Ball Python Questions

beardeds4life · 11-28-12, 04:29 PM

So I am contemplating getting a ball python. If I do it will not be till june (the next local reptile show) so right now I am deciding if I really want one. First would a 24L by 18H by 16D be big enough for an adult ball python? I have been reading but have read conflicting information. Next do they have any smell at all? If they do I do NOT want one. The room my reptiles are in already smells disgusting because of my bearded dragon. It will be my first snake but I have owned lizards and stuff for a while. DO you guys have any good care sheets> I have looked but I thought maybe you guys have some I havent found yet. Thanks.

Lankyrob · 11-28-12, 04:32 PM

Snakes dont smell as long as you spot clean.

Personally ( and others will argue differently) i would use a 48x24x24 viv for a BP

BAsic care is 90f hot end, 78-80f cold end, 55% MINIMUM humidity but aim for 60+ and then 75%+ during shed

KORBIN5895 · 11-28-12, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beardeds4life

So I am contemplating getting a ball python. If I do it will not be till june (the next local reptile show) so right now I am deciding if I really want one. First would a 24L by 18H by 16D be big enough for an adult ball python? I have been reading but have read conflicting information. Next do they have any smell at all? If they do I do NOT want one. The room my reptiles are in already smells disgusting because of my bearded dragon. It will be my first snake but I have owned lizards and stuff for a while. DO you guys have any good care sheets> I have looked but I thought maybe you guys have some I havent found yet. Thanks.

That foot print seems way to small to me but I don't own royals.

beardeds4life · 11-28-12, 04:38 PM

I know basic care

The viv needs to be under 41 inches long and under 18 inches deep because it will go on top of my dragon viv. The 24 inch one is the only one that has an under 18 inch depth. The room it will go in doesnt lend itself to 48 by 24 or else I would have gone with that for my dragon. I could build one but I built the dragon cage and it took me over a year and it still isn't done yet.

Gungirl · 11-28-12, 05:00 PM

Here is a great care sheet.. our very own Mykee's site..

FAQs

Read through it... he gives viv sizes and all that information too.

beardeds4life · 11-29-12, 09:04 AM

Thank you! I havent been able to find a thin enough pvc cage :/ I might have to get one custom built.

Gungirl · 11-29-12, 09:06 AM

Build one out of wood.. Easy and cheaper than a PVC one. You can even make one out of an old cabinet with a few modifications.

SSSSnakes · 11-29-12, 09:21 AM

Ball Pythons like tight spaces, unlike most other snakes. Snakes normally don't smell if you keep up on the cleaning of the enclosures. If your reptile room smells, you may want to clean the enclosure more often and spot clean every day.

beardeds4life · 11-29-12, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSSSnakes

Ball Pythons like tight spaces, unlike most other snakes. Snakes normally don't smell if you keep up on the cleaning of the enclosures. If your reptile room smells, you may want to clean the enclosure more often and spot clean every day.

I clean the dragon (the smelly one) up to two times a day. He has parasites which make it smell. They should be gone soon though.

I refuse to build one out of wood. I tend to go overboard with the things I build. It took me over a year to build my dragon cage and if I built one it will have to match exactly...

beardeds4life · 11-29-12, 05:42 PM

Looking at Mykee's site I noticed in the rack system that the tubs he uses for adults are only 23”x17”x6”. I dont understand why I couldnt house one in an enclosure that is 24"x16"x18". It is basically the same size.

Lankyrob · 11-29-12, 06:07 PM

No one is saying you CANT i would maintain that it is better to go bigger as it gives the animal much more space. For ME nothing less that 48x24x24 will do for an adult, i also put my babies straight into adult sized vivs - just providing PLENTY of hiding space.

beardeds4life · 11-29-12, 08:36 PM

Ok I agree that bigger is better. I think I am going to go with a 30x18x12

KORBIN5895 · 11-29-12, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beardeds4life

I clean the dragon (the smelly one) up to two times a day. He has parasites which make it smell. They should be gone soon though.

I refuse to build one out of wood. I tend to go overboard with the things I build. It took me over a year to build my dragon cage and if I built one it will have to match exactly...

Your dragon has had parasites for a long time now......

Terranaut · 11-29-12, 11:18 PM

My dragons both smell horrid and do not have parasites.
My royal can have a huge crap and I would only notice when I open his viv.
I keep my royal in a 4x2x16". I have stuff for him to climb , 2 hides and lits of fake plants.
He only comes out of the hides at night after lights out. Super easy to keep as long as you don't get nervous if they take a 4 month food break.
Get one.

beardeds4life · 12-01-12, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KORBIN5895

Your dragon has had parasites for a long time now......

No he had them at the beginning then were gone for about 8 months and now they are back. I bout a very expensive vet grade microscope so I will be able to do fecals on everything much more often.