New ball from dirty store questions.......

[Jennisea]

I just bought my 1st ball python from a local pet shop in which I thought was pretty filthy. I have owned grass snakes in the past and am somewhat knowledgeable on snakes but just have a few concerns so far and would appreciate some opinions. Thank you ")

1. The "alfalfa" bedding I bought as suggested I soon noticed (after I had it in the tank with the snake) had very small dark reddish beetle looking bugs in it. (in the bag) like the size of a dull pencil led, although they varied. Their legs weren't noticeable so I don't think they were ticks but is anyone aware of what these may be?
I removed the snake, and bedding and cleaned the tank with 5% bleach and put new furnishings in with the snake... etc... before I replaced him.)

2. The snake has very small what looks to be remains from shedding left on him and I think they are supposed to lose all of it in one or a few pieces?... there is no clouding or dents in the eyes however.

3. It is his second night here and he doesn't come out of his hiding spot much even at night. I have the proper temp inside and humidity along with adequate water.

4. When I bought him, there was no water in his cage.... it was DRY. He does appear healthy but I'm no expert. I sat by him the first night by and watched him drink quite a bit though...

I don't know if he was bred or caught in the wild. ( the owners didn't have much to say about it when I asked)

How long before I should handle him much? I was told he/she is about 9 months, and he is Id say almost 2 feet long.... and should i put in a mouse soon or wait yet? My household is busy with 2 large dogs and 2 young kids so I think he is scared but I know he is friendly... anyways....... lol... any thoughts would be appreciated. SORRY SO LONG!!!!

[EvilFourZero]

That is very weird. No water in the tank with the snake!? Beat that shop with a stick. That is normal for the snake to not come since you just got him. You shouldn't handle him for another week or two, moving is stressful on a snake. Also, you can soak him in water and that should help him get the skin off of him. Do not put him in that bedding, especially if their are bugs in there. Either go and by some good bedding, or put him on newspaper. Make sure he/she has water, and proper temperatures, and not 24/7 light.

[Shaun J]

I just bought my 1st ball python from a local pet shop in which I thought was pretty filthy. I have owned grass snakes in the past and am somewhat knowledgeable on snakes but just have a few concerns so far and would appreciate some opinions. Thank you ")

1. The "alfalfa" bedding I bought as suggested I soon noticed (after I had it in the tank with the snake) had very small dark reddish beetle looking bugs in it. (in the bag) like the size of a dull pencil led, although they varied. Their legs weren't noticeable so I don't think they were ticks but is anyone aware of what these may be?
I removed the snake, and bedding and cleaned the tank with 5% bleach and put new furnishings in with the snake... etc... before I replaced him.)

2. The snake has very small what looks to be remains from shedding left on him and I think they are supposed to lose all of it in one or a few pieces?... there is no clouding or dents in the eyes however.

3. It is his second night here and he doesn't come out of his hiding spot much even at night. I have the proper temp inside and humidity along with adequate water.

4. When I bought him, there was no water in his cage.... it was DRY. He does appear healthy but I'm no expert. I sat by him the first night by and watched him drink quite a bit though...

I don't know if he was bred or caught in the wild. ( the owners didn't have much to say about it when I asked)

How long before I should handle him much? I was told he/she is about 9 months, and he is Id say almost 2 feet long.... and should i put in a mouse soon or wait yet? My household is busy with 2 large dogs and 2 young kids so I think he is scared but I know he is friendly... anyways....... lol... any thoughts would be appreciated. SORRY SO LONG!!!!

Aspen is the best substrate I ever used. It's not really expensive and I don't think alfalfa is good.

Snakes are supposed to shed in one peice. That shows how bad that pet store was. Soak him in lukewarm water (not too high!!!)

Ball-pythons aren't display animals, they don't come out much.

Just wondering, how do you measure temps and humidity???

[EvilFourZero]

Shedding in one peice depends on the humidity of the viv/tank. So it depends on that whether or not they shed in once peice.Shedding in peices is a sign of low humidity.

[frankykeno]

Welcome to BPNet. If you haven't had a chance to read it yet, here's our caresheet for ball pythons...great info here....

http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules....warticle&id=52

The best thing you can do is just get his housing stable and correct and let him settle in with minimal or better yet no handling until you have a few weekly feeds into him. Did the pet store tell you what and how he eats (rats or mice....frozen/thawed, pre-killed or live). Get him settled in properly for at least a week then try offering him whatever he's used to. An appropriate sized prey item per week, same day each week is best.

There is a wealth of knowledge here in the threads so have fun, settle in and please take advantage of our excellent search feature to find out all the things you'll likely need to know to enjoy your new pet and have him thrive in your care.

[Jennisea]

I have 2 thermometers and a humidity gauge inside.

[olom]

If you aren't using one already, I'd advise getting the Accurite digital indoor/outdoor thermometer/humidity gauge ($12 at walmart). After switching from the dial-type I got at a pet store I found out they were off by 5-10 degrees and 10% humidity...