What you should have before you buy a ball python

[derrabe]

A friend of mine wants to buy a normal baby from me when mine hatch I am trying to come up with a good core list of everything a new ball python owner should have prior to the new pet arrival. So here is what I got so far. Anyone got any suggestions. Keep in mind this is list for housing the bp as a pet.

A 20-30 gallon tank
A lid for said tank
A UTH or other heat source
A water dish
2 identical hides (small boxes or even plastic butter bowls will work)
A dimmer switch or Thermostat
A temp gun

[Breadbug500]

That looks pretty good, maybe some books or cage clips to keep the snake from getting out. Also a damp towel to go over the top of the tank keeps humidity up really well if youre in a drier area. Also make sure he uses an appropriate substrate and you should be good to go.

[kilabyte]

An online account with Ball-Pythons.net

[twan]

An online account with Ball-Pythons.net

LOL i second that.

[Seru1]

Newspaper to line the cage.
Digital Humidity Monitor from walmart

[Kaorte]

Also, if this is for a baby BP, I would suggest a 10g rather then a 20g.

[seeya205]

Also, if this is for a baby BP, I would suggest a 10g rather then a 20g.

I agree! A ten gallon will be cheaper for a new owner and better for the snake! Also you need a digital thermometer and substrate and a background or something to cover the back and sides! When I was using tanks, I found using plastic wrap on most of teh screen great for locking in heat and humidity!

[Seru1]

If he wants to use a bigger tank (I can sympathize buying lots of progressive cages can be a pain). MAke sure he covers the back and sides and uses 4 hides instead of 2 A little clutter helps to.

[DrEwTiMe]

In my opinion hands down the most important thing for your friend to pick up would be a thermostat for the UTH. Dimmer switches are not a bad idea, but UTH's are notorious for spiking for no reason causeing possible medical issues for the little guy or girl.

As far as tank size goes, i started ot with a 55 gallon tank because it was my old fish tank, i jsut pit a lot of climbing limbs and vegitation in there so there were plenty of places to feel cozy for mine. So if she has a 20 thats great, less money spent down the road.

Other then that your list is pretty good..

Another important thing on your end to ensure the safty and care of your baby with your friend. Have him or her setup the whole tank and do a "dry run" period for like a week and check to make sure her temps are maintained consistently and and humidity is kept consistent as well. That was a HUGE help to me to not have a snake to worry about while working out methods to ensure her living situation is the best it can be. And it will be a great learnin experience for your friend, cause im sure you will come up with situations where you can give some tips or tricks from your experiences to your friend.