I'm new to snakes! Help?

Paint_the_derpo · 09-10-15, 07:58 PM

I have divorced parents
I go from house to house once each week
I really want a snake, but I don't know if I can bring it with me house to house
I'm thinking of getting two setups, one at each house
Would it stress a ball python out if it was to be in a car for 30 minutes once each week?
If so what would be a good way to transport it?
And would I need to make both setups look and be exactly the same?
Help!

MM1 · 09-12-15, 09:42 AM

My 2 cents, I would just keep the animal at whichever parent's place is most willing/comfortable to have it there. I know the excitement of having a new pet plus the attachment you may have for it makes you want to have with you at all times, but keep this in mind:

Switching enclosures, even seemingly identical ones, twice per week, plus travel, has a high probability of increasing stress and causing feeding problems and the like. While the setups might seem identical to you, the fact that they are in different places means there may well be differences apparent to the snake that could be significant. While there are examples of snakes that travel all over to parties and educational presentations and still eat well and remain healthy (including balls), most will prefer to have familiar, consistent surroundings, which includes the smells, lighting, and noise/vibration patterns in addition to the temps and humidity inside the enclosure. I think the snake would be better off in one spot and you still get to observe and enjoy it half the week. That's just my initial thought. I'm sure others, including ball python experts, will weigh in as well.

Cmwells90 · 09-12-15, 09:54 AM

I agree with MM. BPs are notorious for going off feed, moving them twice a week will only increase the chance of them refusing due to stress. Snakes prefer to be left alone, so leaving it at one house is perfect because it'll have a rest period while you're away and you don't need to worry about feeding because even if you don't visit for a week it'll be fine, just make sure one of the parents is willing to provide water every few days and you'll be set!

**Minkness** · 09-12-15, 11:21 AM

Or get 2 snakes, one for each house!

Seriously though, that would be a bit too much change for any snake, and BPs are particularly sensitive.

Idealistic · 09-12-15, 11:24 AM

My advice wold be to leave the snake at one of your parent's houses, and not to transport it that often. As everyone else has said, bp's are easily stressed and wouldn't do well with frequent movings.

trailblazer295 · 09-12-15, 01:54 PM

I agree with the statement of leaving it at one house. Even snakes that are eager feeders could be stressed by that frequent travel. Best to leave it at one location.

REM955 · 09-12-15, 02:45 PM

Mink's solution to everything:
Get more snakes.

trailblazer295 · 09-12-15, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REM955

Mink's solution to everything:
Get more snakes.

Can always count on Mink to be an enabler.

**Minkness** · 09-12-15, 02:48 PM

I know, I'm terribke....I'm not that sorry...lol ^_^

trailblazer295 · 09-12-15, 02:51 PM

You do lead by example at least lol it's a do as I do situation.

**Minkness** · 09-12-15, 03:04 PM

Hey, I only have 8 snakes and 12 geckos....some people have waaaay more than that XD

(Note, not counting the baby geckos I bred since I'm selling them when they are ready)

trailblazer295 · 09-12-15, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minkness

Hey, I only have 8 snakes and 12 geckos....some people have waaaay more than that XD

(Note, not counting the baby geckos I bred since I'm selling them when they are ready)

And when did you start and when did they start??????

You're learning well young grasshopper.