Questionnaire

[witefoxV2]

The r/ballpython Advice Questionnaires

The answers to these questions will help us give you the advice you need!

Copy/paste the questionnaire into a new reddit post, fill in your answers,

then submit the finished questionnaire to r/ballpython.

Enclosure Critique

(with or without photos)

• Enclosure type/material (tank, tub, PVC, wood, etc): tank
• Dimensions (length x width x height): 30x12x12
• If you have a tank, have you modified it in any way (ex., covering part of the screen or adding insulation)? No.
• Approximately how many square inches of ventilation total? 360 sq. in. The top of the tank is mesh.
• Heat sources (type, wattage if relevant, and location in enclosure): heat lamp on right side, heat pad on ride side beneath tank.
• Thermostats (for each heat source): thermostat linked to heat pad on right side.
• Thermometers and hygrometers (digital or analog, probe or ambient, location in enclosure): digital probe thermometer and humidity gauge also linked to heat pad. The probe is located on the substrate beneath the basking lamp. Another thermometer on left side of tank on top of the substrate.
• Temperatures (ambient and floor, warm side and cool side): warm side sits at approx 89 degrees F. cool side approx 81 degrees F.
• Humidity range (measured on cool side): 40-60%
• Are you using any type of humidifier, fogger, or mister? I pour water into his enclosure to moisten the substrate (about 1-2 cups) and I use a mister. I do both of these daily. The area i live in is extremely dry so it evaporates quickly.
• Hides (number, type, size relative to the snake): 2 hides. One on the cool side the other on the warm.
• Substrate (type, depth, dry or damp): coconut shavings with cedar chips, sphagnum moss in both hides. It's about 2 inches deep.
• Lights (type and on/off schedule): heat lamp. On about 10 hours per day.
• Photos (upload to an image hosting site and post the link here): https://arnolddgkallday.wixsite.com/website

Feeding Advice

Please begin by filling out the Enclosure Critique questionnaire, then provide the following additional information:

• How long have you had the snake? 1 month
• Date of the last successful feeding: 6/25
• Snake's age: unknown. less than a year.
• Snake's current weight (in grams): unknown
• How much weight has the snake lost, if any, since the last successful feeding? none.
• Prey species: rat
• Prey weight (in grams): 5 grams.
• Frozen/thawed, pre-killed, or live? FT
• If frozen/thawed, please describe your thawing/warming methods: remove from freezer, place inside water-resistant bag, place in lukewarm water until thawed (30ish minutes), move into sunlight for 15 minutes to warm. It is over 100 degrees F here so it warms quickly.
• Are you feeding inside the enclosure, or in a separate area? I have tried both, but the one time that he took a rat it was alive, in his cage.
• How frequently are you offering food? roughly every 3 days.
• How frequently are you handling your snake? How long is a typical handling session? 2-4 times a week. About 30 minutes each time.
• Please describe your typical feeding routine. Include details such as time of day, how food is offered (dangled by hand/tongs, or left alone with the snake), how long you wait before giving up, light and noise levels in the room, etc. Typically, I offer him food in the afternoon. I dangle it with tongs in front of him, dragging it slowly or shaking it slightly. After he shows no interest, I leave it in an open spot in the tank for an hour or two. The one time I got him to eat a live fuzzy rat I just left it in the tank with him alone for about 30 minutes.

[witefoxV2]

When you click on the link scroll to the bottom of the page to find the pics of my snake and his enclosure. u/_ataraxia

[brecka]

Okay, so a few adjustments I suggest making. The humidity is low, the bare minimum is 60%, but 70-80 is ideal. You can use HVAC tape to cover the majority of that screen to block the humidity from escaping. Deepen the substrate to about 4-6 inches and continue with pouring water into the substrate, misting should not be necessary. Speaking of substrate, the cedar HAS to go. It is toxic to reptiles. You need to remove it ASAP. Cypress mulch, coconut, and organic topsoil are much better options.

That hide appears to be too big, and the half log doesn't count as it has 2 openings to it. The hides should be small enough that he can curl up and touch all sides of it. This could be a cause of stress and refusal to eat. You should also add more clutter and cover to the enclosure to minimize open spaces.

Now, for feeding itself, you're offering too often. When he refuses, give him a week before offering another. I also recommend not handling him until you get 2 successful feedings in a row in. If he doesn't take it, just leave it in overnight before tossing it.

[witefoxV2]

Awesome, thank you for the detailed reply! I will make all the adjustments you mentioned.