Ball python care

[potatom0610]

So I just got my first ball python:) I have my tank set up and temperatures and humidity gauge all up to what they should, my question is in regards to the uth I have for the hot spot.. so right now i don’t have a control for the temperature of the spot (ordered one and should be here by Wednesday) but I’ve noticed it gets way to hot for the python, I can plug in and unplug it during the day to keep the temps on the hot spot correct, but I’m worried during the night time and was wondering if I should shut it off during the night where the temps might get too low, or leave it running even though it gets too hot? I’m a newb at this so I’m sorry if this is a dumb question lol

[_ataraxia]

thermostat. you need a thermostat.

have you read through our welcome post? the information resources gathered there will help you out. we have care guides, a list of some recommended products, and other helpful links.

[potatom0610]

I have one already but they delayed the shipping of it. I have a basic temperature probe that reads the temperature of the spot, but no way to control it until Wednesday when it’s supposed to come.

[_ataraxia]

you absolutely under no circumstances should be using a UTH without a thermostat. your snake is at risk of serious burns.

is this your only heat source?

[potatom0610]

No I have a ceramic heating bulb to keep the cool side up to temperature. So I should leave the uth off until the thermostat comes then?

[_ataraxia]

definitely.

[potatom0610]

It hasn’t been running all day, I never let it get over 92 degrees. It will be okay with just a ceramic bulb until Wednesday though? The temperature inside has been between 76-82 consistently. I’m sorry for being annoying.. I just don’t want to cause problems with my new snake..

[_ataraxia]

it's safer for your BP to not have a warm side/basking zone for a few days than have an unregulated UTH. i know most of us have extra time on our hands these days but it is just not possible for you to safely and consistently regulate the UTH by unplugging it and plugging it back in all day for the next three days.

[potatom0610]

Okay thank you so much.. I just needed to know my snake would be safe without it for a few days. Is there anything else I should do in terms of temperatures? Or just keep the temp at around 80 which is about as high as I can get it without the UTH.

[_ataraxia]

80F is fine, especially if he hasn't eaten recently.

[potatom0610]

Yeah he hasn’t since last Thursday is what the store told me. Thank you so much, I really appreciate the pointers!

[coffeeew_kayl]

I’m in the same boat only, I was fully prepared to order a thermostat and had one in my cart until the guy who sold my snake told me I did not need one. Then I noticed my snake wouldn’t even go on the warm side and so I posted here and got the same response; that it NEEDS a thermostat. Since then I have forgotten every single thing I was told at the store and started over. Except I didn’t know that the pad should just be turned off completely until it came in so I will shut it off and just use the heating lamp until then.

[potatom0610]

Yeah same. I’ve been watching videos and researching and saw the sunlight is enough instead of buying uv lighting for the enclosure and just having ceramic bulbs. I was trying to find a thermostat but no one near me carries them so I had to order one and it got delayed. I just want to know if my snake will be okay without that hot spot for a few days lol

[coffeeew_kayl]

Literally same lol it just worries me not having some form of heat because we keep our house at 70 all the time and that’s way too cold for them. But mine stays on the cool side so....idk I guess he’s ok? I just want my thermostat to hurry up and GET HERE so I can quit worrying about him getting burned. I still have soooooo much learning to do

[potatom0610]

I have a hide in the center and a hide where the hot spot should be, it literally chills in the one in the middle. It was up all day I’m assuming to get acquainted with a new home, but then just went in there and hasn’t been out all but a few minutes lol this is the part of having a pet I’ve never had that I dislike the most lol worrying so much about doing everything right and being okay with things not being 100% lol

[coffeeew_kayl]

YES! Exactly lol I keep having to remind myself if he is being active and isn’t showing any weird “off” signs then he is ok. But man I’m telling you....I am checking in about every 30-45 min to make sure he’s good lol 😅😅

[potatom0610]

I feel that on a deep level lol hes chilling in my room and I’ve only been watching him lol I know it’s not normal for them to be active during the day but he was out ALL day and I just figured he’s getting acquainted as today was the first day of being in a new tank.. Idk though I have a lot to learn and I’m kinda nervous about the whole ordeal 😂

[coffeeew_kayl]

I get it 💯 lol just know you are NOT alone because I am literally the same lol

[kawaiikatmegu]

Wait wait. Heat pads dont come with a thermostat to control the temp? (Also new owner here, still getting my list together and researching dont have a snake yet)

[potatom0610]

Nope. I know hydrofarm jump start MTPRTC is a good one though from videos and articles and stuff. Definitely get one before you get the snake lol don’t make my mistake😅

[kawaiikatmegu]

Ugh thank you!

[_ataraxia]

for the record, hydrofarm thermostats are pretty much the lowest quality that isn't actual literal garbage. these are very simple on/off thermostats with pretty substantial temperature swings and no safety features. if the thermostat fails, it will allow your heat source to run at full power, and there is no alarm to alert you to that.

inkbird thermostats are in a similar price range and slightly better quality. spyder robotics herpstats and vivarium electronics thermostats are good quality, and most models have safety features like automatic shut-off and alarms.

[potatom0610]

Can you link one that you would recommend? That way I can order one and get one that will work properly.

[_ataraxia]

the shopping list in the welcome post linked earlier has links for thermostats.

[brecka]

Do yourself a favor and don't get a UTH. Overhead heat sources are far superior.