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!

[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!

[Aaron_S]

Originally Posted by 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.

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.

[possum]

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

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")

[Aaron_S]

Originally Posted by possum

"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.

[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!!

[ErikBush97]

Originally Posted by 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!!

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.

[pdomensis]

Originally Posted by ErikBush97

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.

[ErikBush97]

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

[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.

[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.