New Snake Owner... Some Questions

[WingedWolfPsion]

Honestly, I thought his entire setup sounded great--if the snake likes the plastic bowl, just get another plastic bowl. Humidity was great, temperatures were fine.

If the snake is eating in a 45 gallon tank, then questions of the snake's security are completely moot--go to town decorate it, and enjoy.

Ball pythons are individuals. If yours is happy in a huge cage, and you can keep the environment of the cage clean and at the correct temperature and humidity, there's no need to buy a different cage.

It's true that some ball pythons refuse food and are unhappy in large cages. It's also true that some ball pythons refuse food and are unhappy in cages that they feel are too small--including the same size cages other ball pythons prefer -- I have 2 snakes in my collection like that. Many ball pythons just plain don't care about the size of the cage as long as they have a hidey-hole.

[blackcrystal22]

Ok, here we go. :]

Thanks for being blunt...I want the most direct answer that I can get, after all it's a living breathing animal I'm caring for. Now here's my next question, if I were to get a female ball and put it in the same tank will that compensate for some of the space or is that just a bad idea all around? You guys are awesome, thanks for the clarification on my questions.

No problem, but two snakes in an enclosure is a bad idea for a huge multitude of reasons. So that's a big no.

I do have aspen bedding in there for him. And just a few clarification points, the hide is the typical upside down log that measures about 5 inches long and about 3-4 inches wide. He has gone in there before and seems very comfortable. To create humidity I understand that I basically need some sort of water source in there, does a wire mesh screen matter in this process? I don't think he's a baby baby, right now he's about 1.5-2 feet long, and from what I've seen at the local reptile shops, he's definately bigger than the baby balls they have there. And I'm pretty sure he's getting ready to shed.

Log hides are very insecure for ball pythons. If you can, get a hide with one opening that is round or square and tight. Log hides are also usually, too large for the snake to be comfortable.
You always need to have a water bowl with fresh water present.

I do have aspen bedding in the tank and I am currently working on getting some humidity in there. Is there any problem with a mesh wire top when it comes to humidity, from what I've read, I basically just need to get wet moss or some sort of water substance in there to create humidity.

To help humidity, you can tape down some foil to the outer top of the screen. Make sure none of the tape ever comes in contact with the inside of the enclosure, as it can adhere to the scales and rip them off.

Is it normal for a ball to burrow? I woke up this morning and he's under the substrate. Let me just say one more time, you guys are awesome, thanks

Ball pythons burrow if they are insecure, this is probably because your hides are insufficient, but generally it's not an issue.

Honestly, I thought his entire setup sounded great--if the snake likes the plastic bowl, just get another plastic bowl. Humidity was great, temperatures were fine.

If the snake is eating in a 45 gallon tank, then questions of the snake's security are completely moot--go to town decorate it, and enjoy.

Ball pythons are individuals. If yours is happy in a huge cage, and you can keep the environment of the cage clean and at the correct temperature and humidity, there's no need to buy a different cage.

It's true that some ball pythons refuse food and are unhappy in large cages. It's also true that some ball pythons refuse food and are unhappy in cages that they feel are too small--including the same size cages other ball pythons prefer -- I have 2 snakes in my collection like that. Many ball pythons just plain don't care about the size of the cage as long as they have a hidey-hole.

All ball pythons contain a very similar mentality, and aren't really happy or unhappy, but stressed or not stressed. The difference, is that some snakes will eat even when they are stressed.
A 45 gallon, in general, is an issue not just for the snake, but for husbandry. You need to fill that with lots of plants, tons of substrate, cleaning it is a pain, and the poor thing probably won't be able to find it's hides because theres so much room.
Not to mention, it is more than difficult-impossible to keep the humidity and temperature ranges proper. Unless a snake requires a tank that large, I wouldn't even want to go through the trouble of having it.
It's also very heavy.

[Basketball303]

I bought an acu-rite thing from Wal-Mart and have been keeping the humidity around 62%, the highest it's gotten is 70%, but from what I hear, it's still fine. I'm working on building a humid hide for him. Does it matter if the log hide is backed against a wall? I bought a black heat light to simulate night/day for him. Since I bought the acu-rite, I have seen him out a lot more at night and having a lot more fun. We had a little accident last night, I was watching TV with him on my stomach and he peed and pooped all over me, oh what an experience that was, LOL.