I may get a BP.

[Shadow]

Hi, I'm new to the forum and I'm planning on getting a ball Python some time this year, so advice would be well appreciated. I haven't set anything up yet but this weekend I might be able to snag a used 55 gallon for fairly cheap and if I can't get it I'll probably use a plastic storage container. I do have a few concerns though.
#1 samonella. I don't think I'd be able to get one from a breeder so I'd have to probably purchase it from a petstore so it makes me even more concerned. I have many other pets (that would be kept from the sanke) but I'm concerned about this issue. Of course I'd wash my hands and arms before and after handling it but what about cloths and carpet and anything else it would touch. Would anyone know how much a samonella screening at a vet would cost?

#2 How often do you feed your BP, I keep hearing very conflicting info.

#3 How long can a BP stay out of his temp. controlled tank?

#4 Which is better undertank heating or a lamp or one of each (assuming I get the large 55 gallon).

#5 How long can frozen rodents be left out before they can no longer be refrozen?

That is all that comes to mind right now. I have many more questions though.
Thanks for any help in advance.

[Shelby]

First off.. a 55 gallon is going to be too big for a baby BP. They do much better in small private enclosures when they're babies. If you must use it, put MANY hide spots in there.

#1: Salmonella is not as big an issue as you probably think. You are MUCH more likely to get salmonella from raw chicken than from a snake. I often forget to wash my hands after touching my snakes (I have ten and I handle many snakes at work as well) and have never had a problem. I don't recommend that, but just wash your hands, and don't put your snake on your dinner plate.

#2 once a week is good for babies/yearlings, older snakes can be fed every two or even three weeks.

#3 as long as it is kept with you in normal comfortable temps for you, it should be fine. I'd be more worried about stressing a young ball python out than about temps. Obviously don't take it outside when it's 40 degrees.

#4 under tank heating. Lamps suck all the humidity out of the air and you can't leave a white light lamp on all the time.. BPs are nocturnal.

#5 most people toss a rat if it wasn't eaten when left overnight. Some may refreeze it once, but it starts to deteriorate.. and you may have a rodent explosion. Not charming!

[Shadow]

Thanks so much for your help.

[Shelby]

No problem.. keep us informed, and if you have any more questions, don't hesitate to ask.

[daniel1983]

shelby answered all your questions, but I do have some advice.

Since this is going to be your first ball python, do as much research as possible. If you are not sure about something, just ask us (we love to help.. ).

As far as your setup is concerned, get everything setup at least a few weeks before you plan to get the bp. In that time, you should monitor everything to make sure all the settings are correct. If something is not right, I am sure we can help you troubleshoot.

If you are looking into getting a used tank because of price constraints, consider building a rubbermaid enclosure. They are very cheap to build and work great. There is an article about them in the DIY section of this site. I keep my bps in rubbermaids and they work great (and only cost me $8.00 each).

[DrEwTiMe]

Just one little thing, i understand that for a baby BP a 55 gal tank would be a little big, but after all that is what i started out with. It was either that or have to pay the almost 800 dollars (for tank and for stand) later when the snake needed to be moved into a bigger home. If you can get the 55 now i would hold onto it this way you NEVER have to move your snake into a bigger tank. To make the cage seem smaller adam had a great idea to crumple up paper and just throw it in the tank to make it look like there is less "open space". What i did was put all types of fake plants, big water dish, several hides, and two large climbing surfaces in the tank to take up as much space as i could so the snake feels cozy hehe. Just a suggestion and will save you the possible stress to the snake when it comes time to be moved to a bigger home. just my 2 cents

[Shadow]

Thanks for all your help guys.

What I was thinking for the tank is I could use cardboard (We always have to much cardboard and newspapers) and break it off into sections to make it look smaller. I could cut doorways into the cardboard too. I plan to add alot of hides as well. That is if the guy I'm asking is still willing to sell the tank for $25. If not I'll use a rubermaid container.

[Shadow]

I have another question. What should I put in to help with shedding. I plan to put a humidity box but they would need somthing to rub on to, right?

[Smulkin]

Ours seem to do just fine rubbing on the entrances of their hides.

This may also be handy: http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules....warticle&id=52

[squale]

snakes can give you Salmonella poisening? I never heard of this... do you need to actually touch the snake then touch food and put it in your mouth to get it? or can you get it through the skin? with my first snake I didn't know this at all, and I remember holding the snake and eating right afterwards, sometimes not even washing my hands first. so you are saying if you hold a snake and then put your fingers in your mouth you will get Salmonella poisening?

or is it just Ball Pythons this happens with...
interesting