I just got my first ball python!

[bender29]

Ah ok. Thanks for the information on the reduced pattern. I'll be sure to check out those photos.

I've currently had the substrate in the tank since Sunday night.

[bender29]

I just measured the ground temps with the infared temp gun. The measurements are ~92-94 degrees on UTH side and ~80 on the cooler side.

[Enve]

I just measured the ground temps with the infared temp gun. The measurements are ~92-94 degrees on UTH side and ~80 on the cooler side.

Looks good!

[NightLad]

I just measured the ground temps with the infared temp gun. The measurements are ~92-94 degrees on UTH side and ~80 on the cooler side.

Those temps are what many here consider ideal.

If you remove substrate, please watch the temps carefully. Right now, the extra bedding may be holding back a lot of the over-heat from the unregulated UTH.

Cyprus mulch is great for people who live in dry climates. However, when you first take it out of the bag it is usually quite moist and will maintain a higher-than-normal humidity level in your enclosure for the first few days, depending on your homes natural climate conditions. I live in a very dry house in the winter, so Cyprus has been serving me quite well. When I first change the substrate the humidity is quite high, but after a few days it falls down to 50 or so. A couple mistings every day is required to maintain a 50-60+%.

I've not used aspen but many people swear by it. I might try it in the summer, when my battle is against too much humidity.

I'd give the Cyprus a couple more days and see if it dries out.

The temp gun should work just fine. Many people use an Acurite unit like the one below and place the remote probe on top of the substrate on the hot or cold side. It is handy to be able to see the temp at a glance, if you don't want/need to use the gun.



As for handling;
It is usually advised that you leave the snake completely alone for the first week. I know its tough, but worth it because he will be better adjusted.

When you do handle him, remember to avoid touching his head and the first 3-5" of his neck. They hate that! Slow and gentle movements will be well rewarded by a good handling experience. Also, keep the time brief - maybe 5-10 minutes just to start, and then leave him alone for a day or so before handling again. You can then increase the time slowly up to about a half hour or so. By that time you will be able to 'read' him better and know when he is ready to go back home. (And always wash your hands before and after! Get some antibacterial hand soap from a drug store for after handling.)

Its good that he has already eaten. Remember, after feeding leave your snake completely alone for 48 hours so they can properly digest. This is advised because handing them too soon can stress them out, and when stressed, a snake that has recently fed may regurgitate its meal. This can harm the snake, and stress it further.

Background cover;
I use black bristle board, wrapped around the sides and back. Some people spray paint black. Others opt for one of those 'nature' scenes. I might use a nature scene when I upgrade him to a 30g tank as an adult... for now, the black works great.

I'd say your setup is very nice. I agree that it is best to provide identical hides, because a Ball Python will choose being cold but secure over being warm and exposed. Apollo (a friend of mine has a harp called Apollo!) looks very, very nice. Its good to know that he is being taken such good care of!

[bender29]

I did all kinds of work over the weekend. I added two of the same hides with a bit of shrubbery. I changed to aspen shavings instead of cypress mulch. I now have a rheostat to control that UTH! etc.

The only thing I have left to do is get a background for the 3 sides.

I have a bunch of new pictures here are some: