new and need ball python & bao info - Page 2

exwizard · 06-10-12, 05:29 PM

yes it does. This way the snake can thermoregulate to whatever temp he wants to be in.

Btw, welcome to the forum even if I am late to this thread.

alessia55 · 06-10-12, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sawtoothscream

Got ya. I have no issues with either method honestly. Just didn't know what's best for the snake. So under pad and thermostat. Does the under pad only go for one side so there is a cool side?

Yes, you will only put it on one side so that the other side is cooler. It forms a heat gradient, where temperatures drop across the cage from the hot side to the cool side.

Frozen/thawed or fresh/killed is safer because the live rat won't be able to scratch or bite your snake in a struggle (which could result in your snake losing scales or one of his eyes). Yes, some ball pythons can be picky eaters, but in the right conditions, most aren't. I got my baby ball python Pika to eat a f/t rat on the first try, for example. With a ball python you need patience, that's all

Terranaut · 06-10-12, 07:15 PM

I might have a sideways take on this.
I say if you plan on just 1 or 2 snakes get both.
Get both as young as possible. Handle often for short periods and pay close attention to their difference in personalities. Both are great starters but yes be aware the boa will get big. BUT. By the time you have a 6' boa you will have 3 yrs experience handling a boa and it will be that one so you will learn when you can't handle a boa. The nudge too. A royal is grab and go 99% of the time. So yes I suggest both and this is the most important part here. .... Save the cash for a perfect enclosure and buy it first. Not the snake. Read some of the titles on here and you will see how many issues are husbandry related. Do it right. Buy the best stuff. Make sure you can get food. Read everything. And love your pet as a pet and not an object.
Good luck. Welcome to our zoo!!

F.M.L21 · 06-10-12, 07:41 PM

Ball pythons don't need or like a lot of space. i feed mine f/t and keep her in a 16 gallon rubbermaid long box I have a heat pad on one side of the enclosure. over the heat pad i have the snakes hide and on the other side i have the snakes water dish. I use cypress mulch as substrait because it retains moister well and keeps humidity high. Feed them once every 5-7 days appropriately sized mice. IMO feeding live mice is a bit dangerous because the mouse can bite the snake (I had this happen with a gopher snake and it didn't end well) but its the keepers choice in the end. pretty much any pet store will sell f/t mice. temps should be around 77-85 F and humidity should be 60%-80%.

Terranaut · 06-10-12, 07:45 PM

Yes f/t 100%. Best for your snake.

sawtoothscream · 06-10-12, 08:19 PM

k thanks alot. Im going to alocal pet shop tomorrow to check things out. I went there years ago and they sold frozen mice and rats and should have everything I need. Ill start with tub until I can save up for a nice glass set up in the future.

what size should I start with for a young one (length, width, height)? also what do I do about the top? just stab holes in it for air or?

so thermostate, heating mat, water dish big enough so it can get all the way in?, hide over the heating pad and a hide for the cool side, digital temp and humidity gaudge, cypress mulch. what else im I missing?

I deffinatly think BP is the way to go for me, always wanted one for the longest time and size wise is perfect for me. later down the road when I move out of the house I can get a bao if I wish.

again thanks a bunch, sorry for all the questions and repeat question lol. just want to make sure I understand everything perfect and set the snake up right. also males are smaller then females right? or no?

Terranaut · 06-11-12, 06:50 AM

No holes in the top. Drill them or use a soldering iron and put the in the side. Holes in the top let moisture out.

sawtoothscream · 06-11-12, 12:14 PM

k gotcha, starting to really think about it I might wait a little longer before I get one. might have to go away for school and if they dont allow pets then the only person in the house that would be able to take care of it is my brother (mom and dad wouldnt touch it im sure let alone feed it), dont know if I trust any of them to check its temp and hum right and cage cleaned. my friend has a fish tank in his dorm so IDK if a snake in a plastic tub would be a issue.

Terranaut · 06-11-12, 07:49 PM

Well seeing as snakes don't bark and only smell a bit when the poop which is not very often you should be good to go. Just don't mention it to anyone.

sawtoothscream · 06-11-12, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terranaut

Well seeing as snakes don't bark and only smell a bit when the poop which is not very often you should be good to go. Just don't mention it to anyone.

thought about that. guess ill have to see if I can find a school close by or if I cant i guess ill have to see what my room mate thinks about snakes. shouldnt be hard to sneek one in