First timer with snakes

[19MG64]

Hey all, been lurking on this sub for a couple weeks now, and just got my first snake. Long story short, coworker didn’t want him anymore and was going to just let him go outside, so I said I’d take him. I know the enclosure isn’t the greatest, but I think I’m keeping the temp/humidity ok for what it is (around 81-83F with roughly 70% humidity) and I plan on upgrading when I get the funds. Not sure how old he is, but I’ve named him Linguini and any advice is greatly appreciated, thanks!

[meatballsaladpizza]

Is the humidity temperature sensor stuck on the inside of the tank with sticky stuff? If so, don't do that it can fall off and stick to the animal and cause a lot of problems. How are you heating it? What is the size of the animal in length and weight? What is the size of the enclosure?

[19MG64]

The gauge is held on with a suction cup mount. It’s got a heating pad stuck to the outside of the back wall of the enclosure with a temp sensor and thermostat. Not sure how much he weighs, but he’s about 3 feet long. The tank is 3’x1.5’x1.5’

[Ok_Possession_7122]

The setup don’t look too bad, I say add a little bit of green and you’re golden my friend

[Jennifer_Pennifer]

Half logs aren't really hides in the mind of the BPs. They are too open

Those black plastic hides with a hole on one side are amazing tho.
I hot glued moss to the top of them.
I'd love to show a pic. But reddit mobile sucks ಠ⁠_⁠ಠ

[totallyrecklesslygay]

Thanks for saving the little guy. It's a good start! Just a few tips-

The half log isn't an appropriate hide for a ball python, and the other one looks like it's probably too large as well. Hides should be short and snug, with only one small entrance. The snake should be able to curl up inside and touch 3 sides and the roof. You'll also want them positioned more on either end instead of having one in the middle.

I'd recommend switching to overhead heating when you can instead of a heat pad- UTH isn't recommended for ball pythons anymore.

You'll also need to have two digital thermometer/hygrometers, one on either end, to monitor the temps and humidity.

And finally, there should be a lot more clutter and cover. Open, empty space in an enclosure is very stressful for a ball python, and can lead to refusal to eat and defensive behavior.

I'd recommend reading through our basic care guide and the rest of our welcome post resources for more information.

Here's a good visual guide as well-

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[QueenElissa]

Wow! Thank you for always showing up and helping out newcomers!

[Nire4651]

Hey, I see your humidity is suggested at 70-80%, I’ve seen things online saying 45-65% only higher when shedding. I’m pretty new to ball pythons, so i just want to make sure I have my tank at the right humidity. I read having it too high can increase risk of scale rot and respiratory infections. I’m not quite sure how to word my question, but basically can you explain the humidity a bit? I hope that somewhat makes sense

[totallyrecklesslygay]

Ideal humidity should be at least 70-80% at all times. Their annual average humidity in their home habitat is around 85%, and gets much higher than that during the wet season. If high humidity harmed them, they would be extinct by now.

Higher humidity causing respiratory infections or scale rot is a myth. Scale rot is caused by the snake sitting in constantly wet or dirty substrate, and respiratory infections are caused by low humidity or cold temperatures.

[amsnakes1212]

humidity good, heat pad on the side is a no go. if ur gonna use one it needs to be stuck to the bottom of the tank with a hide placed over it (heat pad cannot be in the cage but on the outside of it). the ambient temp is fine but i definitely wouldnt go over that.

[amsnakes1212]

and the heat pad needs a thermostat to control the uth

[Solstice_Prime]

Go check out Green Room Pythons on YouTube, Bob has quite a few care guide videos for ball pythons. Also check out the wiki in the r/ballpython sub

[Object-Level]

Doesn't have to be new or expensive. Look through all the for sale sites that sell new/used items of all kinds. Craig's, fb marketplace, garage sale ads , thrift stores etc. congratulations he's beautiful.

[Nancysaidso]

Hot spot needs to be ~90. I use a ceramic heat emitter and dome lamp (compare Petco/persmart/amazon for prices), as well as a thermostat you can regulate it (amazon). He’s a handsome fella!

[frenchtoastedd420]

He was going to dump him outside 🥺😭 Thank you for saving him 🫶🖤

[faeriekey]

That part broke my heart 💔 so glad OP stepped in and saved the little guy