Are Balls Really The Best? - Page 2

BIGT FROM F.B. · 10-04-14, 07:20 PM

Of course, everyone is going to have mixed opinions on this one. I don't really like the BP that much due to being picky eaters already mentioned before. The ones I have owned couldn't even shed right and I spent lots of time soaking and helping peel the remaining skin also. I prefer any kind of king or rat instead. They have laid back personalities as adults, (they can be twitchy and nippy when babies) but will grow out of that. Of course, I would research which ones are easier to keep starting off with also, which kings and rats tend to be in that category. Good luck.

hissykisses · 10-05-14, 05:28 AM

I only got my BP this week so I can't say much about how 'interesting' they are, but so far my Peggy has left a good impression. She was really calm when I took her home and took her out of the transportation box and kept really still when I had to bath her because her last shed didn't go too well. Not once tried to bite although it was all new for her. Might be that she refuses her first meal here once I get around to feeding, but we'll see.
They seem to refuse food a lot, though. One of the reasons why I didn't get a baby ball, because I would be worried if it would starve itself to that. Peggy weights over 500 grams, so I guess we're on the save side if she doesn't eat the first few times!

To be honest, though, she spends the whole day in her hide and only comes out at night when the lights are out, but then she keeps exploring her tank. Very different from both my cornsnake and my BCC-mix ... They keep moving around all day and while the cornsnake is a little monster and will try to bite at every opportunity, the Boa is an angel, haha. Although it seems that the Boa's get a bit more calm with age (mine is only 6 months old) so... I will have to wait and see how her behavior changes.

I love all three of them, though and I'm sure that I will get more Boa's as well as more BP's

Maybe no cornsnakes, though ... one monster is enough!

**Aaron_S** · 10-05-14, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIGT FROM F.B.

Of course, everyone is going to have mixed opinions on this one. I don't really like the BP that much due to being picky eaters already mentioned before. The ones I have owned couldn't even shed right and I spent lots of time soaking and helping peel the remaining skin also. I prefer any kind of king or rat instead. They have laid back personalities as adults, (they can be twitchy and nippy when babies) but will grow out of that. Of course, I would research which ones are easier to keep starting off with also, which kings and rats tend to be in that category. Good luck.

Your humidity was too low.

**Aaron_S** · 10-05-14, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Derek1

Talking to a couple owners, and searching online it's rare to find a bad reviews about Ball. Great temperament, great eaters, "easy" care, overall an A+?

Granted this is a Ball forum section so finding a bad something to say about them will be tough. But what are your honest opinions on Balls? Is this the best Python to start out with or is there something better?

Link to the best care sheet would be appreciated.

Best python to start with? It certainly is one of the best. It's rather subjective to say which is best. There's a few that I'd consider and the ball python is up there.

My honest opinion is you could start with one but it isn't the only option you have available as "best first python".

metalcopper · 10-05-14, 05:49 PM

I don't care for them, I can't stand the shape of their heads, and they are just too boring. I do recommend them as a first snake though, I really have zero interest in colubrids, so a Ball is usually what I recommend to friends who are just starting out in the hobby.
If you are already experienced with keeping snakes, a Boa or a Carpet is a great choice to get too. It's all personal opinion though, plenty of people really enjoy keeping Ball Pythons.

**EL Ziggy** · 10-05-14, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by metalcopper

I don't care for them, I can't stand the shape of their heads, and they are just too boring. I do recommend them as a first snake though, I really have zero interest in colubrids, so a Ball is usually what I recommend to friends who are just starting out in the hobby.
If you are already experienced with keeping snakes, a Boa or a Carpet is a great choice to get too. It's all personal opinion though, plenty of people really enjoy keeping Ball Pythons.

To each his own MC, but don't sleep on the colubrids

. Kings, corns, milks, garters, rats, pits. They're some pretty spectacular specimens in those groups. I'm just saying

**Pareeeee** · 10-05-14, 06:45 PM

Mine started out being an easy feeder, now he is REALLY picky. Went without eating for over a year (had to assist feed a few times to try and keep his weight up). When he started looking visibly thin, I finally had to give in and start feeding him live. :/

Other than that, and even though they are ridiculously popular and really common, I still think they are beautiful snakes (especially the wild-type 'normals'). They have puppy-dog faces and I love that they will just *sit* there on your lap.

The feeding thing is REALLY annoying and if you're anything like me, something to stress and fret over.

**Aaron_S** · 10-05-14, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pareeeee

Mine started out being an easy feeder, now he is REALLY picky. Went without eating for over a year (had to assist feed a few times to try and keep his weight up). When he started looking visibly thin, I finally had to give in and start feeding him live. :/

Try switching back now that his appetite is back.

**Pareeeee** · 10-05-14, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

Try switching back now that his appetite is back.

Easier said than done :/

I think he's...stuck on live...

(better not hijack the thread here

)

metalcopper · 10-05-14, 07:29 PM

Quote:

To each his own MC, but don't sleep on the colubrids . Kings, corns, milks, garters, rats, pits. They're some pretty spectacular specimens in those groups. I'm just saying

Yeah, no offense EL-Ziggy, I have had them in the past, but I really have always been a python/boa/venomous fan. Kings, rats, and milks are ok, but corns are just not attractive to me, must be the red and orange color combo, just my opinion though.