Couple of Q's

[September]

I've always held a certain interest in snakes, but had never thought very seriously of having one as a pet until now. I don't know very much-or anything, really-about the care of snakes though.

Having spent literally all night on this website, I'm basically positive I want a ball python (though I'll make my final decision when I go to a nearby reptile show either this month or next )

I do have a few questions though, some about snakes in general, some BP specific, all sure to make me sound like a moron lol. Everyone's gotta start somewhere, right?

Preparing for my snake

1)The FAQ in this section says to use a bin, but could I keep my BP in a glass aquarium? if yes, what size (gallons) would be best?
2)What about building my own enclosure? Would this be possible? Does anyone have any tips?
3)What should I buy to go in the enclosure? (obviously, the heating pads/thermometers/etc, I was thinking more along the lines of perches/accessories)
4)Is there anything I haven't asked about preparation that you can think to add? (bearing in mind that I know nothing about snakes )

Buying my snake

1)What age should I get it at? How can I tell how old it is?
2)How can I tell if it's a boy or girl?
3)Are they're any obvious signs I should watch for to make sure the snake I'm purchasing is healthy?
4)What sort of questions should I ask the seller? (I'm hoping to buy at an expo)
5)How should I transport my BP to my house, in a way that it's most comfortable? (the expo is 3+ hours away)

Settling in

1)How long should I give my BP to settle in? Before trying to handle it? Before trying to feed it?

Feeding

1)How do I prepare f/t rats to be fed? I read that they should be left in the fridge overnight before the day of feeding, and dipped into warm water before being fed. Is this true?
2)How do I get my BP to accept f/t rats?
3)As a rule of thumb, until I get to know my BP better, would it be safe to say it should be fed ever 7 days?

Health

1)Shedding-when should I expect it, and what can I do to help my snake through it?
2)Mites-Best way to prevent (not treat) them?
3)Any other health problems I should be on the lookout for?

A final question-Is there anything, at all that I haven't asked/mentioned that you can think to include??

I know, I know, it's a lot of questions. I just want the absolute best for my future BP. I don't believe in impulse buying And if you have any link(s) that answers some/most/all my questions, I'd appreciate them!! I also understand if I don't get all/any the answers I'm looking for, because, like I said, it's a lot of questions

[Lankyrob]

Originally Posted by September

I've always held a certain interest in snakes, but had never thought very seriously of having one as a pet until now. I don't know very much-or anything, really-about the care of snakes though.

Having spent literally all night on this website, I'm basically positive I want a ball python (though I'll make my final decision when I go to a nearby reptile show either this month or next )

I do have a few questions though, some about snakes in general, some BP specific, all sure to make me sound like a moron lol. Everyone's gotta start somewhere, right?

Preparing for my snake

1)The FAQ in this section says to use a bin, but could I keep my BP in a glass aquarium? if yes, what size (gallons) would be best? Aquariums are great for fish but a vivariumor a bin is better for keeping heat and humidity levels right for a snake
2)What about building my own enclosure? Would this be possible? Does anyone have any tips? If you search for DIY builds on here there are lots of examples
3)What should I buy to go in the enclosure? (obviously, the heating pads/thermometers/etc, I was thinking more along the lines of perches/accessories) BP;s dont climb much but the essentials you need are a Thermostat, two hides, a large water bowl - anything else is for you rather than the snake but a nice enclosure is great in my opinion
4)Is there anything I haven't asked about preparation that you can think to add? (bearing in mind that I know nothing about snakes ) Make sure you hold a few to make sure you are happy handling it. See if you can find someone local who will let you feed one of their snakes - feeding can be a tense time for new owners

Buying my snake

1)What age should I get it at? How can I tell how old it is? I prefer young snakes - BUT make sure it is feeding before you get it. Young snakes can be nippier but BP's are usually ok
2)How can I tell if it's a boy or girl? Ask the seller - otherwise get a vet or experence owner to check for you
3)Are they're any obvious signs I should watch for to make sure the snake I'm purchasing is healthy? They shouldnt look skinny or fat - look at the pictures on here of healthy snakes and you will see they generally are shiny and muscular
4)What sort of questions should I ask the seller? (I'm hoping to buy at an expo) They should know dates of birth, who the parents are, what sex it is, when it last shed, when it last ate - if they dont i wouldnt buy from them
5)How should I transport my BP to my house, in a way that it's most comfortable? (the expo is 3+ hours away) In a pillow case, put this in a plastic tub to stop it sliding around and then i put the tub in the footwell of the car to keep it warm - it does depend where you are and what the ambient temps are

Settling in

1)How long should I give my BP to settle in? Before trying to handle it? Before trying to feed it? i wait 7 days and then feed, wait another 7 then feed again, after this you shoild always wait 48hours after feeding to handle the snake

Feeding

1)How do I prepare f/t rats to be fed? I read that they should be left in the fridge overnight before the day of feeding, and dipped into warm water before being fed. Is this true? Everyone does it slightly differetly, i thaw overnight in a cupboard, then i place all the items in aglass bowl and leave them on a radiator for a few minutes to warm slighlty. As i feed each prey item i press its skull against the radiator to superheat the head and then feed it
2)How do I get my BP to accept f/t rats? Some will already be eating f/t others you just have to be patient with
3)As a rule of thumb, until I get to know my BP better, would it be safe to say it should be fed ever 7 days? i feed upto a year old snakes every 7 days and then they go onto 14 days

Health

1)Shedding-when should I expect it, and what can I do to help my snake through it? Depends on age, the snake, how mcuh its growing. The eyes go "blue" and once they clear generally the snake sheds within a couple of days. The only preparation ineeded is higher humdiity (i up by about 10%) and leave the snake alone to get on with it
2)Mites-Best way to prevent (not treat) them? You are likely to pick them up anywhere there are reptiles - when i return from the reptile shop i strip and put all clothes in the wash and then shower before going anywhere near my snakes
3)Any other health problems I should be on the lookout for? A snake kept in good conditions should keep itself healthy - there are so many symptoms to list that it is best to ask when something happens

A final question-Is there anything, at all that I haven't asked/mentioned that you can think to include?? The main ting is to have your heater on a thermostat

I know, I know, it's a lot of questions. I just want the absolute best for my future BP. I don't believe in impulse buying And if you have any link(s) that answers some/most/all my questions, I'd appreciate them!! I also understand if I don't get all/any the answers I'm looking for, because, like I said, it's a lot of questions

I have responded in red to each Question - KUDOS to you for asking FIRST and buying SECOND

[September]

Originally Posted by Lankyrob

I have responded in red to each Question - KUDOS to you for asking FIRST and buying SECOND

Thank you soo much!!! I wasn't expecting an answer this fast You just made my day better lol

[Lankyrob]

Originally Posted by September

Thank you soo much!!! I wasn't expecting an answer this fast You just made my day better lol

No worries, just lucky timing, i logged in jsut after you posted

[ballpython1717]

i disagree with what you said about a bin being better than an aquarium. i live in new england where heat and humidity are a bit of a challenge, but my bp is VERY happy in its 40 gallon where it can move around more. i also really like being able to see him, and there's always tricks to keeping up the temps and humidity if that is a problem where you live.

[KORBIN5895]

Originally Posted by ballpython1717

i disagree with what you said about a bin being better than an aquarium. i live in new england where heat and humidity are a bit of a challenge, but my bp is VERY happy in its 40 gallon where it can move around more. i also really like being able to see him, and there's always tricks to keeping up the temps and humidity if that is a problem where you live.

Sorry but all of the evidence points to tubs being better than aquariums. I myself also prefer terrariums but for husbandry reasons tubs are better for the snakes.

[jarich]

No trick required, just make sure to get rid of the screen top. It's very easy to cut a piece of plywood to cover your top. Just put a couple small vents in and your set.

[Lankyrob]

Originally Posted by ballpython1717

i disagree with what you said about a bin being better than an aquarium. i live in new england where heat and humidity are a bit of a challenge, but my bp is VERY happy in its 40 gallon where it can move around more. i also really like being able to see him, and there's always tricks to keeping up the temps and humidity if that is a problem where you live.

Originally Posted by jarich

No trick required, just make sure to get rid of the screen top. It's very easy to cut a piece of plywood to cover your top. Just put a couple small vents in and your set.

What i was sugggesting was that you can go out and buy a tub or a vivarium and just use it straight from the shop. An aquarium can be used straight from the shop for FISH but for snakes (particularly a BP) it would need to be modified.

Personally i like using enclosures that are designed for the animal in question rather than customizing something that is not designed for the purpose.

[September]

Where I live seems to be a key fact, so I live in Alabama. Annual average temp (where I am in alabama) is 60F, and annual average humidity is 77.48%.

Based on that, what should I use for housing??

[Lankyrob]

Ambient humidity doesnt necessarily mean much. If you use air con then your house will be dryer. Do you know the humidity IN YOUR HOUSE?

Personally i will always buy an enclosure that is designed for the animal in question

[September]

Nope, no air conditioning. My mom can't stand it, for whatever reason. We do put fans (like little box fans) in the window when it gets too hot, so I don't know how that affects the humidity. I'll see if I can find out what the humidity is in here

I'll look into getting a viv

Slightly off topic (but not really since it's a thread about questions lol) I've never been to an expo.. What can I expect?

[Rogue628]

You can expect to see lots and lots of snakes, spiders, and anything else considered exotic (last expo I went to I got to play with a baby armadillo lol). There should be some supplies from feeders to hooks and enclosures for sale.

Welcome to the site, btw. And kudos to you for asking first and buying later.

As far as enclosures, I've used glass tanks and tubs and I prefer tubs. None of my snakes are in glass tanks. I like them better because it's easier to keep the husbandry correct. They're much lighter than glass tanks so it makes them easier to clean, be it spot cleaning or thorough cleaning. You can still see through the clear ones so you can view your animal. They're cheaper IMO as well.

You can keep a snake in a glass tank (if you already have one) by putting a piece of board over the top or even a towel over the screen lid. Wetting the towel will also help with humidity.

You can go to your local Wal Mart and get a digital thermostat with a humidity reader for about $10. They also have one that has a little probe on it as well for about $4 more. It's mandatory to know what your temps and humidity are in the enclosure for certain snakes, ball pythons included. They're prone to respiratory infections that's usually from bad husbandry....not keeping the proper temps and humidity levels. This is why I prefer tubs over glass tanks.

When you're looking to buy, try to handle the animal you would like to get. Discuss with the breeder when it's fed, how many times it's ate, etc. You want to make sure you get an established eater as some snakes are slow starters and with you being a beginner, will not make a good first snake pet.

Please feel free to ask any more questions you may have! And good luck on finding your first snake!

[alessia55]

Originally Posted by September

Slightly off topic (but not really since it's a thread about questions lol) I've never been to an expo.. What can I expect?

Going to a reptile show/expo can be a great experience. You'll get to meet lots of breeders and see all sorts of ball pythons! Be sure to check the reputation of the breeders that will be selling at the expo beforehand. You'll probably be able to find a breeder that has the type of ball python you're looking for at an expo. The benefits of shopping at an expo is that you'll have a lot more selection to choose from, and the prices may be somewhat more affordable. You'll get to inspect the snake you want, and take it with you on the spot. The breeder/seller should be engaging, friendly, and willing to answer all your questions.

At expos, it is normal to see a few ball pythons together in one box. This is only temporary to conserve space at the show. Here is what you can expect to see:



[source]

[alessia55]

There are a few ways to thaw a frozen rat. Here is the way I do it:
1. Choose the rat you want to thaw
2. Leave it in a container to thaw... thawing time can be several hours depending on the size of the rat, so plan ahead. You might want to thaw the rat overnight in your refrigerator. Treat the rat as you would thaw a piece of frozen meat for yourself.
3. Once the rat is no longer frozen, you'll want to heat it up above room temperature. I use hot water to do this.
4. While the rat is heating up, set up the things you need for feeding. I separate a paper towel and the feeding tongs.
Note: some ball pythons are happy to eat their prey wet, while some will only eat their prey dry. If your ball python eats dry prey, you might opt to use a hair dryer to heat and dry the rat instead of using water.
5. Check the rat. The head and the hips are the thickest areas and you'll want those to be quite warm to the touch. If they're not warm, you'll want to heat up the rat more.
6. Once the rat is warm and ready, you are ready to feed your ball python!



Enticing Your Ball Python To Eat A Thawed Rat
Some ball pythons will eat a thawed rat if you simply place it in their enclosure. Others will need a little convincing. For this, many owners will do what we endearingly call "the nom nom dance" or "the zombie rat dance." To do this, you'll want to hold the rat by the scruff of the neck, and make it "walk" or move as if it is still alive. This will trick your ball python into believing the rat is alive, and will entice it to strike, coil, and eat the rat.
Here is a video that shows you how I do "the nom nom dance" for my baby ball python, Pika:



This is all from my website, link located in signature.

[September]

Thanks everyone!! I'm seriously loving this forum

Thanks for the vids/pics alessia, I'm going to go check out your website

Just an fyi, I won't be bringing home my BP from this months expo. I'll be going to get a 'feel' for the snake world, and to make a final decision on what kind of snake I want. I may pick up some supplies though