Advice for a first time BP owner

[shadowhaven]

Hello! I am looking for some advice on what to get towards owning my first ball python. I have been doing tons of research, up to 2 months worth so far. I have never owned a snake before and have always loved snakes but never had the funds for one until now. I have a few questions on habitats and heating lights. I was looking at a couple of habitats to buy and I was wondering if http://www.petsmart.com/reptile/terr...6-catid-500028 would be a good starter kit or should I find just a plain tank for now and buy the supplies for it. Is there any sites for just a 20 gallon tank? Also, I live in texas, temperatures range for 80 to 120 in the summertime. My house temps usually range from 70 to 85 without AC. Should I just use the underneath heating pad or a light with the heating pad? What watt light would be best 50 or 75? I think 100 watt would be overkill. Any other advice would be greatly appreciated.

[MonkeyShuttle]

that stuff will work but all of that isnt really necessary. glass can be good for looks if thats what you want but you will have a problems with humidy with the screen lids. not huge problem but may need misting or shed box when she/he is in shed or seal off a portion of the lid with foam or wrap. use UTH sense they will benefit more from belly heat. you dont need a heat lamp for balls inless it gets cold and you need supplement heat in which case if your tank is about 12" in hight 50 watt is good. IMO if you dont care about cosmetics all you need is a sterilite container suitable for the balls size, 2 hides, undertank heater with thermostat, water bowl and whatever non toxic substrate you like and feeding tongs. if you want a nice cage cause your going to have a few animals a better cage would be more on the lines of an Animal Plastics cage like the T1. hope that helps

[CptJack]

I got my first BP about 6 weeks ago; I got my second 2 weeks ago.

I can tell you very, very honestly that tanks are a pain and absolutely not worth it. We still have the younger one in one and it's a pain. It's heavy. It doesn't hold heat or humidity very well (especially humidity). Cleaning it is hard because of the weight.

I KNOW it seems weird to keep a pet in a sweater box, I really really do. I know it's not pretty or attractive set up, but it's so much easier to deal with the snake. You don't have to reach your arm down that far to get the snake out - they don't have to be grabbed TO come out - take off the lid and they can crawl out- they're easier to clean, easier to disinfect, and the heat and humidity stay where they need to. Barring that, get an actual Animal Plastics cage and or something with doors at the FRONT instead of the top.

That said, definitely: Container of some sort, UTH, thermostat, hydrometer/thermometer (real ones, digital, not analog or dial), two hides (ideally plastic for cleaning and disinfection purposes), a water bowl and some newspaper, paper towel, or other substrate of your choice. Newspaper and papertowel work best for ease.

It all sounds a little like skimping out to me in some ways still but your money is better spent on a good thermostat and thermometer, temp gun, and that sort of thing. They're snakes who spend a lot of time underground. They don't need fancy surroundings, just really good husbandry.

[shadowhaven]

Thanks for the advice everyone! I looked at the Animal Plastics cages and I might end up getting the T1 or T8 instead of a glass tank.

[vangarret2000]

No need for any light on the tank. Just use a UTH. I would recommend looking for a used tank to save a lot of money. And don't buy the kit tanks. There is some stuff in there you don't need and could save money buying everything separately still.

[Mr. Misha]

If you're looking into buying a T8, check out this thread. It should answer any questions you might have: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=165571

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[Rob]

Thanks for the advice everyone! I looked at the Animal Plastics cages and I might end up getting the T1 or T8 instead of a glass tank.

Animal plastics enclosures are a great way to go, can't say enough good things about my T8. Looks good, keeps good heat and humidity.


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