New owner with a few questions

[Beon07]

Hey guys. I just purchased my first Ball python last Saturday and I'm very excited . I was reading on the forums about stressing out snakes and all that stuff and was wondering about the average time for a captive bred young BP to get used to its new home. It ate monday night but only when everyone was out of the room and it was pitch black in the room. Is this snake just a little defensive or is it still just getting used to its area? During the day it is completely hidden inside of a little log and I can't get him out for handling since I want to get him used to me as soon as possible. Any suggestions would really help. Thanks

[munding]

almost all of my bps eat when the lights are off. bps are mostly shy feeders.

i usually handle them at night as they are asleep during the day. a couple of days before and after feeding...

[xdeus]

I usually wait at least a week before feeding or handling. You said you got him Saturday, fed him Monday, and are trying to get him out to handle him already? It's no wonder he's being defensive. Also, you don't really want to handle them very much for at least a day (preferably two days) after eating because the stress may cause them to regurge.

I know it's tough to not handle a new pet, but have a little patience. Balls can live up to 50 years so you'll have plenty of time. I would suggest handling him after a couple of weeks for a few minutes a day when he's not digesting or shedding. He'll get less defensive the more comfortable and older he gets.

Oh, and spending most of his time in his hide during the day is a good sign. Balls are nocturnal and will usually spend most of the day sleeping, but you should see him wake up once the sun goes down.

[Beon07]

Thanks a lot for the quick responses. It is very hard to keep myself away from him. Been a long time since I was first interested in them and finally got one . Also, do you guys have any suggestions on keeping the humidity up? I have a spray bottle that i use a few times a day with aspen bedding but it seems like it keeps dropping to around 40%. I dont want to over spray and cause dampness and bellyrot. And I have the water dish under the heat light.

[xdeus]

I wouldn't keep the water dish under the light as that will only encourage bacterial growth. Instead, try covering up the screen lid (I'm assuming you have a tank setup with a screen lid) with aluminum foil and leave a space for the lamp.

[starmom]

Make humid hides by putting moss into both of the hides...
And when you get tired of messing around with the fish tank, you could purchase a reptile cage

[Beon07]

supposedly this is a reptile cage with the locking top etc. but you probably know more than I do. The guy at petsmart (I know petstores are looked down upon somewhat on these forums) said he is a BP breeder and said that this was the best bet. But anyways ill head out to a pet supplies place later adn get some of that moss. thanks

[starmom]

Yes, fish tanks are called reptile cages by pet stores!
Here's one type of reptile cage: http://www.reptilebasics.com/2x3-Cag...h-p-16286.html
You can see that there are huge differences in the design!
Moss is good. I use long fiber sphagnum moss like that kind that people who grow orchids use (it's an awesome type from Chile). Here's where I got mine: http://www.tropicalplantproducts.com...?productID=501
That kilo will last you long time!!!