Ball Python: Beginner or expert?

[SuperAwesomeSnake]

Hi,

I own two adult beardies and an adult leopard gecko. I've heard that ball pythons are easy to take care of if you know what you are doing. Recently I read this:

In conclusion, owning a ball python can be a very rewarding and pleasant experience if one take the time to learn a few simple facts BEFORE purchasing an animal. Unfortunately these snakes are NOT FOR THE BEGINNER and are better left to the experienced keeper. There are many herpetological societies all across the country, which are dedicated to keeping up with all of the new information available and to providing that information to its members, so I would highly recommend joined a herpetological society in your area or nationally if one is not located near you. More information is also available through ReptiCare Services.

Do you think I could manage? I've done research. Any commets or tips would be very helpful.

[llovelace]

Welcome to BP.net

Forget what you read.

Take some time to look over our BP care sheet, and if you have any questions, we're here to help

[sandersnd44]

My very first snakes every were ball pythons. I have had them 2 months and they are doing awesome. Read the care sheets. Control you temps and humidity, provide them with hides for privacy, keep fresh water and feed them every 5-10 days and you will be fine. Good luck to ya.

[Adam Chandler]

First off Welcome to BP.net!

BP's are very easy to care for if you satisfy their basic needs.

First off I suggest checking out the BP.net caresheet: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ius)-Caresheet

The caresheet is full of helpful and interesting information the covers all the basics of keeping a Ball Python.

And if you have any questions not covered by the caresheet feel free to ask us

[ed4281]

I always thought of Bp's as an intermediate snake, they do require specific heat and humidity. As long as you research and check out the caresheets that are available in the forum. I say go for it if you feel you can devote the time and money it takes to care for one, also before you buy any pet make sure you have a vet in your area that can see your snake and you must be willing to take it should something happen. There have been some people lately with the "it's just a snake" attitude which doesn't fly very well around here.



Thanks for letting me get on my

[Satana]

I never owned any type of reptile before I got my bp. I did a week of research before I decided on purchasing her and I have had no real problems.

Since you have other reptiles I'm sure you have a firm grasp on how to regulate temp and humidity. Those were the two hardest for me. Other wise read the care sheet and you should be just fine.

Welcome to the forum! Everyone has been very helpful so if you have any sort of question I'm positive someone will have the answer.

[jason_ladouceur]

ball pythons are super easy to care for if you take just a little time and make sure they are set up properly. just make sure you get captive breed babies. you are very lucky to be getting into balls at this point in time, most of the animals available are captive breed and there is so much info on their care that you would almost have to go out of your way not to have the info you need to care for them properly. when I got my first regius back in 94 (man that makes me feel old) they were all wild caught and there was very little info on keeping them. I would have said then that they were defiantly not for beginners, but now I think they would make great pets for anyone who's willing to do a little research and put the effort into setting them up properly. and remember if you need any advice we are all here to help out anytime.

[Maixx]

Make sure your all set up, temps and humidity stable before bringing it home. They can be temperamental as far as feeding. I would recommend getting an established one from a breeder. Ones off Craigslist can be real hit or miss and ones from pet stores can be be worse. Not all pet stores are bad, but too many are.
And getting in touch with your local Herp club is a very good idea. They can offer advise and resources that no internet site can.

[wwmjkd]

Hi,

I own two adult beardies and an adult leopard gecko. I've heard that ball pythons are easy to take care of if you know what you are doing. Recently I read this

I used to keep bearded dragons as well, and if you can handle their husbandry and daily feedings with all the variegated greens, worms, crickets, etc. you can certainly handle taking care of a ball python. like everyone else said, make sure you know their requirements and have access to feeder rats or mice, but I think you'll be surprised how easy they are and how much you'll enjoy them.

one piece of unsolicited advice: I'd stay away from glass aquariums. they are acceptable, but not ideal and usually wind up being far more trouble than they're worth. optimal humidity lasts about 3 hours before dissipating, and top-only access is a pain. if you have issues, this is a great forum to get questions answered.

[kitedemon]

I would agree with the expert part if you are speaking of a wild caught snake a captive raised animal is much easier to manage and a beginner would easily deal with the problems associated with them. buy from a breeder and you usually have an automatic support route as more breeders are more than happy to offer advise for a new owner.

Welcome!