New Ball Python.. need help!

MorganMayhem · 07-08-14, 08:07 PM

I just bought my very first snake yesterday and its a ball python. I named him Alfred (just guessing its a boy). The associate at the store said he is about three to four months old. he has been in his new home for a day now and he has been very active. Like trying to get to the top of the tank. Is that normal? I did read it could be caused by hunger or him being too hott. he is in a 10 Gallon tank with a screen top the temp has been averaging about 88 to 90 degrees farenheit and humidity at 65%. its very hot right now and humid with it being summer time where i live. Alfreds light has been off all day because how warm my house gets. there is a heating pad on the other side of the tank from the light but he really hasnt been laying there. Also i have not fed him yet.. I was told to let him get use to his new home. I would like any advice or tips. I want to make sure he stays healthy.

I added a photo as well. Thanks ahead of time for the help.

joshuajames · 08-12-14, 03:33 PM

the first week i got my ball he was very active and kept trying to get out/climbing the wall of the cage to the top of the tank! i believe this is pretty normal. Very nice looking snake! and i waited a week until i tried to feed him, although it took a few nights he eventually ate

pdomensis · 08-12-14, 03:47 PM

Hi and congrats on your new snake. Unfortunately getting the snake and a 10g cage is the cheapest part of having a pet python. To really take good care of it you'll need to invest a bit more in equipment.The first thing you need to do is make sure he has a warm side and a cool side, so a light on one end and a heat pad on the other isn't great. I would ditch the light and just use the heat pad, BUT I would also strongly recommend a thermostat to regulate the temp. I would also suggest a temp gun so you can get accurate temp readings on the surface. Also disregard the dial humidity gauge and get a real hygrometer. Once you have that you may find that the screen lid is releasing all of your humidity and you will need to modify the lid. Covering with tinfoil or a sheet of acrylic is a common solution. A locking rubbermaid type tote makes a great cage for these guys and there are lots of posts here on how to make that work.

Ball pythons love to hide and stay secure under things. Get a hide for both the hot and cool side, and add other things like fake plants or vines for him to feel secure under.

You're right about letting him settle in. Leave him alone for a good week before messing with him at all other than changing the water.

Keep posting with questions. Enjoy.

**EL Ziggy** · 08-12-14, 03:53 PM

Welcome to the forum and best wishes with your new BP. I agree with pdomensis. Your snake should have a hot side and a cool side with hides on both sides. Is your heat source controlled by a thermostat? That's very important. Your temps and humidity sound ok but how are you measuring and controlling them? With a UTH on one side and a heat lamp on the other, he could have been too hot.

SnoopySnake · 08-12-14, 03:57 PM

How are you measuring the temp of the heat mat? If he's completely avoiding it, it may be too hot.. I would recommend getting a infrared thermometer to measure your surface temps: Nubee® Temperature Gun Non-contact Infrared Thermometer w/ Laser Sight - Instant Read Thermometers - Amazon.com

and a thermostat to control the temperature of your heat mat: Amazon.com : Hydrofarm MTPRTC Digital Thermostat For Heat Mats : Plant Germination Heating Mats : Patio, Lawn & Garden

I would advise just ditching the heat lamp, but if you don't, then your heat lamp and heat mat should be on the same side so he can escape from the heat if he needs to. I'd also advise ditching the dial hygrometer or thermometer and getting a digital one as they tend to be inaccurate. If you use a tub, it'd be a lot easier to maintain temps and humidity.

nyjon · 08-14-14, 09:52 AM

The setup for my spider ball is a 16qt tub and zoo med 5 gal heat matt

Humidty gauge:
Caliber IV Digital Hygromter by Western Humidor:Amazon:Home & Kitchen

Thermostat:
Hydrofarm Digital Temperature Controller for Heat Mat:Amazon:Patio, Lawn & Garden

As pdomensis pointed out, the fish tank and light bulb setup is the cheapest setup but i prefer the tub. The bulb might be drying out the humidity aswell. Good luck