Info on Ball Pythons?

[Black_Panther]

I'm thinking about getting a reptile; perhaps a skink, but snakes are really cool, too. I'm looking for a relatively friendly snake that can live in a 30 or 40 gal. glass terrarium and does not reach a potentially dangerous size. I heard that Ball Pythons are good, but I don't know anything about them. What is their max. size, temperament, upsides/downsides?

[VI Reptiles]

they are usually are about 3-5 ft but 6 ft is the max! There tempermant is excellent and they will stay on your lap, around your neck or where else you want to put them providing your around. There also a bit timid but you can work with that. There is practically no downsides except alot of them are brought in from africa and have parasites and other things you dont want to deal with. If you want to have a healthy one get it from a breeder. The upsides are that they are small, easy care, dont move fact and have a good temperment. Also there are ALOT of ball python morphs. CAUTION!!!! They are extremely addicting so you will want more and more :)

[Artemis]

BPs are an awesome animal to work with, but they have a lot of very specific husbandry requirements that must be met in order to maintain their health. They are explained in detail in one of the first threads in this forum, the ball python FAQ thread.

They do have a good temperment, but are notorious for being picky feeders, a problem complicated if their husbandry requirements are not met, and can be frustrating for first time keepers.

One of the great things about a ball python is its relatively small size, and it is typically as a species quite calm. Handling is good but should be in short, infrequent sessions, for the health of the animal. Over handling (and this is true of all snakes) can stress the snake out and lead to respiritory infections and additional feeding issues.

Do a few web searches for ball python care sheets, and if you think you can meet the needs of the animal with your budget and time commitment (snakes live a LONG time if properly cared for) then go for it.

A lot of people like corn snakes and Boa Constrictors as first snakes, also.

Let us know if you have more specific questions :)

Artemis