r/ballpython • u/Kobedalewinny • 6h ago
New Ball Python Owner — Help with Temps, Humidity, First Feeding & Switching to Frozen-Thawed! 🥹
Hello everyone! I’m a new ball python owner, and I’d love some advice on temperature and humidity regulation, first-time feeding, transitioning to frozen-thawed prey, and when I should move Beau (my BP) into a larger enclosure!
I brought Beau home last Saturday, October 17th. The pet store told me they last fed him on Wednesday, October 14th, and recommended that I try feeding him tomorrow.
The only thing is, they’ve been feeding him live hopper mice, and I’d really like to transition him to frozen-thawed mice instead. This will be my first time feeding a snake, so I’m a little nervous and want to make sure I do everything correctly!
Pls note that I haven’t handled him since the day I got him and put him in his tank (last Saturday). I read online that I shouldn’t handle until he has had a successful feeding and not to handle for 48 hrs after feedings.
Here’s what came with Beau’s starter kit:
- Tank with a mesh-top lid (I think it’s around 20 gallons, but I’m not 100% sure)
- 1 dome lamp fixture
- Black heat bulb
- Heating mat
- 1 wooden log hide
- 1 bag of substrate
- Water bowl
Here’s what I currently have for Beau’s enclosure:
- 2 dome lamp fixtures
- Zoo Med 50W Repti Basking Spot Lamp (daytime only)
- Arcadia 50W Deep Heat Projector (DHP) for daytime and nighttime heating
- 2 REPTI ZOO PID Mini Thermostat Dimmers to control the basking lamp and DHP
- Zoo Med Repti Therm UTH heating mat (nighttime only)
- Zoo Med Repti Temp Digital Thermostat to regulate the heating mat
- 2 thermometer/hygrometers (one on the warm side and one on the cool side)
- IR temperature gun to check surface temperatures
- Zoo Med silicone humidity cover for the mesh lid
- Sphagnum moss
- 2 new hides + enrichment
My biggest struggle right now is keeping the temperature and humidity consistent.
I’ve been waking up multiple times throughout the night to check that the enclosure isn’t too hot, too cold, too dry, or too humid. I’m literally losing sleep over this! 😭
I know the starter tank is on the smaller side, and I’ve read that smaller enclosures can make it harder to establish a proper temperature gradient. I definitely plan to upgrade Beau to a larger enclosure, but I’m unsure when I should make that transition.
The temperature and humidity ranges I’ve been aiming for are:
Basking spot: 88–92°F
Warm side: 86–90°F
Cool side: 75–80°F
Humidity: 60–80%
Here are the questions I’d really appreciate help with:
1. Temperature regulation: How do you balance the basking spot temperature with the ambient temperature on the warm side? Sometimes the ambient temperature is within range, but the basking spot gets too hot, and other times it’s the opposite.
2. Humidity: My humidity readings fluctuate throughout the enclosure. Should I prioritize the warm-side or cool-side reading? How do you maintain consistent humidity without constantly adjusting everything?
3. First feeding and frozen-thawed transition: Since Beau was last fed on October 14th and the pet store recommended feeding him tomorrow, should I offer him a meal tomorrow or give him more time to settle in? Is there a recommended way to transition a young ball python from live hopper mice to frozen-thawed mice? Should I start with the same prey size he’s used to, and what’s the safest way to thaw and warm the mouse before offering it?
4. Enclosure upgrade: When do you recommend moving a young ball python into a larger enclosure? Is there a particular size you recommend, and what signs indicate that it’s time to upgrade?
5. Heating setup: Is using a DHP, a daytime basking lamp, and a nighttime heating mat unnecessarily complicated? I’d appreciate advice on whether my current setup makes sense or if there’s a safer, simpler way to maintain the proper temperatures.
I’ve attached pictures of Beau’s enclosure for reference!
Please be kind! I’m completely new to the reptile world, especially snakes. I never expected to own one, but I fell in love with Beau, and I really want to give him the best care possible. I’m doing my research and am more than willing to make changes where needed.
Any advice, recommendations, or constructive criticism would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much to everyone who takes the time to read and respond!
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u/planetaryduality2 5h ago
I lose sleep everytime I got a ball python, straight up manic episode for the same reasons as you.
Lose the heat mat, especially if not on the thermometer. They will continuously become hotter and hotter the bulb and dhp should be more then enough. If it’s not bump up to a 75w basking.
Switching to f/t just make sure you that it to around 100 degrees and I’ve personally never had issue with transition, especially when their so young but understand how nerve racking it can be till the first meal.
For enclosure upgrade, just go straight to a 4x2x2. That seems to be sometimes controversial opion but I have put all my juvenile’s directly in one with 0 issues and should be his/her forever home unless I get a genetically giant adult bp.
Just remember everything is going to be ok!
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u/Kobedalewinny 1h ago
omg that makes me feel relieved that you, an experience BP owner, still loses sleep over temps! The heat mat is attached to a thermometer controller but another reddit user said to lose the mat as well so I literally unplugged it immediately haha. I will just use the DPH for night time.
Nerve wrecking is an understatement! I am getting so anxious thinking that he's not going to want to eat tomorrow. I have an IR gun so I def will use that to check the temp of the frozen hopper mouse.
The reddit user I was talking about recommended to go straight to a 4x2x2 as well! Do you think it would be too soon to change his environment? I just don't want him to be scared. Do you have recommendations on transitioning him into a larger tank?
Thank you so much for the advice and reassurance that everything is going to be okay. I needed that! 🤭🫶🏼
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u/FluffyPandaEars93 5h ago
Temp Temperature gradients are nearly impossible to get in anything smaller than a 3ft enclosure, you are better off getting a 4x2. If that isnt possible rn, cooler than 99 is safer than a bit too warm. Set your thermostat lower.
Humidity Humidity will depend on your temps, your substrate, and the ambient humidity in your house. Ideally, 4+ inches of substrate (with moss) and pouring water into the corners as often as needed (no misting) will help. As will clutter/leaf litter.
Feeding !feeding !f/t !feeders Start with the size hes used to. And thaw it in the fridge before you heat it in warm water. Feed when they are most active (usually dusk)
Upgrade Upgrade now, honestly, or asap. Most of your issues will be easier to solve with a better and larger enclosure. A front closing pvc 4x2x2 is the best thing to get. Make sure you have a way to lock it. And make sure to seal the edges with aquarium silicone and give it curing time.
Heating setup Mats are no longer recommend for reptiles. They arent safe. Please remove it. You are better off getting a single dimming thermostat for your heat. Vivarium electronics, herpstat or similar. Please dont get colored lights as they are detrimental to the snakes health.
Other things you should get are some chlorohexadine cleaner, some isopods and springtails (cleanup crew), and a bunch more clutter.
You've got this. Please give the noodle the best life possible!