My First Ball Python!

mysticmoon · 05-31-16, 01:28 PM

Well, what was supposed to be a surprise graduation present ended up being revealed to me lol. My grandma approached me today asking what kind of ball python I wanted (I'd been blabbing about them for a while). I'm so excited! I've wanted a BP since I first got the snake bug, now I'm finally getting one. Here he is, male (1200grams) Pastel Butter het Genetic Stripe. I ordered him from xyz reptiles, whom I've heard a lot of great things about. He will be here tomorrow, which is also my graduation day. I'm expecting him to possibly differ from the pic a bit, but they did say this was him:

Yay! �� I have a 40 gallon tank waiting for him, some Zoomed forest floor bedding, and an under tank heater. Curently waiting for hydrofarm thermostat, and a digital thermometer/hygrometer to arrive in the mail. Now all I need is some rats! Question: how big of frozen rats should I order for a 1200 gram ball python?

So yeah I'm super excited, can't wait to meet him. Although I'm sure he'll probably be quite grumpy after his long trip

Any advice for first time BP owner?

Tiny Boidae · 05-31-16, 01:54 PM

Hey congrats! Ball pythons aren't my cup of tea, but I can definitely see the appeal. Enjoy your new snake and congratulations on graduating!

mysticmoon · 05-31-16, 01:56 PM

Thank you, Tiny Boidae

**EL Ziggy** · 05-31-16, 02:30 PM

Congrats on the new BP and more importantly on your graduation!

Zelg · 05-31-16, 02:47 PM

Grats on the graduation. I'm not usually partial to the darker morphs (aside from normals, which I of course have a normal), but that is a fine looking ball. He's got some slick markings and I love how his patter fades going down the sides. Nice fine.

Not sure what size rats you should be going with as I'm currently attempting to switch from mice to rats. If you're unsure you should email XZY and ask what they've been feeding the lil(or big) guy. If not, I would just start off with small adult rats. If thats not enough you can always feed two (if you're buying in bulk and dont want to waste them). Better to start small IMO. Not sure how big 1200 grams is tbh. I'm sure someone else with more knowledge will chime in soon enough though.

Albert Clark · 05-31-16, 03:01 PM

Grats mm on both your graduation and the new addition to your collection! Don't forget to quarantine him for at least 60 days, preferably 90, to protect him and also to protect your other snakes. A adult ball python can survive on a medium rat for their entire life on a biweekly basis. i would , however make sure i find out from xyz what they were feeding him. He is a genetic powerhouse, congrats again.

Piggybuns · 05-31-16, 03:13 PM

Whooaaaa world's best grad present in my books!! >w< I'da killed for mom to let me do that back when I graduated, lol!! Congrats, he's so pretty! I love how his colors make him look really soft and smooth, and the patterns are a very dark outline like a woodburning. .3

macandchz · 05-31-16, 03:29 PM

congrats on both the ball and the graduation! you should name him Free at Last! lol

mysticmoon · 05-31-16, 05:42 PM

Thank you everyone! I am very lucky.

@zelg & Albert
Thank you both, I quite liked his pattern myself. He was the best looking guy in my price range. He will be quarantined, I have him set up in an area of my apartment where none of the other snakes are. I will email xyz and find out what they were feeding, good idea. I didn't think of that.

mysticmoon · 05-31-16, 06:29 PM

Hmm I contacted them, they said they feed live adult mice. How hard do you think it'd be to switch him to frozen rats?

travesty · 05-31-16, 09:40 PM

My ball didn't have a hard time switching to rats, although she has become a picky eater since. She goes on food strike sometimes but never loses weight. Your mileage may vary.

Albert Clark · 06-01-16, 01:41 AM

Certainly it will be more challenging to switch him now as he is a adult if you take his weight into account. It is easier to convert a hatchling. However, some individuals are more accepting than others. It may be that he will take to f/t quickly but it will be a trial and error approach. Less attempts at feeding will be better. I wouldn't handle him until he has had at least 3 to 5 meals with you. That will be difficult but it's part of the tough love approach too. I did it with my candino male. Good luck and I can't wait to see how you make out.

mysticmoon · 06-01-16, 08:27 AM

Update: they emailed me back, said they were mistaken. He eats live small-medium rats.

@Albert do you suggest not handling so as to keep him less stressed and more likely to eat?

**Andy_G** · 06-01-16, 08:33 AM

Any snake you get should not be handled until it eats at least 3 times in your care. This should go for all new acquisitions and not just ball pythons. You have to let them settle in and get them eating before you start creating sources of stress such as handling. Also, be sure to quarantine the new acquisition away from your current collection. 30 days should be a minimum for a ball python.

mysticmoon · 06-01-16, 08:38 AM

Thank you for the info Andy, I will definitely do that