Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Okay, I'm getting close to being ready to buy my BP. Tomorrow I go pick up my 50 gallon tank. I'm plan to go get the last of my supplies this weekend. I've got just a few more questions for you experts out there:

1) I realized that I have an extra 10 gallon aquarium lying around. Can my BP be put in this (with a tight screen lid) while I clean it's cage? Or is this too small - especially when it gets older/bigger.

2) If I just use bark on half the cage (and something like newspaper, paper towels, etc) on the whole cage, do I still need to feed my BP in a separate container? And since you're not supposed to handle your BP for 2-3 days after it feeds, when people say to feed in a separate container does that mean you leave it in that container until a couple days have passed and then move it back into the cage?

3) When doing a complete cage cleaning - how do you clean the wood branches and the hide logs I've seen in the store?

4) What is the best way to thaw frozen mice - in the fridge, on the counter, in water, etc?

5) If using tongs to feed, should the tongs hold the tail or the back end of the mouse?

6) What is the best way to grab and hold a BP?

7) And I've finally decided on using an UTH with a basking bulb for combined heat and daytime light. What wattage should the bulb be?

I am really excited and can't wait till I bring my BP home. I appreciate all the wonderful help and advice everyone here has given. Hopefully I'll be able to post a pic of the tank and BP sometime soon.

for a hatchling, a 10 gallon is better to start off with than a 50 gallon, the snake will feel more secure. but you will need to upgrade within a few months.
the best way to thaw out a mouse is to put it in a bag and put the bag in hot water, leave it for an hour. i blow dry it after, just to add more heat.
they don't like being touched around the head area, depending how big your bp is, as long as u give him/her good body support, and don't make sudden moves, just lift him/her from the mid section.

hope this helps, enjoy your new bp ...

Ok, now i will answer the questions that he didn't. You SHOULD still feed in a separate container, I use a cardboard box, because there is still a chance of the substrate getting on the mouse and because it decreases your chances of him thinking you are about to feed him when you go to pick him up. When people say don't handle the snake for 2-3 days after feeding they mean that you should put the snake in the separate container, feed him, wait until he is done eating, and then gently put him back into his cage and leave him alone for a couple days. As for cleaning logs, stems, water bowls, etc... you can just take them out and soak them in a 10% bleach, 90% water solution, that works great.
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1.0.1 Ball Pythons

I'm assuming that I need to let all the cage contents completely dry before putting it back in the cage? If so, I'm also guessing that it might take a while for wood, etc to completely dry - how long can the bP remain in say a Rubbermaid container w/o worrying about heat, humidity, etc.?

Also, what should I use to clean the glass (glass cleaner, vinegar, etc)?

Thanks again!

If your BP dosen't have mites, I would just make sure the logs, ect are clean, only soak them if there is feces or something on them, let them dry in the sun, they will dry faster. Use the same bleach/water solution to clean the cage.I have it pre mixed in spray bottles.
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"Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are." - Kurt Cobain

"It is better to be hated for what you are than loved for what you're not."

"You laugh at me because I am different; I laugh at you because you are all the same."

~~ Krystal - Future breeder of Pythons, Geckos, we'll see what else later! ~~ www.geocities.com/krystal19_85 ~~

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1.0.1 Ball Pythons