New juvenile ball python, feedback appreciated on set-up and care (pics)

[Homebody]

Wow! So much to say. I think my post may be even longer than Boger's. First, welcome to the forum. Joining this forum was the best thing you could possibly do for the health and welfare of your new snake. Visit often. Read every post, even the posts about reptiles you don't have. You'll be surprised how much you'll learn in a short time.

Second, that's a beautiful little critter. BP's are both docile and hardy which makes them great beginner snakes. You made a great choice for you and your son.

Third, your questions:

1. Feed in the enclosure for all the reasons Boger mentioned above.
2. The lamp's not good. It's too bright and it's going to suck the humidity from your enclosure. You're going to have to leave it on at night to provide heat, but doing so will disrupt your snake sleep cycle. Take it back to the reptile shop and get a Ceramic Heat Emitter (CHE) or Deep Heat Projector (DHP). They provide heat without light. You're still going to have trouble keeping the humidity up, so get a hydrometer, cover the screen, and mist as necessary.
3. Handling stresses the snake, but they can learn to tolerate it. For the next three weeks while your snake is settling in, teach your son to appreciate the joy in observing your snake's behavior. Then, start with short, infrequent handling sessions and build up from there.
4. To avoid bites don't act like either predator or prey. Don't come at your snake quickly or from directly above. Come at it slowly from ground level. Don't surprise it. Let it observe your approach and smell you first (apply hand sanitizer first). This will keep it from confusing you with predator or prey.
5. Yep. You need another hide, two actually. The log hide you're using is not secure enough because it's open at both ends.

Finally, don't get overwhelmed. It can be a lot at first. Relax, take it one step at a time and you and your new snake will be fine.