I am a novice bp owner

[fender120993]

Okay. First I have some questions.

1. Is it really important to switch from the regular pet store thermometers/hydrogators(the ones with the little needle that points) to the digital ones? [i am online 14 and low on cash]

2. Should I have 2 UTH like many have suggested? (Btw, I live in southern California so the weather is quite nice)

3. Does my snake really need all the fake folliage to better help him or is it just for the owners cage appeal?

4. Is it alright to keep a black light on 24/7 for some extra heat? I just stay with black so I do not have to switch them out every day.

5. What is a good way to keep humidity up rather then misting all day?




I have had my little ball python for about 2 1/2 years now and he seems to be doing fine (except for the occasional incomplete shed). He eats alright and all.
Thanks in advance for every reply

-Kyle

[bsd13]

Okay. First I have some questions.

1. Is it really important to switch from the regular pet store thermometers/hydrogators(the ones with the little needle that points) to the digital ones? [i am online 14 and low on cash]

2. Should I have 2 UTH like many have suggested? (Btw, I live in southern California so the weather is quite nice)

3. Does my snake really need all the fake folliage to better help him or is it just for the owners cage appeal?

4. Is it alright to keep a black light on 24/7 for some extra heat? I just stay with black so I do not have to switch them out every day.

5. What is a good way to keep humidity up rather then misting all day?




I have had my little ball python for about 2 1/2 years now and he seems to be doing fine (except for the occasional incomplete shed). He eats alright and all.
Thanks in advance for every reply

-Kyle

1) It's a good idea. I use the analog (ones with the needle/dial readout) to get a general idea at a glance of what is going on, but rely on the digitals w/ probes for more accurate readings. People got away without them for many years but the make life much more simple.

2) I personally only use one per tub and it covers about 1/4 - 1/2 of the bottom depending on the tub. The important thing isn't how many you use but are you able to provide the right temps for your snake.

3) No it doesn't. It is "cage appeal". News paper, a hide and a water bowl are more than enough.

4) You shouldn't need a light to keep heat up if you have things set up properly. A UTH should be plenty to maintain the temperature. Guess I should ask if you're using a glass tank or a plastic tub? If a tank consider a tub.

5) One more reason to go with plastic tubs. Humidity is so easy to maintain in plastic tubs.

[fender120993]

yeah but the tubs are just so darn unappealing
i will think about it

[bsd13]

yeah but the tubs are just so darn unappealing
i will think about it

I fought it for a while on those same grounds (unappealing), but within 2 hours of making the switch I was hooked. Guess it all comes down to personal preference. I like something that I can have torn down, cleaned and ready again in less than 10 minutes without having to rush. That and the whole temp/humidity thing.

[ChrisBowsman]

Same here.... I fought a tank, switched to a tub, and will never even consider a tank again.

If you want to observe your snake, get him out and observe him

BTW, how big is he? After 2.5 years, he really shouldn't be a "little ball python".

[FL0OD]

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