1st Time Poster with questions

[jimmyvea]

Hi everyone!

I always wanted a Ball Python, wife didn't like snakes. Now I'm recently divorced and purchased a home in Connecticut and guess what...I'm getting that Python!

I've been looking at the cages that Boaphile Plastics sells and I'm really impressed with them. Since I'll be getting a baby Ball would a 24"x24"x11.5" be a good choice? Would the 30"x24"x11.5" work? (I'm thinking the 30" would be too large for a baby..don't want to stress her out.) If I go for the smaller cage would the undercage heater x1 provide enough heat for the snake? I will be keeping my home temps around 72-73 degrees. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I've been reading so much on this website about them and just want to provide my pet the best home I am able. I have a feeling this may become an addiction! I'm sure I'll have more questions! I appreciate all the info everyone provides.

Thanks!
Jim

[Bigfish1975]

Jim,

Welcome to the forum and congrats on being able to get a ball python. You are absolutely correct about this becoming an addiction....But its a good one. I'm not very familiar with the Boaphile cages. I know the company has a good name in the business. Just personally as a breeder I have all my animals in a tub set ups not cages or "aquariums". You definitely don't want anything too big when you get a baby snake as it can stress the little one out. I have my babies in a vision baby tub which is equal too 6 or 7 qt. tubs. You may want to look at boaphile's tub set ups. They're not as much for displaying the animal as they are housing. They are very easy to maintain, should help to maintain humidity and be very secure. Then all you need is a thermostat to regulate the temps. A water dish and hiding place. There is a lot of resources here and on youtube to help you to get set up and along the way. Good luck and congrats again.

Mike

P.S. Have you decided what type of Ball Python you're going to get?

[jimmyvea]

Thanks for the quick reply Mike! I appreciate it.
I know that lots of guys use the plastic tubs but I want to be able to view this snake. I think they are beautiful creatures and want to be able to watch her in a cage.

No offense meant but I understand breeders having them in tubs. Its easier and convenient to take care of many snakes. I just don't think it's something for me UNLESS I really get addicted and want to fill my house with snakes! Always a possibility!

You know I think they are all beautiful but I really like the super pastels, butter balls, enchi's and I even like the normals. I have so much to learn.

Jim

[Alexiel03]

first, Welcome to the forum, and yes its an addicting hobby! lol you should be able to use the 30" if you want as long as you provide more than 2 hiding places and use stuff like fake plants or something to clutter up the cage. as long as it has enough places to hide the snake should be fine. and when its an adult you wont have to buy another cage, just take out a couple hides.

[jimmyvea]

Mike,
After reading all weekend on this website I've decided to go with a tub setup. I came to realize whats best for me isn't best for the snake. I just thought sitting in a hide in a tub all day wouldn't be much fun for the snake, then I came to realize thats what they do in the wild. That...and eat! After reading Vypyrz's post on basic tub set up I became convinced. I've ordered a number of things already and when I get settled in my new house I'll set everything up, make sure it's all working properly and pick up my first BP. I've already e-mailed a couple of breeders. I found one thats about 20 minutes from me so when it's time I'll take a little ride. I can't wait!
Jim

[jimmyvea]

Alexiel03....thank you for your comments...I appreciate it. I spent the last 11 years of my life in South Carolina but because of a divorce I moved back to Connecticut where my family is. I was in Simpsonville....about 20 minutes outside of Greenville. What a beautiful state. I miss the great weather and the great people. I worked in the land surveying field and always got to see black snakes, copperheads, and the occasional rattlesnake out in the field. Always loved the snakes!
Jim

[Reinz]

Welcome to the Forum Jimmy.

Hope you can post some pics of your snake when you get it.

[Bigfish1975]

Jim,

I really didn't want to ever put my snakes in tubs either. In fact I built a beautiful wooden display case back when I had about 5 snakes. Although the enclosure was beautiful, it wound up a being a huge pain in the butt. After doing the research, like you I figured out that the tubs set ups were more than just for my convenience. The snakes eat, poop, pee, shed and breed very well. I figured that's what they do in the wild. Besides every time you go out and open a tub, you get to see those beautiful animals quite content and not stressed. Good luck, I think you made the right decision.

Mike