Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey everyone, first time poster and first time constictor owner. almost a first time snake owner (i had a green snake once for a few weeks until my parents found it and made me give it to my science teacher, they hate snakes). But anyways, i finally got my first "real" snake and he is a beautiful Ball named Guiness. I just purchased him from the classifieds he is very healthy (fat but not to fat, no wounds, no nose rubbing issues, mite free). I've been an avid herp fan since i was a child and was going to go to college to become a herp specific zoologist until i got bit by the literature bug and majored in english. I've worked at a zoo and a pet storeand know my stuff when it comes to critters, especially herps (reading took the place of owning for snakes for many years). My Guiness though doesn't seem to have any desire whatsoever to enter his hide-box (made from a shoe-box). this is the first time i've ever seen this in a ball (from pet store experience) and from what i've read it seems to be a very strange case indeed. the previous owner didn't provide him with one for the formative years of his life and i think he just got used to not having one around. he'd rather hang out on top than go inside it. anyways, i just though some of you might think that was interesting. i would appreciate any feedback including beginner tips (especially on humidity). I am pretty knowledgable fromlots of research but anything from an experienced ball owner that might help me keep Guiness happy and healthy as long as possible would be appreciated. thanks kids

also i do have one question about feeding. the previous owner only fed him live to i am going to continue that as is has seemed to work for 3 years or so for this snake fine. i've been told it is best to feed in a separate box or tank so that the terrarium doesn't get all messed up in the struggle and so that the snake does not associate the opening of the lid of its terrarium with food coming in to help prevent bites. i think all of this sounds pretty good... i was just wondering how long to leave the snake in the "feeding" enclosure after it has swallowed the prey item before putting him back in his regular tank. also, how should i put him back, by hand or sort of dump him in, i was thinking of making the feeding enclosure small enough to just place it back in his cage when he is done, remove the lid, and let him leave on his own accord. what do you all do? i think the previous owner just tossed the rat pup in the tank and let him have at it. if this is what he is accustomed to should i maybe just keep up with that. any advice appreciated.

also i'd like tips for his first shed with me. any little practical tips and tricks you all know on any subjects that you don't find in books and care sheets would be greatly appreciated.

sorry, me again. it's just that it's my first day and i wanna do this right, ya know? again on the humidity issue, as well as substrate. The previous owner used sand, i have switched to reptibark. i also don't think that the previous owner gave the enclosure any humidity help. from what i've read proper humidity is very important for balls, but this snake appears incredibly healthy and happy. i don't know how much i should change his routine. also on a side note... in addition to not enjoying his hide-box he also seems to be quite the climber (loving his branches as i speak). strange for a ball?

i've slipped a few other messages around the different areas of this ball python forum... i work swing shifts right now at a very temporary job... i have been on nights all this week and so today was my day off and since i am officially nocturnal this week i have been up all night reading these posts... and i just really want to say that you all seem so very nice... and you all congratulate one another on successful breeding attempts and new purchases and stuff... i am so happy to finally own a ball python (my dream pet for years and years) and to have joined this community of ball python lovers... you guys are all great...