need info on ball pythons

[be4rdeddr4gon]

Hey i am looking forward to getting a ball and i don't know much about them and will welcome any info on them

[Albert Clark]

Its great that you have been looking forward to getting a ball python. The best advice i can give you is to do your research first and look at getting a copy of " The ball python manual" for starters. They are a very rewarding species to keep but the husbandry and your education on them will prove beneficial if you hold off and learn as much as you can b4 purchasing a animal.

[Captain837]

There is plenty of info on husbandry for ball pythons out there. Mr. Google is your friend. Just make sure a Ball python is the snake for you. There are many different species of snakes out there and all of them have their quirks as well a redeeming qualities. Ball pythons are no different.

[dannybgoode]

What attracts you to a ball?

Nice enough snakes and they have plenty of fans but as per the captain there's loads of options out there...

[Aaron_S]

Hey i am looking forward to getting a ball and i don't know much about them and will welcome any info on them

Tell us what you know and we'll assist with helping you sort out the bullshit you've been told/read and the good advice.

[REM955]

Let me add this in to start as I have been a bit curious so criticize me as well.
Thoughts on starting here?
Care Sheet - Python regius - World of Ball Pythons (http://www.worldofballpythons.com/python-regius/care-sheet/)
And adult cage size: I see it ranging from 15, 20, and 30 gallons. I did think I saw somewhere that 3ftx2ftx1ft is fine, but that seems a bit cramped, though not arboreal.

[Captain837]

Ball pythons live in termite mounds most of their lives in the wild which is why some say they do ok in seemingly small enclosures. Some have actually said they have seen them stress out in enclosures deemed too large. I personally keep out 3 adults in 12" tall x 20" deep x 48" long. Ours seem just fine in there. Most important in regards to construction of the enclosure is they need a hide. This brings me to the next part.
Most will say you need 2 hides, one on the hot side and 1 on the cold side. If they are in opaque tub systems they may not need a hide at all. If they are in a glass tank with a wide temp range they will need 2 hides so they never have to sacrifice comfort for temp. Our cages don't have much of a thermal gradient so they seem fine with 1 hide. Again, you need to look at the individual animals. If they are eating well, shedding in one piece and not having health issues, they are likely not stressed.
As far as temp goes, hot spot of 90 cool spot in the low 80's works for us.
In regards to humidity, we have had the best luck keeping them at 60-70%. We bump it to the 70% range when they are in shed. Higher humidity can be tolerated but you want to ensure good ventilation as high humidity and poor ventilation can cause respiratory issues.

This is what we have learned through experience with our bp's. There may be other opinions on the subject as there is often more than 1 way to skin a cat.

[macandchz]

to me, the hardest part of keeping a ball is their finicky eating habits. some are real good about eating, but others go on hunger strikes that doesn't sit well with owners like me that feel they'll starve if they don't eat! they can go long periods without eating though.