New Ball Python…Help!!!!

[ErGordo]

Hey!!! I just got a new baby Ball Python and I need help with my tank and getting and temperature up…..What light should I buy and any other thing I should improved???…. Thanks!!!!

[Stewart_Reptiles]

I think your enclosure is very big and very high and you might consider switching to something smaller to avoid stress and to help you maintain temps and humidity better.

You need to provide belly heat with Flexwatt Heat Tae and a good thermostat to maintain temp between 90-94 on the warm side. I would recommend http://www.reptilebasics.com/store/home.php?cat=248 you can get your Flexwatt pre-wired at no additional cost.
The cool side will depend on your ambient temp here are the options

1/ Have the room where your BP is kept in the 80-84 (Oil filled space heater)

2/ Additional heating source with additional thermostat

Also you need 2 tight identical hides in your tank and I only see one

You also need to know your temps and humidity level for that the best way is an Acu-Rite thermometer that you can find at walmart and lowes for 13$ it look like this . (Stick and dial thermomether do not work)

Also temp need to be measured at the bottom of the enclosure.

[speepdaedeesi]

those ceramic heaters are dangerous as hell. they get reeeeeallly hot and can burn pretty much anything they touch. also they dont provide actual light, and they are expensive. if its not too late take it back and get an undertank heater and a reg heat light on a timer set for 12 hours on,, 12 hours off. also that thermomater isnt going to tell you much lol. go to walmart and get a cheap digital thermometer and put it in the aquarium. check temps on both sides to see what temps you have in you cool side, and in your warm side. im guessing you didnt know about that since your ceramic heater is right in the middle. wheres your water bowl?

[speepdaedeesi]

ah i see the water bowl behind the stick. i would lay the stick down because all your ball is going to do is climb it and rub his nose on the screen top.

[Rapture]

What a pretty ball python! Looks a little on the skinny side to me though.

Anyway... you have a long way to go.

For the love of balls, read this! http://ball-pythons.net/modules.php?...warticle&id=59

Then come back with any additional questions.

[lillyorchid]

Welcome to BP.net!

First of all, that is a big & scary tank for such a small little baby. BP's like to feel secure, so they like smaller - not so open spaces. So go out and get two identical hides - small ones. Put one on the warm side and one one a cool side.

The warm side temps should be 90 while the cool side temps should be in the mid 80's. Also you will want to get something that reads the temps just so you make see what they are and tweak your setup for get the temps in the right numbers.

Also humidity levels should rang between 50&60% -- bump it up to 70% while the snake is in shed.

You will also need a water bowl since I know a few pet stores around here say & tell their customers that snakes don't need water. NOT TRUE AT ALL!

Another thing is... make sure the lid of the tank is really on there and strapped down! BP's are GREAT escape artist!


After you get the snakes tank all set up and in the right order - let the snake be for a week then offer it a fuzzy rat (baby rat w/eyes still closed) or a small mouse. If it eats, great... if not leave snake before another week and try again.