Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi. I am a soon to be new owner of a ball python hatchling. I know that at this point she needs a 10 gallon tank and I know all the essentials she needs, like a hide spot, heating, big water bowl... But please, tell me all that you know. Anything you think would help me figure out how to take care of her and house her. Be detailed and just let me know everything i can do to make her feel happy! Thanks!

I am by no means a ball python expert but i can tell you what my setup's are like, and i seem to have good luck with them

first off i'd start the little bugger out in something a bit bigger than a 10 gallon, it's really hard to control temp's in 10 gallon tanks, i have a baby ball in a 20 long at the moment and get much better temp controls

bedding, aspen wood shavings, newspaper, bark chips, indoor outdoor carpeting, all can be used, i personally use aspen wood shavings it's easy to cleean and relativly cheap

heating, i use a under tank heat pad and basking light ( both on same side) to make a hot spot of 88-90 and a cool end of 75-80

feeding, babies can be fed every 5-7 days, mine gets fed once a week adult mice, i personally use prekilled frozen mice to dismiss the risk of my snake getting bit ( they are a hell of alot cheaper too)

shedding, i use a moist clump of moss under the hidspot to help keep the snake well hydrated, and if nessecary i soak him in water for 30 minutes once a week

don't over handle your ball python, too much handling can lead to stress and refusal to eat, i try not to handle mine any more than needed

hope this helps, once again i'm no expert , just a fellow hobbyist

OK here goes some of the info I no of BPs hideis needed and water bowl is needed it is better 2 put the water bowl somewhat onthe cooler end and when the BP is in shed a little closer 2 the warm side a uth is normaly used it should cover one third of the tank and some use a heat lamp it all depends on what you need 2 keep the temps right about 90 degrees for the hot side and maby mid 80s for the cold side and at night you can sfely let the temps drop about 10 degrees for each side by turning the light off.some need 2 spray but u dont always need 2 the humidity should be around 60-80% and keep it in the higher end of the rang when ur BP is in shed you can tell if they are in shed if their eyes cloud over and their color gets duller. For bedding u can use aspen,cypress or newspaper u can shred the newspaper if u want. *STAY AWAY FROM PINE OR CEDAR* the oils can harm ur snake. for feeding it is better 2 use fresh killed oo frozen thawed because when the food gets bigger it can attack your BP. I try 2 use FT because I do not have the heart 2 kill the mouse Well thats the basics but keeps on doing reasearch on BPs

HOPE THIS HELPS

P.S.
I would like 2 thank EVERY ONE at kingsnake BP forum because with out u guys I would not no this info 2 pass on.*THANKS*

...For a baby BP I rec a rubbermaid sweater box with minimal ventilation holes (say 10-20 1/4" holes at the cool end) with a strip of 3" flexwatt (10 watts/ft) under the back end of the box. As an alternative a SMALL UTH such as a "Heat Wave" by Hagan placed in the back corner. Generally aim for 10-20% of the floor heated. These rubbermaids make it easier to maintain the higher humidities essential for good shedding and feeding.
Don't guess with temps-get a thermometer.
Last thing: unless the snake is well established, it'll probably still want to makes its own kills. Ask the seller to feed the snake in front of you if it's a pet store! SJM