A few questions

[ember]

Okay... he is here. He is a rescue. In the past few days I have cramed as if for an exam, and I have a lot of info on ball pythons now. I have read care sheets until my eyes began to bleed...

Now he is here.

He came in a small tank with no water or hides. The top is burnt and warped from a high powered light, and the snake has sustained burns in the past (still has scars).

I am getting a large tank ready right now. I have a few questions...

Can I use bed-a-beast style coconut fiber mock peat moss as a substrate? Is there a reason why I should NOT do that? I can do newspaper, but it seems bleak.

Moisture... should I mist or anything, or just provide a soaking pool?

How long should I wait before offering food?

He does not seem fearful or stressed. Relaxed, uncoiled, and somewhat curious. This is good, right?

Thanks! Pictures and full story to come, once beast boy is in cozy.

[Shelby]

First off how big is he? You said you have a 'large tank' ready. In the case of ball pythons, smaller is often better, as a larger cage can feel insecure and stress them out since they are so shy. Put lots of hides in it if it's a big tank. Remember even an adult female ball only needs a 30 gallon sized tank.

Bed-a-beast is fine.

Keep the humidity in the 50-60% range, you may need to mist the tank periodically to keep it in that range. Use a digital thermometer/hygrometer to measure your temps and humidity. Ball pythons do not need a soaking pool.

Wait a week before offering food. Don't handle until after the snake has eaten. Always wait 2 days after feeding before you handle to prevent regurgitation.

Yes, it's good that he seems relaxed. You may want to consider scheduling an appointment with a reptile vet to make sure there aren't any parasites, or other health problems. Here's a link to a reptile vet directory: http://www.arav.org/Directory.htm

[ember]

Should I offer a water dish large enough for him to get into if he chooses?

Our large tank is about 30 gallons. He is an almost 4 foot long adult male.

He will get a vet check by mid month This was an unexpected and urgent situation, so it fell between paychecks, but by the 15th I can get him in for a full check up

[Drako]

My ball has a little "pool" she loves to lay in it, I say if you have the space, why not? Just remember to change it often as it does get dirty pretty quick since they sit in it from time to time. I have one that has rough edges that way you kill to birds with one stone while she is shedding.

[rabernet]

Should I offer a water dish large enough for him to get into if he chooses?

Our large tank is about 30 gallons. He is an almost 4 foot long adult male.

He will get a vet check by mid month This was an unexpected and urgent situation, so it fell between paychecks, but by the 15th I can get him in for a full check up

You can, but it's not necessary to offer a dish large enough to soak in. As long as he's healthy, not overfed, temps are correct and he's mite free, he's not likely to soak.

[Shelby]

Like Robin said.. if your BP is healthy it will rarely if ever soak (I'd check for mites if any of my BPs were trying to soak)

The 30 gallon is a good size then since it's a 4' snake.