Need helpful advice on care of my inherited snake im afirst time owner

[Fancymojo]

Hi I'm sure I wrote something when I registered but keep telling me I haven't posted yet. Hi everyone.I have inherited a two year old male ball python about 3.5 feet long give or take. I'm doing my best to learn a I can I don't want to lose him I've grown attached. I've had maybe month and half has not ate for me yet. I posted question elsewhere I believe in the my favorite snake family forum. If someone could go read them I would much appreciate any help and or advice anyone has for me. My first mission is to get my inherited tank properly set up. I don't think previous owner knew how or didn't care but I care and I want my handsome Rocky thriving. Please help

[travesty]

Welcome. As long as your temperatures and humidity and hides are setup correctly there is nothing to worry about. A month and a half without eating is no big deal for 2 year old ball python. My 2 year old girl just finished a 4 month hunger strike without losing any weight whatsoever. It's just what they do, especially in the winter. Weigh him in grams with a kitchen scale after every failed feeding attempt to make sure he is not losing weight. Don't offer food more often than once every 10 days and he'll come around eventually.

[macandchz]

dear fancymojo, i have had my albino ball over a year and i'm a beginner,too. i can't find your other posts but travesty said it all about the hunger strikes. that is always my biggest worry-the feeding part. iwant snakes to be like dogs that eat everyday and this non-eating balls do makes me crazy. but if your snake isn't losing weight, just bear with it and keep offering on your usual feeding schedule and they all eventually come around. as for the tank, look back at the older posts to get ideas. everyone sets them up differently but if you have a warm hide, cool hide, water, and maintain the heat and humidity at the proper levels you'll do fine. boy! i,m getting to sound like i know something!

[Fancymojo]

thank you so much travesty and macandchz for replying. my tank is sitting at 70 been that way since i got. i have one under tank heating pad, tank is in bedroom where it is quiet, no dome light, not sure about humidity????????? im using this bedding that comes in a brick and you soak it,a few days later i discovered mold on my wood so i took out to dry and now am wondering if i should throw out, can i maybe spray it with a clear laquer? as for bedding i was thinking of using newspaper would I wad it up or lay it flat? Also was thinking of maybe using clean towels and regularily change it then put in laundry? Or what is the best bedding to use and what should i wash the tank with when i go to clean it, i have many more questions as well . looking forward to reading your helpful advice. thank you guys Fancymojo

[travesty]

Ok heat is your problem then. You need at least 2 digital thermometers with probes. One on the cool side of the cage and one stuck to the glass above the heat pad on the hot side of the cage. You also need a cheap thermostat to control the heating pad or you will never keep the temps right. You need a digital hygrometer as well. Humidity in the cage needs to be at least 60%.

Ball Python Care Sheet (http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Snakes/Ball-Python/)

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/python-regius/85221-ball-python-basics-101-a.html

[macandchz]

dear fancymojo, i would recommend aspen bedding as it has always worked well for me and doesn't smell. i clean my tank(40 gal breeder) every time mac sheds which means emptying out all old bedding and disinfecting. i use WIPE-OUT cleaner by zoo med labs to scrub the tank down. of course, i pick up the poop between big cleanings. i also feed mac in a feeding box-not in his tank which i think is a cleaner way. i take out all sticks ,tunnels, etc. and wash them down also. i give a good scrubbing to his water pond weekly. i have heard it is not good to use laquer on any wood that is near your pet so i scrub the wood with a small scrub brush, warm water, and let dry well. i haven't had a mold problem. i wonder if that bedding you are using could be the source of it? please realize this is my way of taking care of mac not the expert way. but all i know is mac's a healthy, thriving boy. let us know how things are going.

[Fancymojo]

Thanks again for Replying!!! Yes I believe the mold came f from the substrate I was using. I'm short on funds so I've decided to use newspaper layer flat (judging from some of the tank pictures I've viewed on here) and a faceclth or tea towel later under his hide box which is on top of the under tank heat pad. I think I got a timer came with all of Rocky's things I will figure out how to use it. If u guys wash your stuff with soapy water I will clean out the tank that way scrubb down my wood pieces let dry and put in tank I got some dollar store fake leaves to add as well. Let me know if that sounds good. Cleaning starts tomorrow. ;)

[macandchz]

fancymojo, i don't know if you have ever checked out "snakebytes" on youtube. it is very helpful and I consider Brian one of the best. i would suggest being careful with the tea towel which is on top of the heating pad. it may get too hot. the leaves sound fine. do you have a thermometer and a gauge to check the humidity? what size tank do you have? Rocky is lucky to have a caring person as you.