Ball Python questions??

Snakefood · 03-19-12, 11:01 AM

1) Best bedding for a B/P???

say THAT 10 times fast!! LOL

I have:

white Aspen
Black Aspen
Carefresh
Repti-Bark

Which would you guys say the best substrate is from the above list. You can give other idea's, but take into account the above listed is what I have for the next 2 weeks until payday!! So pick one of those and THEN tell me me the better choice!!

2) Do B/P's burrow like corns?? do I measure the heat right on top of the UTH or on top of the substrate

I am sure there will be more questions as I go along. So keep tuned!!

Thanks everyone!!

alessia55 · 03-19-12, 11:05 AM

1) ReptiBark is what I use. I love it, it looks good, my snakes like it, and (most importantly) it holds humidity really well...which is essential for ball pythons.
2) Burrowing...yes and no. One of mine never burrows, the other sometimes does. Most are content with hides and don't feel the need to burrow. I put about an inch or two and they can choose to do whatever they want with it.
Have you checked out my Setting Up page on my website? It should help you out

Lankyrob · 03-19-12, 11:15 AM

Repti bark for me too, my guy doesnt seem to burrow but he has got LOTS of hidey places without having to!

mattchibi · 03-19-12, 11:24 AM

Measure heat from the top of the UTH above the glass under the substrate. They will burrow to reach the heat if they need to. And personally, I use cypress mulch in my tank but aspen works great too. I use newspaper in my tubs.

Snakefood · 03-19-12, 11:28 AM

ok, mines on the carefresh right now and it seems his weight just pushes it aside!! I think I'll put the repti bark in the larger viv I'm setting up right now for him (I had a smaller viv set up as I originally thought I would bring home that baby spider.)

So repti-bark for the bigger one!!

Thanks guys (and gals!!)

mykee · 03-19-12, 11:31 AM

Best? Who knows.
I use paper towel and unprinted newsprint.

Gungirl · 03-19-12, 11:41 AM

Aspen and care fresh are sure to mold faster so with your options I would say repti-bark seeing as Royals like higher humidity than some others.

Snakefood · 03-19-12, 12:01 PM

Thanx Gungirl.

Mykee - I am sure that you have too many snakes to worry about show tanks, but as my first beautiful B/P, this guy is going in a show viv not the rack system, so I want something that is both utilitarian and nice looking.

Snakefood · 03-19-12, 12:03 PM

now the humidity thing. My house RARELY drops below 50%, and the average is 60-65%in winter and much higher the rest of the year, do I still need to spray the repti-bark to keep it slightly moist, or is the ambient humidity enough??

Lankyrob · 03-19-12, 12:16 PM

Our house rarely drops below 50% but i like to give the bark a light mist to keep the % above 60%

alessia55 · 03-19-12, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snakefood

now the humidity thing. My house RARELY drops below 50%, and the average is 60-65%in winter and much higher the rest of the year, do I still need to spray the repti-bark to keep it slightly moist, or is the ambient humidity enough??

Get a digital hygrometer and keep humidity around 60% year round.

Snakefood · 03-19-12, 12:48 PM

awesome, thanx everyone. The care is quite different than my corns so I'll probably have more questions as I go.

You guys/gals ROCK!!