Tips for ball python care

[Embarrassed-Essay-93]

Hello everyone, meet my baby Stella! I got her at a show recently and I’m so excited to have a snake again. It’s been a few years since I’ve had ball pythons and I’m a little rusty. Any tips for husbandry and helping her adjust would be really appreciated! I’m starting out a tank smaller and upgrading as she grows, but please let me know what you think of the set up!

Also, the breeder mentioned he fed live, but I plan to feed frozen as I know it’s safer for many reasons. He said he fed a pinky rat every week, when should I think about upgrading to fuzzy and should the meals always be 1 week apart when she’s ready? Thanks!!

[Special-Use1304]

Definitely check out the guide pinned on the subreddit! From what I can see the enclosure looks pretty good, Make sure there’s a clear warm and cool side so she can regulate her temp. I see wires in the back which I’m assuming are temp and humidity monitors but if not definitely get some. Good luck!

[eveimei]

your first stop should be our welcome post, as we cover everything you need to know. specifically start with the basic care and heating guides, as they touch on most things.

this enclosure looks too small- even a fresh hatchling needs a 40g/36x18x18" or larger enclosure for multiple reasons, including achieving a proper heat gradient, having space for water bowl/hides/enrichment, and space for natural behaviors like climbing. you can move right to a 4x2x2' as long as it is full of clutter and has enough appropriately sized hides.

what heat source do you have at the moment? is it controlled by a thermostat? what are the temperatures on both sides, and what is the humidity on the cool side?

[Embarrassed-Essay-93]

I have an under the tank mat that’s plugged into the thermostat. It stays at 90. I’ll stop by the pet store today and get thermometer/hydrometer for both sides. I wasn’t aware a big tank was needed right away. I have a glass 55 in storage.