>>I've recently decided that I would like to acquire a snake as a pet. I was originally looking into Corn Snakes until I saw a Ball Python in person. I've decided I would love to own one of these beautiful snakes. I've been doing research, but still have a few questions. I plan to buy everything I need and test it all out prior to getting my snake. My plan is to purchase a 50 gallon tank and use a combo light fixture that contains a Ceramic Heating Element (to leave on all the time), Flourescent light for daytime viewing and a red bulb for night viewing. Is this okay? Should I make sure the red bulb does not put off a lot of heat or does it matter? Any help with my questions (sorry there are so many) would be greatly appreciated.
50g = too big. Unless you have gobs of hides. It is for a hatchling, anyway. They need to feel secure.
Use an under tank heater and put it under one end of the tank. They're cheaper than a CHE, and better for snake digestion. Just buy a human heat pad with three settings and no auto turn off. Then, if you actually want to use a bulb, pretty much any bulb (depending on the size of your tank 40w-10g 60w or 75w-20g is all I've used) will work, just be sure to put it on the same size as the heat pad.
>>1) Should the water dish be placed in the cool or hot end of the tank?
Well, to help with humidity, there should be a large soaking bowl uner the heat lamps, and a smaller drinking bowl on the cool side.
>>2) Where should I place the Hygrometer? Am I correct that in thinking that I should put one Thermometer at the top of the hot end of the tank and the other at the bottom of the cool end?
I always put the Hyg in the center, one therm on the cool side, one on the warm side, and lay one on the substrate over the UTH.
>>3) I've been looking at Snake Hooks on www.petwarehouse.com but am unsure what size is the best size for me to get - any ideas?
>>
It would actually be better not to get a hook. You really only need a hook for wild animals or aggressives.
>>4) I've been looking at websites that sell frozen mice and am a little confused about the difference between pinkies, fuzzies, etc. and when to give the different kinds.
A hatchling Ball Python can eat small adult mice or rat pinks.
Pinks=just born. Fuzzies=bigger, eyes still clossed (I think). Pups=Almost weaned. Weanling=Well, weaned. Then you get into small, med, large, jumbo. I don't know the exact terms since I breed my own rats now.
But just make sure your BP will take F/t before you go out and buy a gross of frozen rat pups, hehe.
>>5) When I am cleaning the tank - where should I put my snake?
I keep a spare box, like my feeding boxes, that I put them into at feeding time.
>>6) I've read the best way to transport the snake (say for a vet visit) that a pillow case works fine, but what do I put the pillow case in?
The carseat next to you? That's what I do.
>>7) Finally, how often is it okay to handle the snake (assuming it has not just eaten or is not shedding). Should I avoid taking the snake outside - even if it is on my arm?
Let it adjust to the new surroundings and get it eating before you handle it too much. After that, you can handle it as much as it'll tolerate, hehe.
Because there are so many people that are afraid of snakes, it's not a good idea to take a snake out to a public park. But if you have your own back yard, sometimes they really enjoy the fresh air and room to stretch. Just keep a REALLY CLOSE EYE on it. It may not move at firsat, but as soon as you look away - woosh!
>>Sorry so long. Thank you in advance for any help/advice you can give.
Hey, it's always good to see someone doing research before they get a snake. Email me if you want to.
-----
-Irish
Email: animistdragon@sbcglobal.net
AIM: VoodooDragon137
YIM: [same as Email addy]
3.3.1 Ball Pythons
