New to Ball Pythons

[Abby]

So, I am completely new to snakes! So I know extremely little.
I really would like to keep one, though. And the snake that has really caught my interest is the ball python.

Any information would be useful to me, however, there are a few things I'm wondering right off the bat.
Firstly, can someone give me a detailed list of all supplies I will need to bring home a ball python?
Should I get a baby? Or what age should I look for?
Is there anywhere online I can get supplies/live snakes? Anywhere good you suggest?

That's all I can really think of right now. I'm sure the more I learn, the more questions I'll have. Please excuse my noob-ness!

[MoreliAddict]

Here is a great link for Ball Python care:

Strictlyballs Home

Familiarize yourself with what morphs are, Ball Pythons come in a lot of colors.

[MrBD1980]

Hey there...kudos for doing the research before and not after acquiring your snake!,

Although I'll leave some of the more experienced ball keepers to answer your questions directly, this site Ball Python Care, Information, About ball pythons is definitely a great starting point!!!

I look forward to seeing the pictures of the final product!

Good luck!

Brian

[DeesBalls]

Hm... lets see-

hot spot at 92 degrees
cool side around 76-78 degrees

you can use a fish tank, but i dont reccomend it, if you do make sure to cover the top with a damp towel, or plexiglass to keep in humidity- I use tubs (sterelite) with a rack system.

i use aspen for substrate, never had any problems, but it can get moldy if it gets too wet. cypress multch is good too... or papertowl if using tubs.

i prefer a UTH (under tank heater) on a thermostat, or flexwat heat tape, on a thermostat.

if you use a Fish tank, use a heat light, or a CHE (ceramic heat emiter), CHE do not give off light, only heat...

provide at least 2 hides, one on warm side, on on cool side. and a decent size water bowl. they will sometimes soak, specially in shed...

make sure to have locks!

as for online places to get, for supplies, i go to Reptile Basics Inc for flexwatt and i got some hides off there.... some people use kijiji to get the animal, i prefer kingsnake or expos, just try and avoid pet stores if you can...

get a baby, there fun to watch grow!!
hope this helps, ...

[alessia55]

Originally Posted by Abby

Can someone give me a detailed list of all supplies I will need to bring home a ball python?

On my website I give a good description of how to do a proper ball python set up: Setting Up

Originally Posted by Abby

Should I get a baby? Or what age should I look for?

Getting a baby: you'll get to watch it grow, etc.
Getting a juvenile: you'll get to watch it grow, it will be "well-started", and have a few more meals in him/her.
Getting an adult: you'll still have him/her for years to come (depending on the age), might be used to more handling, will have more meals in him/her.

The age of the snake you get is entirely up to you. Adults may be more expensive since the breeder will have put more time, money, and effort into him/her, and s/he might be a proven breeder (which often means more monetary value).

Originally Posted by Abby

Is there anywhere online I can get supplies/live snakes? Anywhere good you suggest?

Snakes:
BHB Enterprises
Quality Serpents
Guyer Genetics

Supplies:
Boaphile Plastics
Reptile Supply
Big Apple Herp
Reptile Direct

You can always check Craigslist for animals and supplies that need a new home. Don't forget to check your local animal rescue center.

[Abby]

Thanks for all the information, everyone!
I just purchased a book entitled "Good Snakekeeping" by Philip Purser. Is anyone else familiar with this book?