New member with a few questions

[reptile65]

Hey everyone! I'm new to this forum and I don't currently have any ball pythons. Actually, it's probably going to be a while before I get one, but it can't hurt to research early . I have some experience with snakes, just not ball pythons.

I've been reading several ball python caresheets but I just want to get some experienced people's opinions. First of all, I'm leaning towards using a plastic tub for housing, rather than a glass tank. What size would I need for an adult? Also, what's the best way to secure it so they can't escape?

Also, I live in Colorado and it is very dry here. I know BP's need a moderately high humidity level. Does anybody have any tips for keeping humidity up in a dry climate?

Finally, are they really super picky eaters like a lot of people say? Or is this mostly a myth? Any tips for getting them to eat better?

Thanks so much!

[bsavage]

Hey everyone! I'm new to this forum and I don't currently have any ball pythons. Actually, it's probably going to be a while before I get one, but it can't hurt to research early . I have some experience with snakes, just not ball pythons.

I've been reading several ball python caresheets but I just want to get some experienced people's opinions. First of all, I'm leaning towards using a plastic tub for housing, rather than a glass tank. What size would I need for an adult? Also, what's the best way to secure it so they can't escape?

Also, I live in Colorado and it is very dry here. I know BP's need a moderately high humidity level. Does anybody have any tips for keeping humidity up in a dry climate?

Finally, are they really super picky eaters like a lot of people say? Or is this mostly a myth? Any tips for getting them to eat better?

Thanks so much!

For an adult, a tub the size of a CB70 IRIS sweaterbox(About 3 feet long, Just over a foot wide;Rubbermaid and Sterilite both have versions of this tub with similair dimensions at Wal-Mart and Target). You can use those giant black paper clips to secure the lid, but make sure whatever tub you buy, be sure it has a locking lid. People also use velcro, or drill holes and use plastic zipties.

To keep your humidity up, you can put spaghum moss that is moist in a hidebox in the enclosure, also, having a water dish on the hot side of the tub can help. If it is still low, cover some of the air holes. Humidity is really easy in a tub, even in dry climates (I'm in Kelowna, BC, tip of the Sonoran, pretty dry). Just make sure you get a good digital thermo and hygrometer to keep your husbandry level up to par. Best of luck. Also, these are just suggestions, i am by no means an expert

[Zach]

41 quart for adults. I use lidded tubs in a rack and i sucure the lids with black paper clips that fit perfectly on the lids. I can put a picture up if u want because i cantt really descibe the clips lol.

[Zach]

and u really dont need to worry about humidity with tubs

[reptile65]

Thanks for the advice!

[JLC]

and u really dont need to worry about humidity with tubs

Not necessarily true. I'm in Colorado and it IS super dry here. I think it's even dryer than when I lived in Tucson. My snakes are in plastic tubs in a solid rack...and I still have to mist several times a week to keep ambient humidity up. I've had more patchy sheds here than anyplace I've lived before. (And we've lived a lot of places! LOL)

[reptile65]

Not necessarily true. I'm in Colorado and it IS super dry here. I think it's even dryer than when I lived in Tucson. My snakes are in plastic tubs in a solid rack...and I still have to mist several times a week to keep ambient humidity up. I've had more patchy sheds here than anyplace I've lived before. (And we've lived a lot of places! LOL)

Thanks for the advice. It's nice to hear from another Coloradoan. I think a lot of people don't truly understand how ridiculously dry it is here.