nervous newbie

Ballchris · 02-01-15, 02:26 AM

hello all my name is chris, I am a first time reptile owner and am completely new to all of this. I have purchased a Pastel yellow belly ball python. She So pretty I will post pics when she arrives. I am a long time reptile lover I always wanted a snake when I was a kid but my mom would never let me have one so expect to hear from me alot over the next few days thank you and I am from kentucky. and my python was purched from BHB.

**Pareeeee** · 02-01-15, 07:07 AM

FORUM RULES

Don't be afraid to ask questions. That's what we're here for!
Tip: make sure your enclosure is set up before your snake arrives.

dave himself · 02-01-15, 08:35 AM

Welcome aboard

fishingfool · 02-01-15, 08:46 AM

Haha welcome I'm in yhe same boat as you had to wait till i was out on my own befor i could get a snake

Luthien · 02-01-15, 10:12 AM

Welcome! Don't be to nervous they are awesome to have! I just became a new snake mommy although I've had plenty of other reptiles in my life.

This forum is so helpful so feel free to post any of your questions! I know I have and all my questions have been answered

sunkissedpython · 02-01-15, 12:28 PM

Welcome! Feel free to ask any questions as they arise, we all want to see the baby grow up big and happy

can't wait to see pictures, I've always wanted a pastel yellow belly BP ^_^

marvelfreak · 02-01-15, 01:53 PM

Kuamata · 02-01-15, 02:06 PM

Nice to see another Kentuckian.

Central Kentucky here. BHB are good folks, you'll get a grade A reptile for sure. Haha, sure your mom was fearful of snakes 'cause of the copperheads and rattlers around here. Anywho, welcome! Lots of good info to be had here.

sharthun · 02-01-15, 02:23 PM

Hey and welcome.

Ballchris · 02-02-15, 12:20 AM

Hey guys thanks for the welcome, I have had her tank set up for around three days now I order her over the weekend she will be shipped on monday be here on tuesday... well thats the plan Im waiting on my phone call from BHB, to arrange everything. But today i hit the sweet spot on the tank i have the perfect temps after much research and reading a ton of books I don't believe I have been this nervous since my First little girl was born become a daddy for the first time lol. The only problem I was having is keeping the humidity right I changed the moss to zoo med new Zealand sphagnum moss and it seems to be keeping a lot better. Temps on the hot side is 84.2 ambient temps are setting around 80 and cool side is around 72 which I think is still a little cool What do u guys think. I have a basking lamp on the hot side along with a heating pad. and a normal blue light that will get turned on and off as needed because the basking lamp is keeping everything seemingly perfect. Her tank is a little boring right now but that will change I have two really good hiding places for her on on the hot and one in the middle under the cork log and have one coming in the mail for the cool side I know this little girl will need plenty of hiding because she will be shy. plus its a 20 gallon tank so she will need to feel safe traveling across this new living place. Please let me know If im wrong on anything were I can improve on anything I will place a pic with this in a bit. thank you again to all of you.

Ballchris · 02-02-15, 02:10 AM

Also how long after she arrives should I wait to feed her.

Kuamata · 02-02-15, 02:30 AM

Hope weather will be permitting on Monday, up here in Frankfort it's gonna be a low of 27F. I know the lowest most breeders will go is 30F. I'd imagine if you lived down in the southern regions of Kentucky the weather may be more cooperating, though.

I just got in my RTB on Thursday and I won't be giving her the first feeding until this upcoming Thursday, so I'm giving her a week to adjust. Be sure to remember to leave them alone afterwards so that they can adjust. One to two weeks is generally recommended. Of course, we are all guilty of snapping some pics when our reptiles first arrive before placing them in their new enclosure. I personally record the unboxing just to have it should anything go awry, but that's just me being cautious.

I've actually never had a Ball Python, so I'll leave the temps and everything to someone that has expertise with them.

**Pareeeee** · 02-02-15, 07:35 AM

I would up the temps - 76-80 on the cool side and 90-94 on the warm.

When it arrives, leave it alone until it eats. Wait a week before offering any food. Snakes need 48 hours to digest after eating, and it's important not to handle them during that time period (to prevent regurges and stress).

Prey items (preferably rats) should be 1 to 1.5 times the widest part of the snake's body.

Luthien · 02-02-15, 11:15 AM

I'm with Pareeeee on this one. Corn snakes need a hot temp of 80-85 and I've heard pythons need it hotter still (never owned one though so this is just what I've heard)

Good Luck!

**EL Ziggy** · 02-02-15, 12:17 PM

Welcome and best wishes Chris!