Want to get a ball python any suggenstions?

Bloutitt · 03-11-13, 05:47 PM

Hey guys looking to get a Ball Python here pretty soon just wondering where would be a good place to get one! Also what kind of coloration etc. I have a Sand Boa right know and am wondering if the Python is basically the same to to take care of!

Any tips and advice would be appreciated!

Thanks

Hurrok · 03-11-13, 06:45 PM

Welcome!

Ball Pythons are super easy to take care of. If you are looking for a morph you can either look up breeders in your area just doing a google search or at an expo. I believe there is going to be an expo in Red Deer at the end of August. I'd stick to breeders and expos as they are usually better feeders and cheaper to buy.

What are you thinking for your price range on a morph?

**Aaron_S** · 03-11-13, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hurrok

Welcome!

Ball Pythons are super easy to take care of. If you are looking for a morph you can either look up breeders in your area just doing a google search or at an expo. I believe there is going to be an expo in Red Deer at the end of August. I'd stick to breeders and expos as they are usually better feeders and cheaper to buy.

What are you thinking for your price range on a morph?

Good information posted.

Breeders are the way to go. Cut out the middle man!

Bloutitt · 03-11-13, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

Good information posted.

Breeders are the way to go. Cut out the middle man!

Agreed! Pet shops are not to be trusted in my opinion! (and in pet shops I mean the large ones that are everywhere)

Bloutitt · 03-11-13, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hurrok

Welcome!

Ball Pythons are super easy to take care of. If you are looking for a morph you can either look up breeders in your area just doing a google search or at an expo. I believe there is going to be an expo in Red Deer at the end of August. I'd stick to breeders and expos as they are usually better feeders and cheaper to buy.

What are you thinking for your price range on a morph?

Well honestly I guess I would have to buy a whole new setup so around 100-200 for the snake? And for the morph I was looking at Yellow Belly Morph, or a Spider Morph, honesty Im down for really anything because all snakes are beautiful! (AMEN) haha

Hurrok · 03-11-13, 07:36 PM

Well, I got a Spider as my first BP, and I couldn't be happier! Of course I've gotten 6 more since then but that is how the addiction starts.

There are a lot of cheaper morphs out there! Pastel, Pinstripe, Spider, Yellow Belly, Fire, Mojave, Lesser.... They all go between $100-$300. Also females are usually more expensive than males, so you can save a few bucks that way just by picking a male rather than a female.

What kind of enclosure set-up are you thinking? A terrarium/tank or tub?

Bloutitt · 03-11-13, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hurrok

Well, I got a Spider as my first BP, and I couldn't be happier! Of course I've gotten 6 more since then but that is how the addiction starts.

There are a lot of cheaper morphs out there! Pastel, Pinstripe, Spider, Yellow Belly, Fire, Mojave, Lesser.... They all go between $100-$300. Also females are usually more expensive than males, so you can save a few bucks that way just by picking a male rather than a female.

What kind of enclosure set-up are you thinking? A terrarium/tank or tub?

Yeah thank you for the Morphs im going to look them up! And honestly I think I would go with the Tank!

Hurrok · 03-11-13, 08:27 PM

If you want to look at a whole bunch of morphs a great site is worldofballpythons.com

Most of them are higher end morphs but it gives you an idea

Bloutitt · 03-11-13, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hurrok

If you want to look at a whole bunch of morphs a great site is worldofballpythons.com

Most of them are higher end morphs but it gives you an idea

Awesome thanks Hurrok!

Gravelanche · 03-11-13, 08:41 PM

im a purrist, i think regulars are some of the most gorgeous. the best part is you cant beat the price on a normal. if its a juvenile you dont need as big an enclosure either for now too.

Bloutitt · 03-11-13, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gravelanche

im a purrist, i think regulars are some of the most gorgeous. the best part is you cant beat the price on a normal. if its a juvenile you dont need as big an enclosure either for now too.

Oh okay i totally agree. Most species I love the Pure Coloring and patterns...
Any chance you have a list of the stuff I need for the optimal care of a Ball Python?

Gravelanche · 03-11-13, 08:55 PM

just google "ball python care sheet" and you will find dozens of guides, but basically you need a decent sized tank, some kind of substrate, places for it to hide, a water dish, and a way to heat one end

Bloutitt · 03-11-13, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gravelanche

just google "ball python care sheet" and you will find dozens of guides, but basically you need a decent sized tank, some kind of substrate, places for it to hide, a water dish, and a way to heat one end

Okay thanks!

Hurrok · 03-11-13, 09:21 PM

Here's some basic information on keeping Ball Pythons.

1. A Tub that is around 20-25 Quarts should be a comfortable size in case it gets a little stressed out with too much space. (Younger BP)

2. You can use Paper Towel or Newspaper as a starter substrate as it is easy to clean the cage and is cheap. Aspen is a common substrate that is used, just make sure you spot clean the substrate and keep an eye on mold with certain ones as some develop it quite quickly.

3. Put two hides on either side of the cage (1 on the warm side, 1 on the cool side). Plastic/Recycled plant dishes work great and you can cut a hole into it to make it into a hide.

4. Get a decent sized water dish. Terracotta dishes for plants are great! They are cheap and sturdy and easy to clean and don't tip over very easily.

5. Get some heat going! Flexwatt heat-tape (UTH-under tank heater) is great as it is safe and you can hook up a thermostat and control the heat. This should be on one side of the tank only, as the 'hot-side'. You can get these online or a Heat Pad from a pet shop. The hot-side of the tank should be between 87-90 Degrees F.
-A cheaper but decent thermostat that I recommend is by Hydrofarm (Digital Heat Mat Thermostat) for around $25-$30, you can get it online. I'd recommend setting the temperature around 87-90 Degrees F.

6. Find a food source. I'd look around different shops (Pet stores can be very pricey!) and/or online to try and find a supplier. Rats are your best bet when it comes to nutrition (more meat to fat ratio). Judge the size of the rat by the thickness of your snake, it shouldn't exceed the width of the snake by too much, just about 25% more. Snakes can stretch so don't worry too much.

Most of this can be bought at Wal-Mart and won't cost you much. I know a tub isn't as appealing but as long as the Ball Python is happy and not stressed in it's environment that's what counts. Plus believe it or not, BP's seem to do better in smaller spaces. I find with tanks humidity is a common issue causing shedding issues, unless you put a towel on top of the mesh lid for the tank.

Hope this helps!

Bloutitt · 03-11-13, 09:34 PM

Thank you so much Hurrok for all the help! Ill keep you updated on my search for my first BP!