MrBean7
12-28-19, 09:10 PM
Hi,
I recently (5 days ago) got a juvenile ball python, and had some questions that i hope someone can provide me some input on.
First, in regard to habitat: I've read lots of posts and care sheets, and tried to follow them. Currently I have 20 gallon tank, with warm side that has basking spot/hiding area and cool side that has water bowl and another hiding area (with decor and things to climb on throughout the tank. My question was in regard to temperatures: currently basking spot gets up to 98 (I have small 25w day-lamp that provides light and heat and a heating pad underneath) and cool side stays around 76. Are those temperatures OK, or am I pushing them to extremes? Also, currently I have him in 20 gallon tank, but only because I've heard many people suggest it as an ultimate size for juveniles. Many boards advised against putting juveniles into 40 gallon tanks since too much space can be stressful, and putting too many things in it to compensate for it would make the whole set-up feel cluttered. So am I good with the 20 gallon for now? And lastly about habitat: I followed care-sheet instructions, and placed heating pad under the warm side. But I noticed that my cool side is at 76 or so, and since many people warn against letting cool temperatures drop below 75, should I add another heating pad for the cool side?
Second, in regard to behavior. I know that new pythons need some time to acclimate to their new environment, but over the last 5 days I noticed that mine tends to always stay in his cool-side hiding spot. I think he does come out at night for a little bit (I can see track marks where he was moving), but is it normal? I thought that pythons need heat on regular basis, and wasnt sure if 5 days in cool area can be harmful?
Lastly, in regard to handling: I understand that new pythons will need some time to get used to the environment and to being handled, but what are your thoughts on the frequency of handling as well as best approach to it. I tried to handle him yesterday, and he would allow me to gently pet his side (obviously, I would never touch his head area), but at any attempt to pick him up he would coil-up and get ready to strike, which I understood as a sign of stress and left him alone. So any ideas will be greatly appreciated!
Once again, thank you so much in advance for all your help and advise: I want to make sure I do everything right, so if you see something that I should (or shouldn't be doing), please, by all means tell me. I promise I won't get offended, so if you see me do anything stupid dont hesitate to tell me that: it will only help!
Thank you!
I recently (5 days ago) got a juvenile ball python, and had some questions that i hope someone can provide me some input on.
First, in regard to habitat: I've read lots of posts and care sheets, and tried to follow them. Currently I have 20 gallon tank, with warm side that has basking spot/hiding area and cool side that has water bowl and another hiding area (with decor and things to climb on throughout the tank. My question was in regard to temperatures: currently basking spot gets up to 98 (I have small 25w day-lamp that provides light and heat and a heating pad underneath) and cool side stays around 76. Are those temperatures OK, or am I pushing them to extremes? Also, currently I have him in 20 gallon tank, but only because I've heard many people suggest it as an ultimate size for juveniles. Many boards advised against putting juveniles into 40 gallon tanks since too much space can be stressful, and putting too many things in it to compensate for it would make the whole set-up feel cluttered. So am I good with the 20 gallon for now? And lastly about habitat: I followed care-sheet instructions, and placed heating pad under the warm side. But I noticed that my cool side is at 76 or so, and since many people warn against letting cool temperatures drop below 75, should I add another heating pad for the cool side?
Second, in regard to behavior. I know that new pythons need some time to acclimate to their new environment, but over the last 5 days I noticed that mine tends to always stay in his cool-side hiding spot. I think he does come out at night for a little bit (I can see track marks where he was moving), but is it normal? I thought that pythons need heat on regular basis, and wasnt sure if 5 days in cool area can be harmful?
Lastly, in regard to handling: I understand that new pythons will need some time to get used to the environment and to being handled, but what are your thoughts on the frequency of handling as well as best approach to it. I tried to handle him yesterday, and he would allow me to gently pet his side (obviously, I would never touch his head area), but at any attempt to pick him up he would coil-up and get ready to strike, which I understood as a sign of stress and left him alone. So any ideas will be greatly appreciated!
Once again, thank you so much in advance for all your help and advise: I want to make sure I do everything right, so if you see something that I should (or shouldn't be doing), please, by all means tell me. I promise I won't get offended, so if you see me do anything stupid dont hesitate to tell me that: it will only help!
Thank you!