So I got my first BP...

[BigS06]

Saw the forums, read it over and had to join! I was looking to get a BP for some time and well I did but not how/when i expected. The lil guy was actually dumped on me last Friday (july 11th), thats is to say he was left in a box for several hours till I discovered him at work in said box with my name on it. At any rate he appears relatively healthy and I set up an extra 20L for him.

So heres my setup:
- 20L
- cypress Mulch 1.5"
- UTH covering 1/3 the tank bottom + 50w CHE, both thermostat controlled
- hot spot of 91 degrees, warm hide temp 89, cool hide temp 78-80. Measured with a temp gun and digital thermometer with probe.
- identical hides and a large waterdish for soaking
- humidity between 55-65%
- 2/3 the screen top covered by cut & taped plastic
- a log/branch thing for climbing

The lil guys 24" on the dot and weighed 158g before he fed for me last night. About 30 minutes after he was in his tank he shed in a complete piece and basically hid the next few days until I decided to thar a mouse on his screen. He came out after a few min looking around for his meal and he ate an adult (24g) F/T mouse almost immediately after I started the "zombie mouse dance".
So now heres my question, after he ate he has decided to sit with his head right at the entrance to his hide. Which up until he fed he kept himself more or less hidden. Could it be that he's hungry still? Or is he just more comfortable with his surroundings? Also Does my setup sound about right? Open to any and all suggestions, Thanks!

{some quick shots I took the day he came home with me}

[littleindiangirl]

Great pics! Sounds like you have everything setup perfect after him being dropped on you.

As to him sitting with his head out, he may eat again, not sure what size the food was compared to him, but it sounds like a good meal. I would feed him that size either every 5 days or 7 days. But overall, a content BP will often sit with their head out of the hide.

[Kesslers Kreatures]

My bp tends to poke her head out after every meal. Its like her way of leaning back in her chair and un buttoning her pants to make room haha

Your setup sounds good too!

[Rakk101]

Mine does also, he seems to stretch out for awhile after he eats.

[Mindibun]

Your set-up sounds really good. I would just make sure to double check that you have the screen top (if it is screen) foiled to keep humidity in. You said you have a CHE and I can't for the life of me remember what that stands for, but I'm going to go ahead and guess its an over-head heat lamp. Those can really draw out the humidity and that (as you probably already know) can and will lead to bad sheds.

Regarding the "keeping his head out of his hide" thing - mine do that ALL THE TIME. The only time I ever see them fully covered is usually right after a good meal. They poke their heads out when they're done digesting. I guess they like to see what's going on. I usually keep my tubs covered with towels just to give them more privacy (I only have 3) and one night I had left a corner of the tub uncovered. When I walked by, I noticed that one of the bps had moved to stick her head out of that particular corner.

P.S. - Post pictures of the enclosure too!

[Rakk101]

CHE-I think is ceramic heat emmiter, it is not a light exacty but is mounted like one and gives off heat like a lamp without the white light

[BigS06]

Thanks for the comments! I'm glad the little guy is feeling more at home now!
Mindibun - I have 2/3 of the screen covered with taped plastic to help hold in humidity and since the CHE (Ceramic Heat Emitter) isnt on 24/7 due to the thermostat I can maintain a fairly steady humidity between 55-60%. I'll definately make sure to get some pictures up tonight!

[Jakob]

BigS06 congrats on your new addition and welcome to the forum. i really like your second picture...super cool.