Is this normal for a new ball?

[jorgasm]

Thermostat/thermometer, STAT! =D And I'm here to be overloaded with information. I absorb directions very well. (= Thanks guys. So wait, you don't recommend a digital probe thermometer? I have a thermometer already, its just not a probe... if I don't use a probe what will tell me the temp over the UTH?

[Mochelem]

Thermostat/thermometer, STAT! =D And I'm here to be overloaded with information. I absorb directions very well. (= Thanks guys. So wait, you don't recommend a digital probe thermometer? I have a thermometer already, its just not a probe... if I don't use a probe what will tell me the temp over the UTH?

Yes a digital thermometer with a probe, you can get them at wal mart for around $10

[jorgasm]

Okay, but you told me you don't recommend I put the probe in the tank... how will I get a read for the UTH if its not in the tank? Sorry for all the questions, I just want to be clear on your advice.

[Mochelem]

thermometer probe can go in the tank, I dont recommend a THERMOSTAT probe going in the tank....

[jorgasm]

Sorry.

[Mochelem]

Np I know thermometer and thermostat can get confusing lol...

[jorgasm]

So does everyone wait a week+ before the start handling their ball python(s)?

[Mochelem]

Usually yes, you want to give them time to adjust to the new enviornment. You will find that if you handle your snake too much it may not eat.

When I was new to this I found it very informative to study the way they live in the wild. They live very secretive lives all by themselves except when mating. This would mean that they dont like to be handled a lot. Even after your snake has adjusted I wouldnt recommend you handle it more than twice a week.

One thing I can recommend about our tank is to get some black construction paper or some aquarium back ground and attach it to 3 sides of your tank (back left and right sides) somtimes snakes wont feel secure with open glass all around them. When I had tanks this helped a lot.

I havnt seen your entire setup, but do you have hides on both the hot and cool sides of your tank?

[jorgasm]

It seems no information is without a conflicting point of view. The breeder I bought my snake from [via Petco. i guess my mom knows him from high school] told me not to neglect it. That he makes sure his children handle their ball pythons at least 15 minutes every day. Oh, and I do not have two hides, but I do know I need to get another for the cooler side. =] Thanks for looking out for my ball. lol

[STORMS]

So does everyone wait a week+ before the start handling their ball python(s)?

We sure do Its a rough few days but its best for the snake I would try feeding it too before handling the first time. And don't handle up to 48 hours after feeding. Gives them a chance to digest. Regurge isn't pretty

Oh yeah....