Hello everyone, I’m Julio and about 6 weeks ago I got this 10 month old male Piebald BP. He arrived weighing 320 grams and feeding on thawed hopper rats. His enclosure is an Animal Plastics 48 X 24 X 12” sliding glass cage. He has Aspen bedding for substrate, branches, logs, plastic vines, and two hides (One on the hot side and one on the cool side.) I have a strip of heat tape underneath the cage right where his hot hide is to proved belly heat. Temps inside the cage are around 80 degrees and his belly heat basking spot is at 87 degrees. He also has a water dish and he drinks water regularly. Humidity is always between 55-67%, I mist with warm water every other day to maintain moisture. He has not shed since he got here either. He did poop the first day so I don’t think he is blocked and he was eating regularly with breeder.


I have been offering thawed hopper mice since I haven’t found “hopper rats” anywhere and not even sure if those exist! hahaha. I thaw out at room temp then heat the mouse in a bag in hit water. He has not even tried to strike the mice once, I have tried dangling the mice infront of him and also tried placing the mouse at the entrance of his hide, no luck so far. He remains asleep during the day in one of his hides, and emerges around 7-8 PM daily and moves around his enclosure, climbing his branches and alternating between hides.


He is friendly and lets me handle him. but I only do so every 3-4 days for a few minutes at a time to prevent stressing him out. Here are some things I know are not optimal regarding my husbandry.


-Temps are low on the hot side of the cage. I ordered a radiant heat panel to install inside the cage and help bump up the temp to 88 degrees.


-More clutter in the cage. I also ordered more plastic plants to help him feel more secure in his enclosure.


I have read a bunch of posts, watched videos, and talked to other BP owners, but would appreciate any other tips from you seasoned owners. Thanks in advance!