Help Needed Please

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Posted by kith on May 12, 2003 at 19:17:21:

In Reply to: Help Needed Please posted by BenSambrook on May 12, 2003 at 18:28:33:

Unless you happen to keep your house 80 degrees just because, you will need an undertank heater. The 2.5 foot tank sounds like a 20 gallon tank. I have an 9 month old that loves to inspect the top of her 20 gallon, so keep the light outside of the tank. I also have a heat light (deep red) that I use at night to suppliment my undertank heater. The basking light should not be on more than 12 hours a day.

How large is the 18 month old snake? You might want to figure out its size to see if it has any health problems. Most of the people on here probably know better than I do about minimum size for an 18 month old ball that has been healthy and well cared for. That might give you a good indicator of the snakes general health.

I have found that many pet store people seem knowledgable simply by acting confident. Most of them don't know any better, especially with snakes.

Kith

:Hi Guys

:I have put a deposit on an 18 month old ball today (my 1st) - I am just waiting until the vivariums come in. The guy in the shop has recommended a vivarium that is about 2.5ft long (0.75metres I think) and is fairly shallow and has said that this will last for the whole of its life. I am new to this but this did seem a bit small for a snake that could grow up to 4-5 foot. He has also recommended just using a lamp instead of heat pads for providing the warmth. I asked if the snake would burn itself but he said that they will not venture that high (bear in mind that he has recommended a fairly shallow cage). I have just read a care sheet off the net and it said that pythons are very susceptible from burns off these types of lamps.

:I have ordered The Ball Python Manual by P. de Vosjoli which I have been told is very good but I just wondered what your opinions would be on this stuff. The guy in the shop seemed pretty knowledgeable but I thought I ought to get more than one opinion as I am just starting out. Finally in the care sheet I read about it mentioned Inclusion Body Diesease which it said is always lethal in pythons. Is there any way of telling if a snake is affected or not (the snake I am buying is captive bred).

:Thanks in advance for any help and thanks for those who helped me out before with my last post.

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