New BP Owner

[New_BP_Guy]

Hello all, after doing a lot of research I have just got my first snake a Ball Python yesterday it is just a baby around 12"s, I have him in a spare 10gal I had that has been scrubbed down and when it grows a little I will be getting a 36Lx18Wx24H terrarium, I live in Mississauga Canada which is pretty close to Toronto so the weather is still quite cool, so I am having some difficulty with humidity, I am using a Heat Lamp and a Cobra 10-20 gal heating mat.

I Just put a towel on the top of about half or more of the screen top, and I am using Zoo-Med Aspen Bedding and I was wondering if I am suppost to completely soak it and then continue you mist it? I have been misting.

Here are a few pics, and I would really like to hear your feed back, I have always wanted a snake but wasnt allowed at the time so I opted for a aquarium and I have seem to do well with that and thought I would get a snake.

I appalogise for the picture quality as these were taken with my 2mp cell phone my good camera is at my friends house.

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[luker3232]

welcome good luck with the BP!

	Ball Python The Ball Python (Python regius), also known as the Royal Python, is a ground dwelling snake native to the savannahs and rain forests in western Africa, predominatly the countries of Ghana, Togo, and Benin.

[dc1]

Don't completely soak it, just play with the amount of misting until you reach desired levels of humidity

[MED04]

Welcome to RTB!!

Congrats on your new pet! I would recommed a 20 gallon tank for the little guy. With such a small tank, it might be dificult to achieve a proper temperature gradient. What temps is the little guy/ gal at now?

From what I can tell, the hides are good. Be very careful with the towel touching the light like that (fire hazzard).

As for the humidity...you don't need to soak the aspen, but mist it a few times a day. You may also want to invest in a better hygrometer. The ZooMed ones are alright, but not accurate 100% of the time.

ETA: Why is the water bubbly?

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[New_BP_Guy]

the hot side is about 90*F and the "cool" side is about 82*f or so...

[dc1]

you gotta be careful about letting your balls get too hot if you ever want to breed.

[New_BP_Guy]

oh the water is bubbly because it has a "built-in" air stone to agitate the water so bacteria doesn't grow in the bowl, and some animals only drink from moving water so it is to help simulate that, and I thought that Freddy would enjoy a jacuzzi

Originally Posted by dc1

you gotta be careful about letting your balls get too hot if you ever want to breed.

Ha ha ha you can take that both ways :P

[TammyJamaica]

Welcome, New BP Guy and Freddy!

It looks to me like you are really trying to provide the best for your snake here. I have glass tanks and mesh tops too but basically about 8/10ths of the top is covered to retain the humidity. However, as I am in Jamaica in the tropics, I do not really have as many heating/humidity problems as those in colder places like you in Mississagua.

Not sure you should have the bubbles, it may prevent him from going in the water to soak when he needs to do so, I think the bubbles may disturb him, maybe I am wrong.

You have come to a good site here with great people who really can help you and know lots more than I do.

Good luck!

	Ball Python The Ball Python (Python regius), also known as the Royal Python, is a ground dwelling snake native to the savannahs and rain forests in western Africa, predominatly the countries of Ghana, Togo, and Benin.

[SoundUnsleep]

Hey, NEW BP Guy! Welcome to RTB. I'm sure you gonna like it here. People here are super nice and helpful, but beware ... the forums are highly addictive.
I totally love that tank. For the next about two months the size is sufficient, since your baby is just a handful of snake, but keep an eye out for that 20gal that Med mentioned. I've been using 10 gal myself for the itsy bitsy ones at first (and still have them around in case of a case!) and with a couple hours worth of effort, re-adjusting heat lamp, UTH dimmer and placing a water bowl in different locations over the UTH you can get it just right.
The towel is screeming for a house fire! Simply drape some aluminum foil over half of the screen lid.
What's your humidity?
The aerator isn't such a good idea, although it looks good. Your BP will need to soak every now and then and BP are a bit skiddish, so the bubbles are just gonna keep it away from the water.

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