New BP Owner

[rrupp1179]

just wanted to update...i have been working really hard today lol

the damp dish towel on the top and helping boost the humidity until i can get some thermal tape for the top

i have also started insulating the three sides of the glass tank to hold in some heat in the tank.

now i m off to the store to get a UTH and a digital thermostat...wish me luck lol

[Argentra]

You're off to a great start! But I should warn you that you most likely will not find a thermostat in any store. Which is silly since it's the most important piece of EQ for reptile keeping!

Most t-stats will be found online, and it depends on your budget what you get. Of course, you should ALWAYS get the best one you can afford!

At the bottom end is the ZooMed ReptiTemp 500R, which can be found at ReptileSupply.com for around $25. It's a cheap dial type, but it works until you can get something better.

Next are the Johnson and Ranco on/off style digital stats. These are great and reliable stats priced around $70-80. Best place to find these is ReptileBasics.com.

Finally, you have the Herpstat and Helix proportional stats. These are the best of the best. They keep the temp steady and don't click on and off. Cost is $110+

[TanyaL]

Welcome to the board! Let me start off by saying that if people are going to think that you are an idiot than you are not alone. I felt like the biggest idiot but in no time this site got me squared away. Trust me, you are not an idiot! As you can tell, when you have questions, you post them and you get answers. You will love it here.

If you don't mind me putting my pennies in...I would switch out that water dish. I can just see her tipping it over and making a huge mess. You wouldn't have to worry about humidity being too low when/if that happens but that's not the ideal way to raise humidity. I have a very shallow water dish and she soaked in it just fine. But, now that I have the mites under control she only uses her waterdish to drink from so no need for anything large, unless you need it for humidity. I just changed mine from one large enough for her to soak in to something small enough for her to drink from. I'll have to see how it goes.

For the hides, get some cheap $1 cereal bowls from the dollar store, cut a hole into them and your done. I've seen some put the hole on the top and some put it on the side. I guess it's up to you. Just make sure you dont' have any burrs left. Keep in mind that you want to keep them small and snug. They like to be touching on all sides. I used chinese takeout dishes for a while and they worked great! Not even 10 minutes worth of work with the dremel and they were perfect!

You could also consider getting one red bulb, or even a night bulb just to keep your temps up and leave it on 24/7. I can't afford one of those fancy thermostats so I use the dimmer switches from Lowes, one for the UTH and one for the bulb. One of these days I'll upgrade but for now it works. If you go that route, keep an eye on your temps because they are not 100% reliable.

Six months ago, when my son got the snake I was scared to death of her. But, I got over it and don't have a problem getting her out of the tank at all. When I lift the hide, I'll rub her sides until she is calm and then scoop her up from the back. She has never reacted negatively except at my nephew who didn't rub her back..so she hissed at him. that was the one and only time she did that. I'm sure you will think she is just the sweetest thing in no time...I know I did! No offense but I don't think I would use a hook.

Good luck and enjoy!

[Mike Schultz]

The most important thing with a UTH is that you have SOME method of controlling it. The ones you will probably find in the stores are those zoo-med ones. I have one, and when plugged directly into the wall it gets VERY hot. I can't really afford a good t-stat right now (lolcollege), so I bought a cheap rheostat (glorified dimmer switch) and dialed the UTH down until it keeps my temps correct.

[rrupp1179]

Thank you everyone for the help!!! I am glad someone said something about my water bowl...I wasn't sure what I was doing with it BUT the one that came with the kit appeared to be TOO shallow. I am going to look around when shopping for hides to see if I can get her a better one. I have learned that the kit I purchased turned out to be a waste of money. The only good thing I got out of it was the tank

So here I go with a couple more questions....

Should the hides be opaque ONLY or can the be transluscent or clear??

Has anyone heard of using a paper towel roll in the tank as a place for the BP to hide...is it safe?

[Argentra]

Most people try to avoid using paper products of any kind for anything except substrate...since it gets ruined when wet. Dollar store cereal bowls and plastic plant pots are the greatest hides and they're dirt cheap!

And yes, hides should be opaque since they are for the BP to hide in and feel secure. It's basically trying to emulate their 'wild habitat' of rodent burrows and termite mounds...which are dark. That's why the plant pots are great.

[TheMolenater2]

Clear hides are not really considered hides because hides are for making the Ball Python feel safe and secure. Good luck with your Ball!

[rrupp1179]

I have pics of my sweetie BP Rainbow











I have totally made over her tank as well and can post some more pics after she has her first feed tonight...i m kinda excited lol!!!!!

One more ???...kind of a silly one...what does the BPs poo look like??

Thanks for everyone's help so far..you all have been great

[Spaniard]

Like a toostie roll.

[SnakieMom]

Like a toostie roll.