New to it all

[JetWrangler]

Just got a new ball from Petco.
Want to know a few things
Humidity, got a lizard fogger to use keeping it right a 30-50% is that good enough?
Temperature, getting a temp controller, want to know precise day and night temps to set it too.
What are some tell tell signs when it is about to strike or bite?
What is a normal breathing pattern fast, slow, how can you teel if its labored?
Took 2 prekilled mice sunday night.
What does husbantry and boils mean? Trying to put a finger on this verbage/slang.
Thanks for any help
This is Stewie (named in honor of family guy)
http://photos-481.facebook.com/n7/091/n6509091_30095481_3924.jpg
http://photos-482.facebook.com/n7/091/n6509091_30095482_5919.jpg

[Ian]

http://newenglandreptile.com/book.html
You may be interested in that book.


Humidity, got a lizard fogger to use keeping it right a 30-50% is that good enough?
I don't aim for precise numbers, but thats my personal feelings on the matter and I have kept snakes my whole life. I would aim for 50-60% generally speaking, but if it seems to moist then you should drop the humidity a bit and raise it if it is too dry.
[/QUOTE]

Temperature, getting a temp controller, want to know precise day and night temps to set it too.
I used to aim for a basking spot of 95, and I don't worry about night drops for pet snakes (ones that aren't breeding). Keep the cool end around 78, but always make sure he can get to a warm spot if he needs to.

What are some tell tell signs when it is about to strike or bite?
All snakes are a bit different in their body language, you have to learn to read them. Generally they "s up", which means they go into an s-shape. However that doesn't mean they will strike when they do that. Most ball pythons don't strike anyway, so you shouldn't worry about it too much.


What is a normal breathing pattern fast, slow, how can you teel if its labored?
Snakes generally breathe quite slowly. However, if its a loud wheeze, then you could have a respiratory infection on your hands and you would want to get it checked by a vet.

What does husbantry and boils mean? Trying to put a finger on this verbage/slang.
Husbandry is the proper care for the snake (housing, food, heat, etc). I have never heard of boils. You will pick up on herp slang pretty quickly, and don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions!
Ian

[ChadRamsey]

you might want to locate a "reptile" vet in your area and take the little guy in for a once over and establish a report with a vet.

Good luck

[Powderfinger]

Also, there are numerous "care sheets" available on various websites (I don't know if the NERD site has one, but many retile sites do) that you should print out and read completely.

Congrats on your new snake!! These things are like potato chips - you can't have just one!!!

;)

[illogik]

Congrats on your new snake!! These things are like potato chips - you can't have just one!!!

;)


you ain't jokin' there bro...