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
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