possible owner

[-torch-]

im thinking of getting a ball python in the future, weather its near or not. and ive read through sum of the forms and sum care sheets. but was wondering from everyones own opinion. if i were to go out right now and buy everything needed to take care of a ball python from young to adult whats everything i would need and possibly how its setup? and size of tank that would be good for both so theres no need to buy or create 2 or more. just very interested in owning one but want to do more research from ppls own experinces. thanks

[reptiles4me]

Well first you need the enclosure. I use aquariums but there are a lot of people who use Rubbermaid tubs. I don't know how to set those up so I'll stick with the tanks. For an adult you need at least a 40 gallon breeder. You could probably house a juvie in a tank that size but you'll need to fill the tank with hides and cover. BPs stress easily when there's a lot of open space in their enclosure.

So if you start with a 40 gallon...You'll need at least two hides, one on the warm side and one on the cool side. You want to give the snake safe options so it's more apt to thermoregulate. If you do go with a smaller size snake and a larger size tank, the more hides the better.

You'll also need a water bowl big enough for your snake to soak in. Mine don't usually soak, but some will when going into shed.

You'll also need a way to measure temps, such as a temp gun, digital thermometer, etc. I wouldn't bother with any of the stick on dials or strip thermometers they sell in the pet stores. Their temps can be off by a lot. You can go to Walmart and get a digital thermometer for about $12.

And you need to figure out your heat source. I use an under tank heater (UTH) on the warm side for heat 24/7. I also have a low watt white light that I turn on during the day. Regardless of how you heat, you need to provide a hot side (92 F) and a cool side (82 F). At night you'll need 82F. You'll want to get a thermostat if you decide to go with the UTH, since they can get pretty hot and you don't want to burn your snake, which leads to...

Substrate...that's more of a personal choice. I use carpet, since it's easy to clean and provides a buffer between the UTH and the snake. People use aspen, newspaper, paper towel, and linoleum remnants.

Phew...I think that's it. It's good you're researching first. Just by that alone I think you'd probably be a great BP owner lol.

[kronic2005]

I prefer to keep them in rubbermaids. They tend to hold humidity better, is less stressful for your snake and its alot cheaper than buying a tank to fit your bp's needs. For substrates im trying cypress mulch and Aspen right now. Both are working great, I find aspen doesnt hold humidity as long as cypress mulch does. Its really just preference. Carpet, newspaper and towels are another good choice. Rubbermaids arnt as bad looking as everyone would think. I can clearly see my snake inside when hes roaming around, To me its no different than a tank. Besides its much cheaper, easier to clean and overall just better, just my opinion though.

If your starting off with a juvy, 14-18 inches, you can start off with a shoesized (or a little bigger) rubbermaid. Once they are 20"+ i usually switch them to somethign along the lines of 26x15x12 (45L tub). Once they reach the 30"+ i put them in a 90L tub approx 36x16x14. Those previous containers used for juvies, gets used for, well..... more juvys. Balls are addictive, you can never have just one.