Quote Originally Posted by Bogertophis View Post
Nice BP & cute daughter too. Glad you're thinking ahead to offer & get your snake on f/t when you can. Some snakes are easier than others (to switch to f/t)
but for the time being, it's just great that your BP is eating & I'd wait a while before changing anything...you have time.

BTW, you've fought to have a snake for a long time...funny that your 'ex' now shows interest, but that's good for the sake of your daughter, just made me laugh.
Thank you! Yes I have been combing through all the posts I can find here about switching to f/t. It may take some doing, but I'm determined to do it. I recognize that it's totally natural for them to hunt, but I have come to the conclusion that f/t is safer for the snake, more humane for the mouse/rat, and also less emotionally wrenching for me. I love mice and rats, so live feeding has been unpleasant. I think I will wait just a little bit before I begin the transition though. I don't want to rock the boat and put her off her food by trying to switch her too quickly after getting her. I also suspect that she may be just a little skinny for her size, and I don't want to risk her potentially losing weight she can't afford to lose right now.

And yes! I find it quite funny too. Like, REALLY!? Nooowww you want a snake? But not when I spent 7 years of marriage begging for one?

Quote Originally Posted by Craiga 01453 View Post
Congratulations on such a beautiful animal. Your daughter has great taste!!! And yeah, I wouldn't have been able to say no either, hahahha. I don't have children of my own, but I can imagine how hard it would be to say 'no' to my niece.
Actually you could size up on prey now. BPs typically only eat hoppers for their first 3-5 meals before moving up in size. You may have trouble getting her to take two hoppers next meal, but it can't hurt to try that route either.
Since you're already planning on switching substrate I'll just comment that I think that's a great choice. I personally can't stand aspen (not a dig to those who like it). It's messy, doesn't retain humidity, and doesn't retain odor. Switching to a Coco coir substrate will improve all of that while also looking more naturalistic.
Just a few suggestions: a) unfortunately those analog thermometers are wildly inaccurate (up to 15°) so upgrading to digital thermometer/hygrometers would be my suggestion. I use Accurite brand (found on Amazon or Walmart) for about $10 each.
You'll probably want to upgrade the half log hide too. Unfortunately they provide very little security for snakes. They much prefer closed off hides with a single opening.
There's certainly nothing wrong with what you have now, but it'll be worth upgrading when you can.

Lastly, just because it's the most important piece of equipment you can have for your snake....are your heat sources regulated by a thermostat? Sorry if you mentioned it and I missed it.
Thank you! We certainly think she is lovely. And yes, given how BADLY I wanted to say yes, there was just no way I could have said no

And oh! You think she's big enough that she could handle something larger? I can certainly try it. What is the correct term for the next size up? Small mouse? Or in your opinion should I swap her to whatever the size equivalent is in rat? I have been a bit concerned about her weight. Her skin seems very loose and baggy in places as you can see from her pics, which is not what I would expect in a snake that should theoretically be getting ready to shed in the next week or two, so I really want to make sure that whatever I am feeding her will be enough for her nutritionally.

And yes about the substrate! The aspen is what came with the kit, but after a recommendation from some friends and doing my own research I concluded that coco would be best.

I am actually one step ahead of you here! I noticed that the little thermometer that came with the kit didn't look like it was doing the job, so I bought this (see link below). It has 3 little sensors, one for the hot side, one for the cold side, and one for the middle and/or the humid hide if needed, and they all report back to a screen that I can keep with me that reports on temperature and humidity. This way I can keep much tighter track of the conditions in there and make adjustments as needed. It should be arriving tomorrow.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

As for the heat sources, both of the ones I am using currently came with the kit also. One is a small UTH. I made certain there is ventilation under the tank to avoid hot spots (I'll post pictures when I get home, what I did is actually kind of funny!). The other is a heat lamp. The bulb of which I have since learned is far too bright for her, and I have ordered these to replace it (see link). As for being regulated by a thermostat, I am not sure what you mean. If it's not built in to the UTH and heat lamp then the answer is no. Can you tell me more about that, and how to go about implementing it?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I completely agree with regards to the hides. I have several in my amazon shopping cart and am just trying to decide which one will be best. I may just buy two and put one on each end of the tank. Here are my top choices, I would love your input!

https://www.amazon.com/Sempiyi-Repti...ARZ52MHFVEGXTD
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0179QK0UM...v_ov_lig_dp_it
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0018CJNEI...v_ov_lig_dp_it

Thank you all again for your input and expertise!!!