Introducing myself and a few questions

llurgy · 02-25-13, 10:02 AM

Hi, name is Mandy and I am doing some research on my new pet snake.
I haven't gotten one yet so bear with me please.

I "think" I have narrowed it down to a choice between a Rosy Boa and a Ball Python.

I would like a snake that is more laid back, otherwise I would go for the Corn snake. We already have a crested Gecko (named Mo), he kinda fulfills the need for the hand over hand walking and so we dont really want a snake exhibiting the same characteristics, hence the desire for a snake that is content just to sit and chill.

We already have the tank.....Exo-Terra 24x24x18. It has a mesh lid, which I know is not really all that great for Ball Pythons, but we would like to work with what we already have.

Like the idea of a Ball Python, but am concerned about keeping the humidity up, would buy a fogger, but reading reviews, it seems they are prone to breaking down. Any clues here as to reliable foggers/misters?
The Rosy Boa seems "easier" to keep because it doesn't have such strict humidity requirements.

Our problem is that "sometimes" we are away from home (hospital) and our neighbors have to come in and see to feeding etc. Spraying the Gecko tank twice a day is one thing, and doable. But having to check and rectify(if needed) the Ball Pythons requirements is quite a different ball game.

For either snake, was thinking of a Orchid Bark/Eco earth (50/50) substrate. Was thinking of feeding the snake in a separate place.

Any advice on which snake would be greatly appreciated, or if anyone has other suggestions...........

No reptile breeders near where we live so it would have to be pet store or mail order.

infernalis · 02-25-13, 11:22 AM

sSnakeSs.com - Rules

Donnie · 02-25-13, 12:59 PM

hello and welcome

Mark Taylor · 02-25-13, 01:11 PM

Hi and welcome.

SpOoKy · 02-25-13, 01:45 PM

Hello and welcom.
I am not well infromed on the care of rosy boa's but for the ball I would suggest if it is the snake you want to go with you can do some slight modifications to the tank in orderr to help with the humidity. Personally I think the tank you discribed will be a little small for a ball. Although they do not usually move around too much I still like to offer a little more room. You could replace the mash lid with a solid lid made out of plywood or plexi glass. A fogger in a tank like that will end up bringing your humidity up way to much.

sws · 02-25-13, 02:06 PM

i own a bp and dont know much about rosey care but i have noticed with my bps it helps to offer them a water area big enough to soak in and like spooky said tank modifications can help with the humidity. but my two balls make wonderful lap snakes i hold them and read or other things all the time.

llurgy · 02-25-13, 02:20 PM

Thanks for the replies.
Would putting damp towels on the top of the tank help with the humidity?

How long would I be able to keep the python in this size tank before it gets too big, and when it comes time to buy a new tank, what would you recommend? I do actual want glass as I like to look at them, so no tubs for me I am afraid

llurgy · 02-25-13, 02:22 PM

oh, and just to clarify, I would rather have the Ball over the Rosy, but I am just concerned about husbandry if we have to go away (to hospital) for a few days.

SpOoKy · 02-25-13, 02:31 PM

If everything is set up right there is no need to worry about going away for a few days. I still think you should go with a solid top rather than a damp towel.

marvelfreak · 02-25-13, 02:39 PM

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Nice to have you join us.

llurgy · 02-25-13, 02:58 PM

I have no idea how to adapt the mesh top for a solid top and still have the locking mechanism.....I am not at all DIY minded. I would have thought that in covering the mesh up with damp towels or plastic (or both) it would alleviate most of the humidity escape.

Laery · 02-25-13, 03:35 PM

Welcome!

I have no experience with Rosy boas, but we keep our juvenile Ball in a 30gal screen top aquarium. Which usually aren't ideal for bp's, but we covered a good amount of the screen with plastic wrap (careful to leave ventilation and clearance for her lamp), mist the cage and it keeps the humidity just fine for her. I much prefer her personality over my spitfire corn snakes. She is content to lounge around and hang out without the constant moving and wandering. That being said she will explore but in a more laid back manner. We tried the damp towel method but it was more trouble than good imo.

llurgy · 02-25-13, 11:04 PM

Thanks Laery, nice to know that it can actually be done.

Kinda getting cold feet at the moment after seeing a couple of Ball Python biting YouTube video's..........Looks nasty when they latch on and then start constricting

Gravelanche · 02-25-13, 11:17 PM

i personally believe you can never go wrong with a ball python. relatively simple setup (compared to some others) very docile, handleable, and beautiful, not to mention they come in 10,000 varieties

sws · 02-26-13, 01:10 AM

i have owned my bp for almost 4 years and my big sister raised several and neither of us got bit yet. as a general rules you own snakes get use to the idea of being bit but my balls are both very docile and when i am holding them i am more like to bit them then they are me. i know this because at points they both had mites and i got to get them off their heads and that was stressful sense i had to restrain them to do it but never got bit even when i shed assisted my balls. NOW this is just in my sisters and my EXP with are balls or balls we know.