A "few" questions from the newbie

[Mojave/Express]

I have a couple of questions, so buckle up buttercups lol. Okay first off I have the toughest choice to make, what BP to get. Now I've thought about it allot, and after forgoing to get a regular one from the pet shop I've decided to go to Brian at BHBenterprises.

He has two Spiders and two Mojave's in stock he had three Spiders but he sold one. So I'm a little stuck, I'm leaning toward the Spider. I really like those guys, but the Mojave's are a close second and I could get to like them even more maybe. What do you all think? Next question, is feeding with prongs okay or is it dangerous and should I just get used to hand feeding or using a doctors glove on

If I get a snake that's already a year or so old is a 50 gallon tank to big provided I give it allot of room to hide and cover itself, I just don't want to have to up grade I just assume spend the money now. Moneys not something I'm too concerned about right now,because this is a long term thing, not like buying a rat or a hamster. One more, do you guys take your snakes in for regular checkups? If I have anymore questions I'll let you guys know lol.


Travis

[Wh00h0069]

I personally do not like mojos, so if it were me, I would go with the spider. I feed all of my non-live feeder from hemostats. I don't suggest feeding by hand, unless you are fine with getting bit.

A fifty gallon tank is too big for a ball. They stress very easily, and prefer small enclosures. I suggest a tub or a plastic cage. There are many companies that sell them. I have cages and / or racks from a few companies, which are: Reptile Basics, Repti-Racks, PVC Cages, and dragons4you.net. All of the above companies make excellent quality cages and / or racks, but dragon4you.net's cages are made with a much thinner material.

I personally don't take my animals for checkups, but I do keep them in a controlled environment, and never have issues with sick animals.

Good luck.

[jimbo4382]

I'd go for the mojave 100%

Yeah i'd say a 50 gl would be plently big enough, maybe even a little to big for a little guy.

I use tubs my self. As they are alot easier to set up and offer alot more security to a BP. Although there not so asthetically pleasing IMO

Just a tip. Get the tank set up before you get the snake. It makes it so much easier for you, us and your snake.

Theres alot of info if you click on the husbandry forum and check through the sticky threads.

Any thing else though then let us know.

Jim

[jimbo4382]

Sorry, also i feed by hand and i just hold the tip of the tail. I have never once been bit.

I would use tongs if it was a red-tail though. I looked after and fattenned up a neglected one for six months and trust me i would not be feeding that one by hand. But with a BP even if you do get tagged, whats the worsed thing that can happen? Just a few pricks and some blood.

And you can have a yearly check up at the vet if you wish which would be good practise. You can also get fecal samples done.

Jim

[bsash]

In my personal opinion, I have once used a 125 gallon fish tank for a ball python. I don't believe in being too big, as Africa is pretty big, and there are no boundaries in the wild. But, you would need to decorate it with a lot of trees, branches, hides, etc.. Ball pythons live in mostly the over grown parts of the forest, therefor you should try and crowd your 55 gallon to make it feel more comfortable. If you plan on leaving your cage fairly plan for visual reasons, just get a smaller cage and work up to a larger one.

Good luck with your new snake!

[Mojave/Express]

Thanks, you guys have been more than helpful, I'll try not to be a bother on here. I'm on a flying squirrel board too but at least there I know most of the stuff and can help, but I'm learning fast so that's good.b

I will direct my questions to the right place this time. I'm leaning toward Mojave now, but you could give the Spider a cooler name

[musicalKeyes]

In my opinion, the right mojave can be amazing, but a spider is pretty much always awesome. But I am a huuuuge fan of Spiders. If you feed live, just drop it in. F/t, use tongs, or risk getting bit (which isn't a big deal with these guys at all). A 50 can be too big for some BPs, but it really depends on the individual. One of my guys could care less what he's in, while the other much prefers small and cluttered. If you do you use the tank, just do what was said above. Lots of hides, fake plants, etc. Know that a tank that big will be a lot harder to keep the correct humidity and heat. You may need to use two UTHs to keep the cool side temp correct as well, and probably a few lamps for ambient, like I do. There's a DIY floating around on here some where about using foil and duct tape on the screen, and since I did that, I haven't had a problem with humidity in my tanks. I'll see if I can find it.

Good luck!

[musicalKeyes]

http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=90187

I didn't use the plexiglass, I just left that part screen, and I cut holes for their lights instead. Be careful not to cut the screen, but this work great!

[bamf64]

mojave 100%

[seeya205]

I love spiders! Mojos are nice too! You should ask Brian these questions! He is great at answering all your questions and has all the answers! Great guy! A 50 gallon is too big for a baby! You should invest in a tub or even better, a rack! You can't decide between a mojo or spider so you will probaly get both at some point! Ball pythos are very addicting and racks can give you the room to expand your collection!!! I use prongs just to drop in the rat! You don't need to hold the rat unless you feed frozen! I have never taken my bps to the vet. Only needed if they become sick! If you are unsure about the health, take it to Brian if you live close and he can help you out! Good luck with your new addiction!!!