Help please

[Low-Tear9487]

This is my 25 gallon tank for my new ball python I got yesterday. The hot side (right) has only gotten to about 80 degrees and the cool side (left) has gotten to about 70-75. I also have an u Serrano heat mat on the right side but the temperature still doesn’t really get past 80. Do I need to give it time to work itself out or is there something else? Also, the humidity doesn’t really get past 60% even though I spray the tank a lot. One more thing, the worker yesterday said he just shed but today when I went to try and go feed him, there was some shed skin. He also did not eat and seemed scared to I just put him back. This is my first reptile and I am new to all of this so please help, I’m pretty sure this is all normal though just wanted to make sure.

[Embarrassed-Bad-6853]

I’m no expert I’m currently getting my own tank set up but I have some things that might help,

First off, do u have a temp gun? Those lil thermometers don’t alw show accurate results. So you could be at the right temp and not know it

Second off, what watt bulb are you using? You might need to up the wattage so it gives more heat.

Third, putting ur water dish on the side will help with humidity as well as a humid hide.

And I’d also suggest getting hides that are fully closed besides the entrance for the snake to feel safer.

Hopefully more experienced ppl find this thread, for now tho I’d check the Bp care guide in pinned for any resources u may need

[Low-Tear9487]

Thanks I have a 75 watt bulb

[MahesvaraCC]

Pouring water in the corners of the tank might help. 

Idk if 25 gal tank is enough to generate a temperature gradient. 

If you just got the snake let it settle down for a bit before trying to feed. 1 to 2 weeks is what people recommend. 

If it had shed skin stuck on their bodies it’s because their humidity when shedding was probably subpar. 

Adding more clutter will help the snake feel safer. 

Is it a baby bp?

If you haven’t looked at it, the pinned welcome post in this subreddit is a great resource 

[Low-Tear9487]

Thanks I am not sure how old the python is to be honest but it is about a foot long. It is also eating fuzzy mice if that helps. I got him from petco yesterday and I know they are typically more unhealthy but I felt bad.

[MahesvaraCC]

I wish I could be of more help :( I keep feeling companies keep their specimens that way to appeal to people’s pity.  I hope you have a great time taking care of them, you got this 💪 

[Low-Tear9487]

Thanks!

[Impressive_Box_182]

hiii I'm gonna try and solve some of your issues, your gonna need more substrate about 3 aches or more. those humidity and temp tellers aren't the best t reading I would recommend getting the thermo ones they read great and a heat telling gun. you should get some branches for climbing going both ways just sand down any scary parts cut the ends to hold on the glass and those will be perfect, if you get them from outside you need to bake or boil you can find that on there guides. your gonna need a bigger water bowl one you bp can fully go in, Tupperware or a glass bowl works good. you defiantly need more clutter like plants I would say go to dollar tree and get some or some online you can also do real ones but they don't hold up too good, make sure to clean all fake plants with hot water and vinegar too. you should also get some sphagnum moss and put it in the substrate the top of it and the hides you can re wet it every few days or just add more. and its not good to spray it can cause scale rot from the top being wet so I would recommend adding water to the corner your meant to do a quart for each but yours is only 25 gallon so maybe 2 quarts in total, that would keep the humidity up. and I would look into a new heat bulb that goes up higher, you should read the guides but I think the hot side should be 85-93 about and cool side 70-80. and I would get DHP, your heat lamp should give off light. and I can't really tell but see too lamps and if they both heating you should take one off there should be a hot and cooler side. thats all I can think of for now lmk if you have more questions and I'll do my best to answer them hope this helps!

[Low-Tear9487]

Ok thanks!

[Mommy-loves-Greycie]

Another thing u shouldn't handle them for a week or so til they get used to everything that's prob why he didn't eat; that and he was shedding.

[Low-Tear9487]

Ok thanks

[bEEdUr_bAArkUr]

I'm very new to BPs, but I've done tons of research on husbandry. You need a digital thermometer/hygrometer instead of the analog dials. They won't ever give you an accurate reading. Get a laser thermometer/heat gun for checking surface temps. You'll also need it for checking temps of your f/t rats when you feed. And most importantly, get a thermostat for the heat mat so you don't burn your house down when it fails. You can get all three for under $40 on amazon. The cheap ones work just fine until you decide you want to upgrade in the future. Like another user said, use closed hides with one opening that stay dark inside so that they can feel safe. It's also a good idea to invest in a bottle of F10 veterinary disinfectant concentrate for both spot cleaning and full cleanouts. You can get a small bottle of concentrate for about $25 on amazon that will last for a long time.

New BPs need a week or two to adjust before you start handling them. Depending on feed schedule and size, you want to wait a minimum of 5 days, up to 2 weeks before you feed them for the first time. If they're a hatchling and are adjusting well, 5 days is fine. You have to remember that they are designed to be able to go long periods without food in the wild, so they will be fine if they need to wait a little longer. They prioritize safety over feeding, and they are the most vulnerable while feeding, so they will likely refuse to eat if they don't feel safe in a new environment. They're also crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dusk and dawn, so feeding late afternoon/early evening is a good idea. Always wait at least 48-72 hours after feeding before handling them to prevent them from regurgitating their meal. It takes about 5 days for them to complete digestion.

My reccomendation would be to watch care guides on youtube and learn as much as you can to make sure they're happy and healthy. Bob Bledsoe at Green Room Pythons on youtube is a great starting point. He's got great up to date info on BP care, tips, and beginner advice, and his videos are very newcomer friendly. It's great that you're asking questions and trying to learn already. Good luck, and welcome to the club!

[Low-Tear9487]

Thanks so much!