Quote Originally Posted by Mindibun View Post
Well, Shawn, welcome! And hello to Bertha too. Is that short for Big Bertha? -lol- She (or he?) is a young, normal ball python. Looks like a slightly more busy pattern. I love the busy ones.

You are on the right track with the bedding and her tank size. However, there are a few things you'll need to do to keep her happy. It's easier to fix things earlier rather than later, so I suggest you look here: http://ball-pythons.net/modules/Sect...warticle&id=59 to get info on everything you'll need for a proper set-up.

Most importantly, you'll need to give her more places to hide. Ball pythons are known for refusing to eat if they are not happy, and in the wild they live in small mouse burrows. They like to be covered on all sides, and completely hidden. Most people will give them plastic bowls or pots turned upside down to hide in. There's a ton of things you can use.

Also, if the tank has a screen top then all of the humidity from her water bowl is just going right out the top. In order for her to shed her skin properly (they do it about once a month) she'll need at least 50% humidity. The best way to do this is to cover 3/4 of the screen with aluminum foil, plastic, anything that will prevent moisture from getting through. There are directions on how to do this in the care sheets.

You'll need to get a digital thermometer and hydrometer to measure the temperatures and humidity. Most people use a brand called Accurite, which you can get at Walmart for $13. It's in the outdoor temp gauge section. It will measure the hot side of the tank and the cold side at the same time, AND measure your humidity. It's the best.

Finally, if you're using a heat lamp to warm the tank, I highly recommend switching to an under-the-tank heat source for a variety of reasons. Do a quick search around the site for the subject, and you'll see that there are many benefits to under-tank heating.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions. I know it's a lot to take in all at once, but Bertha (and you) will be much less stressed if you make these small changes right away.

All the best to you and Bertha!


Wow that is a lot of information, but i really need all the info i can get. I have One hiding place for her...Its a tree that you would find in a fish tank..Its just enough room for her to crawl in and curl up. I was looking at the heating pads at petsmart, so ill run out and pick one of those up. Would i still use the heating lamp for the hot side, or would the heating pad work for the whole tank?