Should I get a Ball Python?

**Pareeeee** · 10-04-11, 05:03 PM

So I've wanting to get a snake.

I've been reading about several snake species and was wondering how hard Ball Pythons are to care for. I have heard varying opinions on them being picky eaters, others just say that they naturally go on long fasts from time to time and it's not really them being 'picky' but actually phases they naturally go through.

I have a few questions:

I will be getting a male (smaller, don't have egg problems) should I decide to get a Ball Python.

2. Approximately how much would it cost to feed a Ball Python (frozen mice/rats, I don't want to breed live ones) and how often.

3. What size tank for a male?

4. I've heard they are very docile and like to just 'hang around'. Is this true? What is their general temperament?

5. Any additional information I should know about them??

youngster · 10-04-11, 05:09 PM

Feeding once a week (recommended) it should cost about 90 dollars per year. (for an adult)
A male adult should be good in anything from 30g breeder - 55g. Hatchlings do well in 10g.
They're pretty lazy :P Docile but they don't like to move around much.
I personally like corn snakes for a first snake more. But it's mostly the same husbandry other than BPs need humidity whie corns don't really.
Also look at several different caresheets.
Ball Python (Python regius) Caresheet
Ball Python Care Sheet
Ball Python - Royal Python Information Sheet

Lankyrob · 10-04-11, 05:11 PM

Whilat you cant say that every bp will be lazy and docile and a picky eater they are characteristics that are associated with the species.

As a first snake i personally would recommend a corn snake as they are easier to look after, moe forgiving to enviroment errors, less likely to have feeding issues.

infernalis · 10-04-11, 05:50 PM

Honestly about any colubrid is more forgiving as a first snake.

Corns, Milks, Rats, Garters and kings are all super easy to care for, highly active, and always willing to eat. (as a general rule with rare exceptions)

**Pareeeee** · 10-04-11, 06:30 PM

Thanks everyone for the advice. My problem is that I really don't want a highly active snake. That's not really appealing to me :/

The more I read about Corns and Milks the less interested I became - I want a snake that I can actually hold without doing hand over hand constantly...not sure what to do now.

Lankyrob · 10-04-11, 06:39 PM

My bp goes hand over hand when he is out, all my snakes do, corns are more active in their viv than bp's tho

alessia55 · 10-04-11, 06:48 PM

Though colubrids are typically what people recommend as a first snake... I have a different story, and it's strictly about personal opinion. My first snake was a corn snake; I had her since she was a hatchling. Though she was a bit nippy as a baby, and I was told that was normal, she never outgrew it no matter how much I handled her. Regardless, I've also heard that mine was an exception; that most corn snakes are totally docile and absolutely a great starter snake.
Now, ball pythons! I'm biased, since I have two. And I absolutely love them. I find that they're reasonably easy to take care of as a "beginners" snake. To answer your questions: I have one "picky" eater that will only eat live prey, and my other one eats f/t no problem. Just make sure that the breeder you get yours from is already feeding your snake f/t before you get him. Both my snakes are male because they stay a little smaller than females. Are they docile and like to "hang out"? My adult LOVES it. He usually sits on my lap while I do my homework every night, or on my bed next to me. He doesn't go anywhere, really. But as babies they can be a bit more active. My little one (who's only about 5 wks old) is much more active and likes to explore. Remember that although there is an average temperament for a species, every snake is individual ad has his own personality. My baby male is in a smaller container, but as an adult my older male is in a 40gal and very comfortable. Sometimes humidity can be an issue with ball pythons, but I solved that by getting "reptibark" substrate and misting the cage a bit. Good luck! Owning a snake is very exciting

Feel free to keep asking questions!

infernalis · 10-04-11, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pareeeee

Thanks everyone for the advice. My problem is that I really don't want a highly active snake. That's not really appealing to me :/

The more I read about Corns and Milks the less interested I became - I want a snake that I can actually hold without doing hand over hand constantly...not sure what to do now.

Then you would hate most of my snakes.

I mostly keep the kind that flip out when you touch them. Snakes that spaz out on human contact tend to make the brightest most interesting display animals.

Now if you want a snake that will sit on your lap, I'd say get a ball python.

Look into your local animal shelters, search online, check Craig's list, by adopting an unwanted snake you will be giving a second chance to an animal that most likely some kid bought on a whim.

BP are not THAT hard to care for.

acs102 · 10-04-11, 07:03 PM

I've had my ball for about 10 months and he has never refused a meal. He's(I call him a "he", I really have no idea what gender he is) also very docile. Kind of just goes with the flow, he's my little buddy. He'll curl up right next to me while I'm doing homework or doing something on the computer, or if I'm wearing a hoodie he'll curl up in the hood and snuggle up to the back of my neck.

As long as you do your research and get your husbandry right, I'd say it would be a decent first snake. However, my opinions are based on the one ball I've ever had....so...yeah.

CK SandBoas · 10-04-11, 07:13 PM

As an owner of both a Ball Python and a Grey Banded King, i will definitely say the King is definitely easier, in regards to feeding. I do not have to worry about him refusing a meal at all, though i will admit he is a pooping machine, making his deposits almost every other day, while my Ball Python can go between 3-5 feedings before he poops, usually right after he sheds.

I absolutely love my Ball Python, i compare him to a lap dog sometimes, he'll just sit in my lap quietly while i'm watching tv, or on the computer. or he'll wrap around my wrist, and just hang out that way. If you plan on getting a baby Ball, make sure it's already eating F/T, as young ones can be difficult to switch over.

Good luck with whatever you end up getting!

Gungirl · 10-04-11, 08:11 PM

Get what you like the most... Just do your research and have its viv set up BEFORE you get the snake. You will only be happy getting the kind you want not what we feel is right for you. If you want a ball do your research and go for it.

blindfireak40 · 10-04-11, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pareeeee

Thanks everyone for the advice. My problem is that I really don't want a highly active snake. That's not really appealing to me :/

The more I read about Corns and Milks the less interested I became - I want a snake that I can actually hold without doing hand over hand constantly...not sure what to do now.

Vermicelli is definitely an exception to that. He's very active, but seems to be more interested in climbing amongst my fingers and crawling up my arms towards my body than in "escaping". He likes exploring as much as any other snake, and will try to get away when I remove him from the viv, but once he's out he's very chilled out and laid back.

I'm not sure if that's just him, but I'm fairly certain you could find another one like him somewhere out there

**millertime89** · 10-04-11, 08:25 PM

it all depends on what you're looking for. my first snake is a brazilian rainbow boa, and as long as you're willing to do what it takes to take care of them, and learn what they need, ANY snake can be a first snake. That said, anything with high humidity requirements probably isn't the best beginner.

Gungirl · 10-04-11, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by millertime89

it all depends on what you're looking for. my first snake is a brazilian rainbow boa, and as long as you're willing to do what it takes to take care of them, and learn what they need, ANY snake can be a first snake. That said, anything with high humidity requirements probably isn't the best beginner.

If they are willing to do the research and set up the viv well before they get the snake it should be fine.. even a high humidity snake. I got a GTP about 6 weeks after I got my first snake. He is growing like a weed and no issues eating or shedding. Its all in how much you are willing to do for your pet.

youngster · 10-04-11, 08:28 PM

Yeah my little guy is adventurous but not extremely so that I have to give hi my undivided attention. I was actually just talking on the phone and handling him with one hand.