Am I ready for a Ball Python? - Page 3

ErikBush97 · 05-27-13, 01:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hurrok

You can either go the terrarium route or the tub route, I personally use tubs.

Thanks for the reply! One question, though. If you use tubs, what do you use to cover it? A regular lid wouldn't allow air to get in, and leaving it open would allow the snake to get out, and even with several air holes, it still seems like it'd lack the proper amount of oxygen.

ErikBush97 · 05-27-13, 01:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StudentoReptile

In response to the topic at hand, I usually do not suggest ball pythons as beginners for the same reasons others mentioned. Yes, ANY snake can be fairly easy if you set it up right. However, MOST beginners want an inexpensive snakes they can toss in a glass tank with a basking light and/or UTH. Cornsnakes, kingsnakes, garters, and most other small North American colubrids do fine this way. IMHO ball pythons do not.

Most beginners do not want to invest in a custom snake enclosure online or outfit a plastic container; to them, this is too much hassle. Much easier to buy a tank at the nearest pet store. A beginner animal, in my definition anyway, has to be as dummy-proof as possible. Yes, I know any animal isn't 100% dummy-proof (unless we're talking pet rocks!), but ball pythons are not very close to the top IMHO. A YEARLING cornsnake or kingsnake is fairly resilient compared to most other species, when you take into account the following: availability & initial cost, husbandry requirements, hardiness when it comes to feeding, etc.

I will concur that BPs can be easy...but there are a few more hoops to jump through to getting them set-up ideally compared to corns and kings. They stress out more easily, more susceptible to humidity issues, and WC specimens are often unhealthy. Unless you buy directly from a breeder, and you KNOW the snake is CBB, and that breeder is reputable and can help you along with any potential issues, and you're willing to invest in better housing that the standard tank set-up...then a ball python may not be the best choice for someone starting out in snakes.

That's my $.02.

Hey, man. I'm really glad I saw this. You gave me a lot of info that others haven't... well, they have said BP's may not be the best beginner snake, but not in such detail! Anyways, I am willing to buy a custom enclosure, or make one, as I have the material/time. I'm actually doing all my studying online, and I spend most of my time at home, so I like having something I can do, or in this case, interact with, which is why I am getting into snakes so much! So, what I am saying is that I have the time and the money to care for a BP. However, if you still don't recommend a Ball Python, I would NOT want to rush into buying one, and have a stressed out, unhappy snake!
Thanks for your time.

- Erik

ErikBush97 · 05-27-13, 01:26 AM

To the people arguing; The initial argument was basically:
Including the specific amount of time you've been doing this/Including the specific amount of animals you've owned is irrelevant to the forum. Correct?
Well, arguing about it 100 x more irrelevant to the forum???

Not trying to get anyone riled up about it, just saying!

smy_749 · 05-27-13, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ErikBush97

To the people arguing; The initial argument was basically:
Including the specific amount of time you've been doing this/Including the specific amount of animals you've owned is irrelevant to the forum. Correct?
Well, arguing about it 100 x more irrelevant to the forum???

Not trying to get anyone riled up about it, just saying!

Not irrelevant to the forum (although that is also true) , we said it is irrelevant to your level of knowledge and people use it as justification for whatever they say to be true.

**Aaron_S** · 05-27-13, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ErikBush97

Thanks for the reply! One question, though. If you use tubs, what do you use to cover it? A regular lid wouldn't allow air to get in, and leaving it open would allow the snake to get out, and even with several air holes, it still seems like it'd lack the proper amount of oxygen.

Air holes...all you need.

Hurrok · 05-27-13, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ErikBush97

Thanks for the reply! One question, though. If you use tubs, what do you use to cover it? A regular lid wouldn't allow air to get in, and leaving it open would allow the snake to get out, and even with several air holes, it still seems like it'd lack the proper amount of oxygen.

Air holes will be sufficient enough, plus it's great for controlling the humidity as well. All of my ball pythons are fine and all I've used are tubs with holes on the sides

ErikBush97 · 05-28-13, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smy_749

Not irrelevant to the forum (although that is also true) , we said it is irrelevant to your level of knowledge and people use it as justification for whatever they say to be true.

Either way, I think we're all mature enough to just let it go, and get along. I mean... Is it really that big of a deal when people say how long they've been doing this?
Thanks.

- Erik

ErikBush97 · 05-28-13, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hurrok

Air holes will be sufficient enough, plus it's great for controlling the humidity as well. All of my ball pythons are fine and all I've used are tubs with holes on the sides

Oh! Okay!

Thanks for the help! Btw, May I ask which size tub you'd suggest for a Ball Python?

Terranaut · 05-28-13, 04:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ErikBush97

Either way, I think we're all mature enough to just let it go, and get along. I mean... Is it really that big of a deal when people say how long they've been doing this?
Thanks.

- Erik

Yes it is when you have read it many many times from a few members. It gets old. Also in the past some people have tried to back up poor info with this type of statement. It looks desperate when someone says this stuff. I'm sorry you don't see it yet but you will kniw what I mean as time goes on. I did try to divert this to another thread but you are the op and still asking so....

Back to the thread. I am glad you seem to be going the ball python route. Like I said in my first post. If you buy what you need and have a perfect setup before you ever buy one you and your snake will be very happy together.

Hurrok · 05-28-13, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ErikBush97

Oh! Okay!

Thanks for the help! Btw, May I ask which size tub you'd suggest for a Ball Python?

No problem!

It all depends on how old your ball python is when you get one.

A youngster (500g or less) will be comfortable in Sterilite Showoff which is 36.2cm L x 24.1cm W x 17.5cm H. Very common at Walmart and it has a locking lid (VERY important).
They are around $5. Not sure of the actual quart size but this is what it looks like:

If you get one that is older (500-800grams) you can get a Rubbermaid 15-25 Quart.
Doesn't have to be Rubbermaid but as long as it is deep enough and long enough to have a hide and a water dish with some room it should be fine, and again, a locking lid is a must!

As for an adult (800-1000+ grams) I use 41 quart tubs, I have the Rubbermaid brand for those as well.
Nice and roomy with lots of space for a larger adult and all the necessities

All of these are found at Walmart and are pretty cheap.
Just remember to melt in some holes, enough for sufficient air flow but not so you are going to lose a whole bunch of humidity.

As for your hides and water dishes you can easily use a planter base and a terracotta base as a water dish (with a glaze on the inside).
Cheap and they work perfect. As for plastic/recycled plant base just cut a hole and flip it over and viola, a hide!
Also both found at Walmart for under $3.