New Burmese Python Owner Seeks Advice...

[Sane]

I am a 27 yr old female from the US, I have had alot of friends with snakes and learned a few things over the years, And have always wanted my own. Well I just bought a 8 ft Burmese Python from a friend of mine.
He is VERY good with his snakes and has them very tame, but his methods are not at all traditional, and I think id rather go with majority rules for safety.

I have a few Q's

He says i dont need a humidity gauge of any kind, I believe i do.
arent i right in that? should be 60+ right?

What can i use for a vapor barrier?

What can i use to lock the aquarium? It has a screen lid.
Do they make straps or anything like that for them?
(and yes the aquarium is HUGE and she has ample room to stretch out and should until shes about 14 feet).

How often should I mist her and the cage? my friend does not do that at all.


What are the best ways to get her used to me, I have been leaving her alone to settle in so far, Just got her about 30 hrs ago.
But once I do handle her, what is the best way to go about it without the friends help? so that she feels less threatened etc?

Will she be stressed out you think or anything like that from the changing of homes and owners and loss of her "sister" peaches? She was very close with my friend, he had her since a baby and she is almost two, so she is very used to him & now he wont be around her much.

I have a rottweiler. (almost 3). I will not be allowing him around her or her around him when she is out of her cage. Her viv is located in the kitchen, which has a locking door on it. Is he ok to come in the room as long as she is in the viv? I have been doing it so far, and she didnt react. and he has not noticed her.
When i do hold her, will she attack me because she smells him in the house or on my clothes you think?

Do other snake owners have other pets also?

Any advice is good!

Also we feed her cooked chicken, not mice, rabbits or rats, Same as my old friend did the first snake i was ever around. She likes that fine. My friend that sold her to me started her on it for me when I told him it is what im gonna be feeding her. Im vegetarian, I couldnt handle the animals with a face thing...

Thanks!

[Sane]

Let me also add that its not an actual screen top, its just the same pattern as one, its metal and thick.

[starry11]

I'm no expert but if you feed cooked chicken then does that mean without bones e.t.c because they get the calcium vits and nutrition from the prey because they consume the whole body of an animal that was alive and needed all vits and minerals to survive itself. It can be tough to feed whole prey i have pet rats so it can be hard taking dead ones out the freezer but that's part of owning a snake. You don't want humidity to get too high as they can be susceptible to respiratory infections i'd say get a hygrometer and keep it at around 60- 70%.I have a 7ft burmese and also have dog, cats and rats. Make sure to wash your hands before you do any handling so you aren't mistaken for food. i keep all my furry pets away from my snake just to be safe. He will settle in just fine just be gentle and let him know your there before taking him out

[Chu'Wuti]

Starry, check the posting dates when you get ready to respond to something--this is an old thread. Many people tried to tell her the same thing you did. Sane wasn't happy with us, and she isn't around the forum much anymore. But by checking the posting dates, you'll save yourself some energy & time.

[starry11]

oops sorry bout that! thanks for telling me

[Chu'Wuti]

No apologies necessary! I just wanted to save you frustration when you realize she isn't going to respond as well as save you time in the future.

Glad to have you on the forum!