Am I ready for a Ball Python?

[ErikBush97]

Hi, everyone. I am fifteen years old, and my love for snakes is getting bigger every day! I got my first snake around four, or five months ago (25-30" long, Female, North Western Garter Snake), and I'd love to get a Ball Python soon. I feel like I'm ready for a bigger snake, and I can afford to take on another snake. However, I have only been handling my first snake for a few months. I would not want to rush into getting another pet that I can't provide the proper care for. I'd love to hear other peoples opinions on whether or not you think someone who's been handling one snake for five months is ready to take on another. Also, If you believe that it would be appropriate for me to get a Ball Python, I'd love tips on care for them. I mean, I know how to care for one, but, I'd love some tips and advice, anyways :)

Thanks for your time!

[possum]

I don't know that a ball python is such a great choice, though many others seem to think so? They need much higher temperatures, and can be very fussy feeders, especially when they get to around 2 years old. I'm not saying they aren't beautiful and for the most part, docile...& they stay a nice size. The best snake is the one you really truly want anyway, as that's the one you'll pour your heart into taking proper care of...and we don't all like the same things, you know?

I've kept a number of ball pythons, some were rescues (adults that other ppl no longer wanted) and some I got as hatchlings & raised. After having them (tolerating their quirks) for years, I re-homed them all, as I just enjoy other kinds of snakes more. Things like corn & ratsnakes, kingsnakes and bull/pine/gopher snakes make easier pets, and are more active. Some people joke & call BPs "pet rocks"...but I'm not here to bash them, just give you a realistic idea of what to expect. I also enjoy my Australian spotted python...she is roughly the size of a small adult corn snake, but loves to bask on her branches at night & has never refused food. As I think back on when I was new to keeping snakes, the most frustrating ones were those that refused to eat. It's true we learn from such experiences, but many keepers also lose interest, or get tired of throwing away the food they bought for the snake. I should also mention that for all their feisty feeding habits, the other kinds I mentioned are all quite nice to handle without biting, and they take frozen thawed prey easily. Ball pythons may insist on their prey having lifelike warmth, & some hold out for only live, so think about convenience also: when snakes readily take frozen/thawed, you can keep a small supply of the right sized rodents in your freezer. Depending where you are, some petstores/suppliers run short of rodents now & then, especially in the summer. If you are feeding a BP that wants live, it could be a problem. Also, think about how cold your house gets in winter, since it will be that much harder to keep the cage temperatures up for a ball python.

I know when I first got into snakes, I looked at every picture & writeup I could find & fell in love with most of them, LOL! Now that I've been keeping numerous kinds for many years, I find I enjoy those the most that have relatively easy care, and "personality" (I like nosy snakes that watch me like I watch them!) as well as cool appearances. Appearance is to me the least important, because after a while, it's just like wearing the same shirt everyday...no matter how screamin' the color & pattern is, your eyes will want to look at different stuff. Milksnakes for example have awesome colors if you just want a snake to look at: when it comes to handling they tend to be nervous, hard to hold & like (need!) to hide. They aren't inclined to bite, but if you want a snake to handle they aren't the best. So really think about what YOU want from the snake you choose to keep... I've enjoyed doing some educational programs with the snakes I keep...so I like snakes that are big enough to impress but still easy to manage. Typical ratsnakes are about 6' as adults. Captive bred hatchlings are reasonable prices, good feeders, very tamable & fun to watch them grow...some change colors (like Everglades ratsnakes change from dull brownish to screamin' orange with yellow chins) Plainer looking Bairds ratsnakes are grayish/gunmetal color, with yellow/orange between the scales (neat up close) but they are very easy-going pets. Anyway, I'll quit before your brain explodes...so many choices!

[Centexsnakes]

I think the fact you are asking if you are ready is a good sign! Ball pythons are not to hard to care for, but my first question is are you ready for a creature that can live for 25+ years?, will you be able to care for it when your off to collage in 3-4 years, or when your working two jobs at 25, to pay rent? They are great pets and all I want I you to do is think into the long term, I had to learn the hard way, it can be difficult! Best of luck and I hope you keep us updated!!

[valid]

Sand Boas are also a good introductory snake. They stay small and don't have high humidity needs. My sand boa is completely docile, yet active enough to keep me interested. My boa eats like a champ, I have never had a problem, and I got mine at a very young age. (around 7 inches) I have heard that some can be finicky eaters.
On the flip side My milk snake was a pain in the butt to get for me, and I still have to cover the tank etc. Or he'll start to eat and spit it back out if I do anything stupid like move or breathe when he is trying to eat.

I'm not saying you shouldn't get a BP, as you do seem to have experience (which is more than can be said about some people) - Just keep in mind there are lots of options c:

[Terranaut]

The real question is can you afford the initial cost. If you buy a front opening snake viv and heat it with Flexwatt on a thermostat then yes, you can easily take care of one. But if you buy an aquarium with a heat lamp you will constantly be on here asking what is wrong. Buy the right setup and care is very easy.

[Starbuck]

i agree with possum (and terra); the best snake for you is the one you really want... and the most expensive part is going to be getting your initial set up together.
I would also recommend looking into spotted or childrens pythons; they may be a little harder to find, but are fairly easy introductory snakes (i have never kept either of these species, thats just what i have heard). I would also recommend looking into corn snakes, or gopher/bull snakes; as these both get pretty big, and you will have time to grow with the snake. Kings are another option, but tend to have very strong feeding responses haha, other than that they are awesome, my two kings are very very active, beautiful animals. Best of luck!

[Valvaren]

I also want to just chime in about the looking towards your future part. I got my first snake when I was 18-19, I was already on on my own and had been for awhile so I knew what I could afford and couldn't. Things were fine until it got to the point I had to move, my fiancee was moving to go to school and we had planned to go with him. This was something we knew for awhile and only briefly touched on before getting Brood. Now finding a place was really rough, heck you could say we never found a suitable place since (I don't want to go into that here) anyway we did end up moving. Now i'm 23, I love my kids and i'll never give them up for anything unless its for the better for them.

I realize now, I don't get to visit home (which really doesn't bother me) because I don't have anyone I can trust to watch the kids, I don't know if or when i'll get to vacation because of the same reasons. My oldest is only 3 and I have others. 3 years out of 30-40.

You're fifteen do you really know where you'll be when your 18-19? or when you're 23? If my life had been different I would have been in university still and I don't know if I would have even gotten Brood.

[ErikBush97]

Hey, Possum! I just read your reply, and I really love how informative you were! I definitely think about what you've said :) And I live in Oregon. It's almost always cold here, so I would definitely have a harder time keeping a Ball Python at the right temperature 24/7! Again... Thanks for the reply! :)

[ErikBush97]

I think the fact you are asking if you are ready is a good sign! Ball pythons are not to hard to care for, but my first question is are you ready for a creature that can live for 25+ years?, will you be able to care for it when your off to collage in 3-4 years, or when your working two jobs at 25, to pay rent? They are great pets and all I want I you to do is think into the long term, I had to learn the hard way, it can be difficult! Best of luck and I hope you keep us updated!!

Hi! Thanks for the reply! I have definitely thought about all that, and I have the money to care for a snake, and I think I would be able to support a Ball Python for 25+ years. I will be starting collage when I'm 16 (next year), And I have about $5,000 in my bank, that's dedicated to absolutely nothing specific. so if I needed to, I could use some of that cash,for my Python, if keeping a Ball Python gets expensive at times. Anyways, I feel that I am ready, I am educated on how to care for a Ball Python, and I can afford it. I just needed to know if people would recommend it for someone with the amount of experience I have.

[LadyWraith]

IMO, BPs are fairly easy to keep as long as you've done your homework. With the proper setup and a detailed understanding if their needs and quirks, they pretty much care for themselves. Just about any issues you encounter can be cleared up with good research and husbandry. I say go for it.

[pdomensis]

I will be starting collage when I'm 16

I typically hate spelling nazis on web forums, but seriously? :) It's all in fun. Good luck with your snake.

[franks]

Hey Erik. I like how you are not just rushing in and coming home with an animal you do not have a set-up for. Thats how many people start lol. If you have the money and time, I would suggest going to an expo, or finding a local breeder that has different types of snakes and just handling them. If you can hold a few different kinds of snakes, I think you will know exactly what you want. Ball Pythons are not pet rocks, as indicated, but can be very active if you know how to set them up and feed them. Mine are curious and active. IMO there are more interesting snakes available, but if that is what you are interested in, look into them, do not get turned off because of some people do not like them. But going back to my original point, I would suggest making a short list of snakes you want to see, then go find and handle them. You will know. Also, during your research phase, check out Irian Jaya Carpet Pythons. They are the smallest of the carpets (usually ending up at around a fairly thin 5') are active, display well, eat well, and are generally great to handle. Best of luck to you Erik, can't wait to see what you end up with.

[ErikBush97]

Oops! -- Was on my EVIL phone -_-

[ErikBush97]

Hey Erik. I like how you are not just rushing in and coming home with an animal you do not have a set-up for. Thats how many people start lol. If you have the money and time, I would suggest going to an expo, or finding a local breeder that has different types of snakes and just handling them. If you can hold a few different kinds of snakes, I think you will know exactly what you want. Ball Pythons are not pet rocks, as indicated, but can be very active if you know how to set them up and feed them. Mine are curious and active. IMO there are more interesting snakes available, but if that is what you are interested in, look into them, do not get turned off because of some people do not like them. But going back to my original point, I would suggest making a short list of snakes you want to see, then go find and handle them. You will know. Also, during your research phase, check out Irian Jaya Carpet Pythons. They are the smallest of the carpets (usually ending up at around a fairly thin 5') are active, display well, eat well, and are generally great to handle. Best of luck to you Erik, can't wait to see what you end up with.
Hey, Man! Thanks for the reply, and for the info! You know, writing down which snakes I want to see, and checking all of them out first is actually a great idea! I hadn't thought about that, so thanks! I will definitely take your advise! :) Thanks, again!

[Aaron_S]

I don't know that a ball python is such a great choice, though many others seem to think so? They need much higher temperatures, and can be very fussy feeders, especially when they get to around 2 years old.

Where did you experience 2 year olds having very fussy eating habits? I wouldn't call it fussy when it's breeding season and they stop for a few months. I look at it as less clean up.

[Terranaut]

And less $$$

[possum]

Where did you experience 2 year olds having very fussy eating habits? I wouldn't call it fussy when it's breeding season and they stop for a few months. I look at it as less clean up.

"where"? In my house....yes I realize they go off food seasonally for breeding & temperature drops in native Africa (I have kept MANY snakes & bred some for many years); what I was trying to say is that often, when people turned theirs over to me as "too much trouble" that was a big part of their frustration & decision to do so. It's also why I don't necessarily recommend rosy boas as the perfect beginner snake for their docile nature & all... (and I used to breed them!): I do remember what it's like keeping your first snakes & having "trouble getting them to eat" & I have talked to ppl who have second thoughts about them when they refuse food in the winter... even though "we" know it's normal.

I've always raised my own rodents (& used to have a side business selling them as well, as I always "made too many") but when a "normal person" (defined as one without a house full of snakes? -LOL) has one snake to feed, they often get tired of buying food that is refused & wasted...especially if they are on a budget?

I am not at all against ball pythons, they have much to recommend them...but they aren't the only choice for a pet, nor are they the easiest or the best for everyone. To those breeding & flooding the market with them, I apologize for stepping on your toes. Incidentally it's not good for the snakes either when there are so many that the prices drop...as then many people see them as 'disposable entertainment' and don't give them the care & respect they totally deserve. (same is true of corn snakes & other pets who through no fault of their own are mass produced because of "popularity")

[smy_749]

Possum, you should really just have " Hundreds of snakes in my house" as your signature. You say it in just about every one of your posts....

[Hurrok]

My female went off for 6 months, saved a lot of money ;) and as long as they don't drop their weight drastically it's nothing to worry about. I wouldn't say it is a con at all, it's just they way that they are. Now she feeds no problem and everyone is happy haha.

I've only kept BP's for about 2.5 years but I've never come across an issue that would be of concern. Either one or two go off of food but that's because they are getting older and it's more common when it's breeding season for them to stop eating. Other than that, no other issues. These guys are pretty hardy and are really good pets.

It's all common sense and comes down to just taking care of them properly and as long as you're set up and you pay attention it's breezy from there. Guaranteed you will have a happy and healthy snake. It's seems like you have made the first step by asking questions!

Just make sure you have a feed supplier lined up so you don't have to go hunting for one afterwards. I'd stay away from common department pet stores as they are expensive for F/T. Look for local breeders.

You can either go the terrarium route or the tub route, I personally use tubs. Why? They save space (I have 10 of these guys) and are awesome for cleaning and easy to maintain. Plus with having tubs heating with Flexwatt heat tape is simple. I've got one in a tank and humidity is a constant issue, I have to spray it a couple times a day for it to stay, even with something covering the mesh lid. I don't have a problem when it comes to the tubs. Paper towel is also great as it hold humidity well and is a quick clean-up without having to deal with aspen shavings getting all over the place in the cleaning process.

Anyways, it's super exciting getting a snake! I'm happy to have and now I have a few more :p No regrets! :) Good luck!

[possum]

Possum, you should really just have " Hundreds of snakes in my house" as your signature. You say it in just about every one of your posts....
Then you should block my posts if you don't enjoy them...as I'll be blocking yours. I don't tolerate trolling and you are not helping the OP either.

[smy_749]

Then you should block my posts if you don't enjoy them...as I'll be blocking yours. I don't tolerate trolling and you are not helping the OP either.

I'm just saying, theres no need to say it in every post to justify what you say as sound knowledge. If its good advice, doesn't matter who it came from, and if it isn't, doesn't matter who it came from. Theres no need to tell everyone about how many snakes you've owned because frankly its irrelevant to your level of knowledge. It will become apparent that you are a knowledgable member here over time, not when you keep telling us how long you've been in the hobby and how many snakes you have in your house.....

You don't have to block me and say I'm trolling...

And I didn't say I don't enjoy your posts, just that that particular piece of information over and over is not necessary

[franks]

And less $$$

Less $$$ for you, a well-fed monitor for me lol.

[Terranaut]

Possum, you should really just have " Hundreds of snakes in my house" as your signature. You say it in just about every one of your posts....

Then you should block my posts if you don't enjoy them...as I'll be blocking yours. I don't tolerate trolling and you are not helping the OP either.

I'm just saying, theres no need to say it in every post to justify what you say as sound knowledge. If its good advice, doesn't matter who it came from, and if it isn't, doesn't matter who it came from. Theres no need to tell everyone about how many snakes you've owned because frankly its irrelevant to your level of knowledge. It will become apparent that you are a knowledgable member here over time, not when you keep telling us how long you've been in the hobby and how many snakes you have in your house.....

You don't have to block me and say I'm trolling...

And I didn't say I don't enjoy your posts, just that that particular piece of information over and over is not necessary
http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/members-lounge/99743-getting-sick-hearing.html

[StudentoReptile]

In response to the topic at hand, I usually do not suggest ball pythons as beginners for the same reasons others mentioned. Yes, ANY snake can be fairly easy if you set it up right. However, MOST beginners want an inexpensive snakes they can toss in a glass tank with a basking light and/or UTH. Cornsnakes, kingsnakes, garters, and most other small North American colubrids do fine this way. IMHO ball pythons do not.

Most beginners do not want to invest in a custom snake enclosure online or outfit a plastic container; to them, this is too much hassle. Much easier to buy a tank at the nearest pet store. A beginner animal, in my definition anyway, has to be as dummy-proof as possible. Yes, I know any animal isn't 100% dummy-proof (unless we're talking pet rocks!), but ball pythons are not very close to the top IMHO. A YEARLING cornsnake or kingsnake is fairly resilient compared to most other species, when you take into account the following: availability & initial cost, husbandry requirements, hardiness when it comes to feeding, etc.

I will concur that BPs can be easy...but there are a few more hoops to jump through to getting them set-up ideally compared to corns and kings. They stress out more easily, more susceptible to humidity issues, and WC specimens are often unhealthy. Unless you buy directly from a breeder, and you KNOW the snake is CBB, and that breeder is reputable and can help you along with any potential issues, and you're willing to invest in better housing that the standard tank set-up...then a ball python may not be the best choice for someone starting out in snakes.

That's my $.02.

[smy_749]

In response to the topic at hand, I usually do not suggest ball pythons as beginners for the same reasons others mentioned. Yes, ANY snake can be fairly easy if you set it up right. However, MOST beginners want an inexpensive snakes they can toss in a glass tank with a basking light and/or UTH. Cornsnakes, kingsnakes, garters, and most other small North American colubrids do fine this way. IMHO ball pythons do not.

Most beginners do not want to invest in a custom snake enclosure online or outfit a plastic container; to them, this is too much hassle. Much easier to buy a tank at the nearest pet store. A beginner animal, in my definition anyway, has to be as dummy-proof as possible. Yes, I know any animal isn't 100% dummy-proof (unless we're talking pet rocks!), but ball pythons are not very close to the top IMHO. A YEARLING cornsnake or kingsnake is fairly resilient compared to most other species, when you take into account the following: availability & initial cost, husbandry requirements, hardiness when it comes to feeding, etc.

I will concur that BPs can be easy...but there are a few more hoops to jump through to getting them set-up ideally compared to corns and kings. They stress out more easily, more susceptible to humidity issues, and WC specimens are often unhealthy. Unless you buy directly from a breeder, and you KNOW the snake is CBB, and that breeder is reputable and can help you along with any potential issues, and you're willing to invest in better housing that the standard tank set-up...then a ball python may not be the best choice for someone starting out in snakes.

That's my $.02.


Don't forget after all the extra setup costs and potential issues, you also have the fact that paper weights are more active than ball pythons, and people getting into the hobby for the first time would assumably like to see the snake now and again.

In the end if you do like many species including corns and kings, than I would suggest you to knock that off of your list before you get the BP, but if you only like the BP's for now, get the BP , do your research and don't cut corners.

Best of luck

[possum]

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/members-lounge/99743-getting-sick-hearing.html

Point taken...but kindly consider how YOU come off? A person comes here trying to be of help... and experience is relevant. (try to get a job without it?). I do agree that just because you have kept so many & for so long, it does not mean you are right...it also does NOT mean you are wrong. It has been my experience that ppl on forums learn much from each other, at least when they are not bogged down in petty stuff like this. I 'get' that this is your pet peeve (Terranaut & smy_749)...but did we really need that in the thread???

Honestly I'd heard that ppl are rude on here but I kept an open mind & came on anyway. I think you might try the polite approach: you could have expressed yourself in a private message, not keep taking a thread off-topic? But hey, what do I know? I might find better things to do and leave you all to your sandbox. Or, we can start over & be nicer?

[smy_749]

Point taken...but kindly consider how YOU come off? A person comes here trying to be of help... and experience is relevant. (try to get a job without it?). I do agree that just because you have kept so many & for so long, it does not mean you are right...it also does NOT mean you are wrong. It has been my experience that ppl on forums learn much from each other, at least when they are not bogged down in petty stuff like this. I 'get' that this is your pet peeve (Terranaut & smy_749)...but did we really need that in the thread???

Honestly I'd heard that ppl are rude on here but I kept an open mind & came on anyway. I think you might try the polite approach: you could have expressed yourself in a private message, not keep taking a thread off-topic? But hey, what do I know? I might find better things to do and leave you all to your sandbox. Or, we can start over & be nicer?

sounds good. Every forum has rude people, this one is actually considerably less than others but none are arsehole free.

[Terranaut]

Point taken...but kindly consider how YOU come off? A person comes here trying to be of help... and experience is relevant. (try to get a job without it?). I do agree that just because you have kept so many & for so long, it does not mean you are right...it also does NOT mean you are wrong. It has been my experience that ppl on forums learn much from each other, at least when they are not bogged down in petty stuff like this. I 'get' that this is your pet peeve (Terranaut & smy_749)...but did we really need that in the thread???

Honestly I'd heard that ppl are rude on here but I kept an open mind & came on anyway. I think you might try the polite approach: you could have expressed yourself in a private message, not keep taking a thread off-topic? But hey, what do I know? I might find better things to do and leave you all to your sandbox. Or, we can start over & be nicer?


Come off?? If I was coming off at you I would have posted something other than just the link. Keep your pants on, nobody was insulting anyone or being rude. I was showing you there is a thread ti talk about people who insist that they must be right based on length of time herping or number of animals owned. This was not the thread. The link is one to complain in. Nobody said you were wrong and this site is not full of rude people ,it's a tight community where people who try to start crap and rock tge boat are not welcome and chased out. We love our little forum here so please contribute constructively or move along is how it's done. Oposing views is how things get sorted out and newer better things for our hobby emerge.
Now back to our regularly scheduled thread and yes we can be nice and friends :)

[Aaron_S]

"where"? In my house....yes I realize they go off food seasonally for breeding & temperature drops in native Africa (I have kept MANY snakes & bred some for many years); what I was trying to say is that often, when people turned theirs over to me as "too much trouble" that was a big part of their frustration & decision to do so. It's also why I don't necessarily recommend rosy boas as the perfect beginner snake for their docile nature & all... (and I used to breed them!): I do remember what it's like keeping your first snakes & having "trouble getting them to eat" & I have talked to ppl who have second thoughts about them when they refuse food in the winter... even though "we" know it's normal.

I've always raised my own rodents (& used to have a side business selling them as well, as I always "made too many") but when a "normal person" (defined as one without a house full of snakes? -LOL) has one snake to feed, they often get tired of buying food that is refused & wasted...especially if they are on a budget?

I am not at all against ball pythons, they have much to recommend them...but they aren't the only choice for a pet, nor are they the easiest or the best for everyone. To those breeding & flooding the market with them, I apologize for stepping on your toes. Incidentally it's not good for the snakes either when there are so many that the prices drop...as then many people see them as 'disposable entertainment' and don't give them the care & respect they totally deserve. (same is true of corn snakes & other pets who through no fault of their own are mass produced because of "popularity")


If someone all of a sudden is worried about a non-feeding breeder sized ball python during breeding season then they simply shouldn't have got a snake in the first place. If someone did proper research they should expect that behaviour.

It's no different than looking up if the species is calm or flighty.

[ErikBush97]

Possum, you should really just have " Hundreds of snakes in my house" as your signature. You say it in just about every one of your posts....

So Possum has experience with snakes... Isn't that the point of this forum?

[ErikBush97]

You can either go the terrarium route or the tub route, I personally use tubs.

Thanks for the reply! One question, though. If you use tubs, what do you use to cover it? A regular lid wouldn't allow air to get in, and leaving it open would allow the snake to get out, and even with several air holes, it still seems like it'd lack the proper amount of oxygen.

[ErikBush97]

In response to the topic at hand, I usually do not suggest ball pythons as beginners for the same reasons others mentioned. Yes, ANY snake can be fairly easy if you set it up right. However, MOST beginners want an inexpensive snakes they can toss in a glass tank with a basking light and/or UTH. Cornsnakes, kingsnakes, garters, and most other small North American colubrids do fine this way. IMHO ball pythons do not.

Most beginners do not want to invest in a custom snake enclosure online or outfit a plastic container; to them, this is too much hassle. Much easier to buy a tank at the nearest pet store. A beginner animal, in my definition anyway, has to be as dummy-proof as possible. Yes, I know any animal isn't 100% dummy-proof (unless we're talking pet rocks!), but ball pythons are not very close to the top IMHO. A YEARLING cornsnake or kingsnake is fairly resilient compared to most other species, when you take into account the following: availability & initial cost, husbandry requirements, hardiness when it comes to feeding, etc.

I will concur that BPs can be easy...but there are a few more hoops to jump through to getting them set-up ideally compared to corns and kings. They stress out more easily, more susceptible to humidity issues, and WC specimens are often unhealthy. Unless you buy directly from a breeder, and you KNOW the snake is CBB, and that breeder is reputable and can help you along with any potential issues, and you're willing to invest in better housing that the standard tank set-up...then a ball python may not be the best choice for someone starting out in snakes.

That's my $.02.
Hey, man. I'm really glad I saw this. You gave me a lot of info that others haven't... well, they have said BP's may not be the best beginner snake, but not in such detail! Anyways, I am willing to buy a custom enclosure, or make one, as I have the material/time. I'm actually doing all my studying online, and I spend most of my time at home, so I like having something I can do, or in this case, interact with, which is why I am getting into snakes so much! So, what I am saying is that I have the time and the money to care for a BP. However, if you still don't recommend a Ball Python, I would NOT want to rush into buying one, and have a stressed out, unhappy snake!
Thanks for your time.

- Erik

[ErikBush97]

To the people arguing; The initial argument was basically:
Including the specific amount of time you've been doing this/Including the specific amount of animals you've owned is irrelevant to the forum. Correct?
Well, arguing about it 100 x more irrelevant to the forum??? :p
Not trying to get anyone riled up about it, just saying!

[smy_749]

To the people arguing; The initial argument was basically:
Including the specific amount of time you've been doing this/Including the specific amount of animals you've owned is irrelevant to the forum. Correct?
Well, arguing about it 100 x more irrelevant to the forum??? :p
Not trying to get anyone riled up about it, just saying!

Not irrelevant to the forum (although that is also true) , we said it is irrelevant to your level of knowledge and people use it as justification for whatever they say to be true.

[Aaron_S]

Thanks for the reply! One question, though. If you use tubs, what do you use to cover it? A regular lid wouldn't allow air to get in, and leaving it open would allow the snake to get out, and even with several air holes, it still seems like it'd lack the proper amount of oxygen.

Air holes...all you need.

[Hurrok]

Thanks for the reply! One question, though. If you use tubs, what do you use to cover it? A regular lid wouldn't allow air to get in, and leaving it open would allow the snake to get out, and even with several air holes, it still seems like it'd lack the proper amount of oxygen.


Air holes will be sufficient enough, plus it's great for controlling the humidity as well. All of my ball pythons are fine and all I've used are tubs with holes on the sides :)

[ErikBush97]

Not irrelevant to the forum (although that is also true) , we said it is irrelevant to your level of knowledge and people use it as justification for whatever they say to be true.

Either way, I think we're all mature enough to just let it go, and get along. I mean... Is it really that big of a deal when people say how long they've been doing this?
Thanks.


- Erik :)

[ErikBush97]

Air holes will be sufficient enough, plus it's great for controlling the humidity as well. All of my ball pythons are fine and all I've used are tubs with holes on the sides :)

Oh! Okay! :) Thanks for the help! Btw, May I ask which size tub you'd suggest for a Ball Python?

[Terranaut]

Either way, I think we're all mature enough to just let it go, and get along. I mean... Is it really that big of a deal when people say how long they've been doing this?
Thanks.


- Erik :)

Yes it is when you have read it many many times from a few members. It gets old. Also in the past some people have tried to back up poor info with this type of statement. It looks desperate when someone says this stuff. I'm sorry you don't see it yet but you will kniw what I mean as time goes on. I did try to divert this to another thread but you are the op and still asking so....


Back to the thread. I am glad you seem to be going the ball python route. Like I said in my first post. If you buy what you need and have a perfect setup before you ever buy one you and your snake will be very happy together.

[Hurrok]

Oh! Okay! :) Thanks for the help! Btw, May I ask which size tub you'd suggest for a Ball Python?

No problem! :) It all depends on how old your ball python is when you get one.

A youngster (500g or less) will be comfortable in Sterilite Showoff which is 36.2cm L x 24.1cm W x 17.5cm H. Very common at Walmart and it has a locking lid (VERY important).
They are around $5. Not sure of the actual quart size but this is what it looks like:

http://www.sterilite.com/productfiles/images/PD1_18941806.jpg

If you get one that is older (500-800grams) you can get a Rubbermaid 15-25 Quart.
Doesn't have to be Rubbermaid but as long as it is deep enough and long enough to have a hide and a water dish with some room it should be fine, and again, a locking lid is a must!

As for an adult (800-1000+ grams) I use 41 quart tubs, I have the Rubbermaid brand for those as well.
Nice and roomy with lots of space for a larger adult and all the necessities :) All of these are found at Walmart and are pretty cheap.
Just remember to melt in some holes, enough for sufficient air flow but not so you are going to lose a whole bunch of humidity.

As for your hides and water dishes you can easily use a planter base and a terracotta base as a water dish (with a glaze on the inside).
Cheap and they work perfect. As for plastic/recycled plant base just cut a hole and flip it over and viola, a hide!
Also both found at Walmart for under $3.

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/6590/img5948e.jpg