Very new to Reptiles in general, esp BPs

[raaland]

I have just gotten a baby ball python-your typical Normal or wild type. I brought him home yesterday and set up what i thought-based on the salesperson-habitat. Anyone my question is today I have noticed he has a white round spot on the top of his head. I already made a Vet appt with him for Wed- due to wanting to make sure he is healthy and the fact he most likely will be in a classroom with 7-8th graders.

I am worried that something is wrong. I have not seen any mites, ticks, and his breathing seems fine. One thing I was wondering is humidity-I live in Phoenix--I have only been able to get the humidity to 38%. Which is aggitating. Could the humidity be too low and causing a problem so quickly? He does have water and I have misted a few times.

I just checked on him once today to make sure he was breathing ok. I know he is stressed with the new environment and the salesperson said she fed him two fuzzies before i bought him? Hopefully she told me the truth, she has been 90% incorrect on her information so far. Thank gosh for sites like this!

If this information has already been posted-I apologize for my ignorance.
R

[ADEE]

could be a bit of stuck shed. mind sharing what set up you have.. substrate, temp gauge, exc

[raaland]

The set up I have needs improvement from what I have read today. I was told to buy this snake habitat kit and that was all I needed --It came with a 6"x8" UTH, feeding tongs, the smallest water dish ever!, and 2 thermometers. I at the same time bought a cork branch, 1 hide, and a water dish. Yesterday evening after reviewing the internet ran out trying to find a thermostat-to no avail, a acurite thermometer that reads humidity also, an identical hide so now there is two and some silk plants.

I am, tomorrow after work, going to a pet shop that is not the place I got the BP-(I have not named him yet--just been talking to him when he is peeking out at me)--I need a thermostat and probably another uth. Now am I corrct that you can buy any UTH and plug it into the thermostat and the thermostat will control the amount of heat released from each UTH?

Oh I also have repti-carpet and aspen on top of it.

[raaland]

Oh! I have 20 gallon tank with a slide top--Critter something or other.

[python.princess]

yes, if you hook the UTH up to a thermostat, it will control the heat emitted. one trick for keeping in humidity with the glass tank, is taping aluminum foil on the screen lid. leave a hole for air flow and/or a heat lamp. also, misting the substrate will give it a good boost!

[pythontricker]

Whats a UHT

[pythontricker]

I mean UTH HAHAHA

[python.princess]

under tank heating pad

[MelissaFlipski]

Have a look at the BP care sheet, if you haven't already. We have the 20 gal critter tank, too. We ended up buying more supplies so we have this:
1. two identical hides - one on the cool side and one on the hot side
2. Aspen shavings - started using this instead of the fir bark, recommended by someone, and to make the substrate deeper to make sure he doesn't have any chance of getting a burn on the glass bottom due to the UTH
3. two little battery operate gauges that have both temp and humidity - one for each side
4. a rheostat to control both the CHE (ceramic heat emitter, in a lamp on top of the tank, but not touching the screen) and the UTH (under tank heater) so that it clicks on when needed, shuts down when too hot
5. a large ceramic water bowl to increase humidity (more surface area)
6. a bottle mister - we mist often now that humidity is dropping due to the arrival of autumn
7. a fake plant to add color and hiding spot
8. a fake branch to climb over the water bowl or bask
9. an extra hide in the water bowl in case he feels modest about his bath
10. a heat/humidity barrier on the top of the screen except for where the CHE lamp is and a hole on the cool side to allow for air flow

Sounds like a lot, but Mr. Snake is very happy. And we no longer struggle with temperatures; and humidity is less of an issue. Humidity is very important and especially so around shed time.

The white spot on his head may be either a sign of it being too dry (just wet your hand and pet him and see if it helps) or a sign that he may go into shed soon. If he really ate recently, try not to handle him too much until it's been about 48 hours or so to allow him to digest. The warmer temps of about 90 degrees are especially important during digestion, as well.

Good luck! And don't worry, it's not as hard as it sounds. It's a labor of love!!!

[raaland]

Thanks for the information!! I actually have read the care sheet and printed it out to go with me to the reptile pet shop I found near where I work (Who knew!).

Thanks again!
R