps under the scales, around the eyes, soaking all the time, specs in the water. I was thinking about taking him in for a wellness check just so he has a proper start and will be around for so many years.

It's best to use white paper towels as a substrate at first & for a little while- it's easier to see issues like mites or unusual feces (bloody/mucoid)- not to be paranoid, but
better not to be totally "trusting" either. You're correct, mites often show up in the water, many snakes soak to get relief. They're far more than a minor annoyance though-
they can overwhelm & kill snakes when their population explodes exponentially; they're so tiny, each one taking so little blood, but they really are dangerous, & can also
spread diseases, so my fingers are crossed that you won't have to deal with them. (try wiping over his body with a damp white paper towel & see if you find any)

If you'd feel better getting him a wellness check, I understand. It won't mean much unless you have a vet that's experienced with snakes though, & the office visit adds
to your snake's stress. I don't personally take new snakes in for a check up unless I see something like noisy (whistling/crackling) or mouth breathing that can be an RI,
or unusual stool, wounds, that sort of stuff. Snakes are some of the most difficult patients, they're so stoic.

Speaking of stress, it's best to let a new snakes settle in (without handling) for a while: don't offer food for a week (hope you found out
exactly what he's been eating? BPs can be fussy...need to know if he's used to getting rats or mice, live or f/t or fresh killed, & what size.
Best results (since it doesn't take much to put a BP "off-feed") is not to handle until he's fed easily 2 or 3 times at normal intervals.
(I know that sounds like "torture", lol...but you sound like you're committed to the long-haul, & this is what works best.)