No way to guess at what went wrong with your first BP w/o more detailed info.



Just make sure you go with captive bred from a reputable breeder.



Get at least a fecal done from a vet.



Be sure you have proper temps: 90 on warm side and 80-85 on cool side. A night time drop in temps is not required, but if they do drop don't let them drop below 75 degrees - 72 at the most. Get a UTH for heat on the warm side set on a thermostat to regulate temps. Put a thermometer on each side to measure the 2 different temps. Measure temp on surface of warm side and near the bottom on the cool side.



Also add a hygrometer to measure humidity. 50-60% is ideal and up to 70% during shed. Be aware that maintaining proper temps and humidity in a tank can be difficult and may require extra work. There are many methods to make it work, but know that it may take some time and patience to find the method that works for you.



Avoid cedar substrate. If you go with a lose substrate feed in a separate container.



Have at least 1 hide on the warm side (over the UTH) and at least one hide on the cool side. Put a water dish in there also. Make sure hides and water dish aren't too big. They like hides that make them feel secure so that when they are in them they can ball up and feel the sides - nice and snug.



Add a branch or two for climbing and so that your BP has something to rub on during shed.



Put the tank in a low traffic area.



Light is not important to your BP - only to you. If you add light so that you can see maintain a proper photoperiod - don't leave the lights on 24/7.



Get your tank set up and get temps and humidity correct before bringing your BP home. Maybe even post a pic for input once it's set up.



Once bought leave it alone and don't handle for about a week - it will be hard. you want to give it a chance to settle in.



Don't handle for 2-3 days after feeding or when in shed.



Feed it an appropriate sized meal (as wide as the widest part of its body) every 5-7 days. Try to get eating FT as soon as possible - safer for your snake.



It's a personal choice as to what sex you get. I love my little male - hasn't gone of feed or presenting me with any problems. Some do, some don't. It's normal for them to go off feed. Just keep regular weights on them - if they start losing weight see a vet.



Read a ton of caresheets



Ask a bunch of questions



Be ready for a 15 year commitment.



Enjoy!
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1.0 Ball Python "Aragorn"

1.0 Kenyan Sand Boa "Gimli"

0.1 Australian Cattle Dog/Pointer "Kira"

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