Adopting a Ball Python

[Quacking-Terror]

Hello everybody! I am new to the forums, my name is Rick. I am thinking about adopting a Ball Python, so I have been reading like crazy, especially on these forums to learn a few of the things that I need to know when adopting a snake. This message is to primarily introduce myself and thank you all for supplying such an amazing resource to would-be snake owners!

I have been reading a lot, as I said before, but I am wondering if perhaps you have tips you would like to share that tend to be overlooked when trying to digest large amounts of information. Anything you supply will be appreciated, thank you!

Rick

[steveboos]

Read the care sheet about 2 times and abide by it. Don't waste your money on a tank that looks like cause for babies and young BP's what looks good to you, isn't what is ideal for them. So honestly just go to a local reptile expo if there is one close, read the care guides over and over and then ask as many questions as you like, we will answer all of them!!

[Quacking-Terror]

Thank you for your reply, Steve. I have read the care sheet once, I would like to print it off and put it somewhere near the enclosure when I get the snake . I will definitely make sure that I get a suitable sized tank for it, though. I know I hate being cramped in a small place, and I wouldn't do that to my pets. I appreciate your response.

Rick

[L.West]

Hi Rick,

I currently have 4 bps for pets. I would highly recommend that you go with a rack system - it will save you lots of money and grief in the long run. I started mine out in reptile specific cages and then ended up selling them at a great loss - to move mine into a rack. The snakes seem much happier in the rack.

Keep in mind - snakes prefer small/tight places.

Good luck with your new bp.

[Quacking-Terror]

Hi Rick,

I currently have 4 bps for pets. I would highly recommend that you go with a rack system - it will save you lots of money and grief in the long run. I started mine out in reptile specific cages and then ended up selling them at a great loss - to move mine into a rack. The snakes seem much happier in the rack.

Keep in mind - snakes prefer small/tight places.

Good luck with your new bp.

Hello there! Would you be able to perhaps provide me with a link that shows an example of this rack system? I'm not quite sure I understand what you mean. Thanks.

Rick

[steveboos]

Thank you for your reply, Steve. I have read the care sheet once, I would like to print it off and put it somewhere near the enclosure when I get the snake . I will definitely make sure that I get a suitable sized tank for it, though. I know I hate being cramped in a small place, and I wouldn't do that to my pets. I appreciate your response.

Rick

Oh yeah, but keep in mind, Ball pythons are going to be still and hide for about 8 or 10 hours of the day, so even if the enclosure looks small to you, it's perfect for them. Plus you can also let them out daily if you want to cruise around, but honestly it's up to you! They don't necessarily need the exercise, since people have kept ball pythons in tubs for almost 30 years without issues.

[steveboos]

http://www.reptilebasics.com/reptile-rack-systems/

Reptile Basics is my number 1 place to get any supplies from. Rich will treat you right and work with you no matter the situation.

[AkHerps]

I know I hate being cramped in a small place, and I wouldn't do that to my pets.

Ball pythons live in small rodent burrows in the wild. They are a type of snake that prefers cramped enclosures over having extra room and prefer not only their enclosures, but hides, very snug fitting.

[bsash]

If you wanted to do a tank, here are some pictures of a few of my set ups to give you some ideas.

[rabernet]

Thank you for your reply, Steve. I have read the care sheet once, I would like to print it off and put it somewhere near the enclosure when I get the snake . I will definitely make sure that I get a suitable sized tank for it, though. I know I hate being cramped in a small place, and I wouldn't do that to my pets. I appreciate your response.

Rick

Be careful not to anthromorphize your new ball python. It's not a human, so it's not going to have your human wants and needs. You'll find that your new snake, will by choice, cram itself into a snug hide over being out in the open. They need that security, and smaller enclosures (especially for babies) provide that sense of security that they need.

They spend the bulk of their lives inside rodent burrows and termite mounds, really only moving when they've been "evicted" by another ball python that may like their home. They come to the entrance of their burrows to ambush hunt their prey - they don't actively go out to hunt for prey.