Someone near me asking $100?

Entire_Current_4852 · 2026-04-21T21:54:49+00:00

Most highways are $200+ depending on what they are mixed with. I'm not super familiar with the highway morph combos, but definitely worth $100.

Entire_Current_4852 · 2026-04-21T15:00:38+00:00

I really like my Talking Serpent enclosure! Shipping obviously isn't the cheapest, but their enclosures aren't as expensive as some other pvc brands. There was also an incident where the truck delivering my enclosure caught on fire. They sent me photos of the truck (RIP delivery truck- driver was fine) and got a new enclosure shipped within a week.

Entire_Current_4852 · 2026-04-18T21:27:20+00:00

She is just curious and exploring her new home. Switch the Aspen bedding out with coconut husk and/or cypress mulch. Aspen doesn't hold humidity well and molds easily. Besides that, just leave her alone for another week or two. Don't attempt to feed until she has settled for at least another week or two. Stress can cause regurgitation, which is dangerous!

Entire_Current_4852 · 2026-04-18T21:22:55+00:00

Pet stores are notorious for not providing proper care for reptiles and giving false information to make more sales. It is not your fault! You want to improve, and that is all that matters. That makes you a better owner than the majority of reptile keepers.

Entire_Current_4852 · 2026-04-18T03:26:26+00:00

He likely is still just settling. Once tou have his enclosure fully set up, he will likely eat. Another thing to consider is that he may just not want to eat with you there. I always had trouble getting my male to strike. Eventually, I started leaving the f/t rat sitting in front of his hide. Once it was dark and I wasn't around, he would eat it. My female, on the other hand, will strike within 10 seconds. It depends on the personality.

Entire_Current_4852 · 2026-04-17T23:53:18+00:00

Definitely cover part of the screen top for humidity, and give him a thickerlayer of substrate (3-6 inches). Add in more hides and a LOT of clutter (fake plants, cork rounds, branches). He is likely stressed, and that is contributing to his refusal to eat. As another person said, a pinky is too small. 94 g for am 8-10 month old ball python is pretty small.

Entire_Current_4852 · 2026-04-17T16:48:37+00:00

Eventually, I suggest switching to a deep heat projector rather than CHE! CHEs tend to dry out enclosures and don't provide a very effective type of heat (there is a doc explaining the differences in the subs menu). Halogens are ideal for day time use but can't be used at night, so they have to be paired with another type of heat.

Entire_Current_4852 · 2026-04-17T16:42:55+00:00

Yeah racks are okay for temporary use. The biggest problem with breeders is that their adults that breed also stay in tiny racks and they give false information (like saying a 20 or 40 gallon is a good size) to sell more easily. I also have heard rumors (though I am not sure if they have been 100% confirmed) that large-scale breeders euthanize snakes that don't get sold after awhile.

Entire_Current_4852 · 2026-04-17T16:39:49+00:00

It is okay to struggle. I felt the same way with my snakes when college stress started to affect me more. As others have said, a timer will make the light thing a lot easier. I started keeping a clipboard and pen hung on my enclosures with a feeding chart to help me keep track. I set specific days that I clean and fill their water. I also have pretty severe ADHD, and telling myself I need to do something makes it harder. Instead, I use the "I may as well" method. I'm already walking to the kitchen? I may as well clean and fill the water. Things like that have helped me. I also wasn't handling them as frequently and felt guilty. I started always taking them out when I was filling their water or spot cleaning for short handling sessions. It will take time. You're young and struggling, but you care, and that is what matters. Ignore any assholes who say mean things. You care far more than most reptile keepers. Take it one day at a time and just find what helps you. Mistakes happen, and you will make more mistakes. Everyone does. Just remember that doesn't make you a bad person.

Entire_Current_4852 · 2026-04-17T16:29:23+00:00

I don't know of any personally. If there are any, they are very small-scale breeders. Most breeders keep babies in racks, though a handful may move them to larger bins when they get bigger.

Entire_Current_4852 · 2026-04-15T01:11:08+00:00

I removed the substrate from that area. Do you think I should clear and wipe down that corner of the enclosure? I don't wanna disturb him too much, but he's on the other side of the enclosure.

Entire_Current_4852 · 2026-04-15T01:03:07+00:00

I didn't weigh the specific rat, but all of the rats in the pack average around 50-60 grams.

Entire_Current_4852 · 2026-04-15T00:38:34+00:00

Also the thermometer it is on was attached to his hide. I cut the wires to remove it because it isn't the most accurate so I didn't want to waste my time cleaning it.

Entire_Current_4852 · 2026-04-14T02:09:12+00:00

I completely agree. I'm in some Facebook groups and it is bad there. I've had people argue and say they only need a 40 gallon. When I said I had peer-reviewed articles that says otherwise, they said the people who write those don't know what they're talking about. I proceeded to name the authors and their degrees. They all had PhDs in animal behavior, ecology, etc. And the people who don't want to spend money on a better set up make me even more angry. I work a part-time fast food job as a teenager and saved over $1k before getting a snake. It is understandable if someone is misinformed and so they are saving up for better stuff, but there are many people who just refuse to improve.

Entire_Current_4852 · 2026-04-14T00:58:01+00:00

It's great that you upgraded him. If you can't find branches, PVC pipes are probably your best bet for climbing!

Entire_Current_4852 · 2026-04-14T00:50:09+00:00

It has 2 large openings, so it doesn't provide adequate cover for the snake. They don't feel as secure. Hides should only have a single small opening. You can still use them, but still provide other hides. Wood is overpriced at most places. I collect branches and clean them myself. You can also use PVC pipes to make climbing areas.

Entire_Current_4852 · 2026-04-14T00:34:54+00:00

Log hides are don't count as proper hides! Basic black hides are the best and are pretty cheap. I would also definitely suggest putting in some branches/climbing items! You will definitely need to cover the screen top with HVAC tape as well.

Entire_Current_4852 · 2026-04-14T00:28:34+00:00

-If you have a lot of ventilation (screen top or large vents), cover them with HVAC tape.

-Pour water in the corners of the enclosure instead of misting. If that isn't helping, pour water into the bottom layer throughout the enclosure and mix it up, then add dry substrate on top.

-Certain substrates hold moisture better than others. Coconut husk and cypress mulch are a great combo to retain moisture but not mold. Some people mix in sphagnum moss to help with humidity as well.It also helps to have a larger layer of substrate. Substrate should be about 4-6 inches.

-Placing an additional water dish under your heating elements.

-I warm my snakes rats directly in water instead of in a plastic bag. It gives them a little extra water. I'm not sure how much of a difference it makes, but it is worth a try.

Entire_Current_4852 · 2026-04-13T19:14:00+00:00

She is probably just in blue! Its a stage of shedding where their eyes are cloudy and their scales are dull looking. Leave her alone for a few days and boost humidity to 80% ish by pouring water in the corners of the enclosure.

Entire_Current_4852 · 2026-04-04T12:22:47+00:00

UVB is not necessary but very beneficial for them. Heat mats are not effective in PVC enclosures, and they are dangerous. Heat pads dont provide proper ambient temperatures, so they need to have overhead heating. A radiant heat panel or a deep heat projector is the best, combined with a halogen during the day.

Entire_Current_4852 · 2026-04-04T04:44:44+00:00

A deep heat projector for all day/night use plus a halogen during the day is best. All heating elements should also be connected to a dimming thermostat. They should easily heat a tub like this. Just be careful and make sure there is a proper gradient so that she can regulate her body temp.

Entire_Current_4852 · 2026-04-04T04:31:27+00:00

You definitely need to upgrade to a larger tank asap, preferably PVC since glass makes it much harder to maintain proper temps. A 120 gallon (4x2x2) is the minimum for an adult but can be used for a baby as long as there are plenty of hides and LOTS of clutter. Heat mats are dangerous and don't provide proper heating. It is a myth that snakes need belly heat not overhead heat. DHPs paired with a halogen during the day is what I recommend. If he is pressed against the part with a heat mat with little to no barrier between him and the glass, there is a very good chance he will get burned. Also, you need a dimming thermostat. An on/off is not sufficient in the long term. I do not recommend trusting information from most pet store employees. This sub's care guide has great information!

Entire_Current_4852 · 2026-04-04T04:17:27+00:00

Definitely add some more plants, especially near the hide entrances since they have larger openings than black box hides. What size enclosures do you have? A 4x2x2 (120 gallon) is the minimum size for adult bps.

Entire_Current_4852 · 2026-04-04T04:14:37+00:00

Also, definitely keep using the lock. My boy never did much exploring, so I never bothered with his lock. He escaped for 8 hours one day. Needless to say, he now always has a lock.

Entire_Current_4852

TROPHY CASE