Reptile & Amphibian Forums

First off - this forum is an incredible resource. Fifteen years ago when I got a bermese python, good information was very difficult to find. The guy at the local pet store was worthless and I ended up losing my snake due to mis-information. Luckily, I hung in there, did a lot of research and have been much more successful with keeping reptiles (iguanas, monitors, turtles, anoles).

My son has been begging my wife and I to get a snake for over a year - he asks daily. We both enjoy reptiles and thought that he has done a great job helping with the other reptiles and have decided to purchase a ball python.

We will be getting it tomorrow. and I want to make sure I have everything right. It is 18 inches long and I plan on keeping it in a ten gallon tank to start with. I have a thermometer at each end and a humidity gauge in the center. I placed astro turf on the bottom and have an under tank heater on one side. I put a hiding place on each end and have a large water dish in the center. Lastly, there is a screen top that is secured well.

Am I forgetting anything? After my experience with the bermese python, I am very nervous about needlessly killing an animal. I know that I am much better prepared this time, but I just want to make sure I have everything just right.

Also, how long should I wait before feeding him the first time? What size mouse should I try the first time? The pet store told me pinkies, but I have seen several posts suggesting starting with a larger mouse.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions,
Nick

I don't think so. It sounds like you'll give this new snake a great home. I think that pinkies would be a little small, I'd probably go for a hopper. Basically, you want a mouse about as wide the your snake at his widest point. I recommend feeding prekilled, you probably already know that. But you setup sounds great and I don't think you'll have any problems, as long as the lid is very secure. I hope it goes well for you and the new snake.

Taylor

I agree with the last guys post 100% Just one other thing I thought of .I dont trust the type of thermometers that get stuck to the side of the viv. they measure the temp of the glass and not the floor of the pen . Tell your son to enjoy he couldnt have chose a better pet!