Beginner Questions

[Reptimom]

Well guys, its official! In the next few months I will be going to a local reptile show and picking out my first ball python!
But before that happens, I have some very beginner questions to ask.

1. How soon after bringing her home should I feed her for the first time?
2. For a baby, what size mouse and how many how often? (Frozen btw)
3. How did you go about handling your new snakes and getting them used to it? I have never had a snake so I'm not entirely sure how to do this, they are quite different from Bearded Dragons.
4. What is the typical growth rate for babies?

Thanks a lot!
Reptimom.

[JodanOrNoDan]

1. This goes against convention but I feed new snakes immediately unless I know they have eaten recently. Half will eat, half won't. If they do not feed immediately I do not mess with them for a week.

2. Prey should be the diameter of the largest part of the snake. Try to avoid mice. Rats tend to be easier in the long run.

3. I think I have the world's only nasty bearded dragon. My snakes are angels compared to that little nasty guy. Very limited handling until the snake settles in. I consider settling in having eaten and digested at least one meal. They all handle differently but generally respond well to confidence. Some seem to like being out of their cage and others don't. There are many threads here about handling.

4. Growth rate is all over the place depending on environment, sex, genetics and willingness to feed. I have seen healthy yearlings from 400 to 1100 grams.


Good luck. Ball pythons are one of those things that you always have to have more of.

[Ax01]

u didn't ask, but i feel it's important to get your BP's home set-up correctly. u would wanna do this a few days before u bring your new baby home to get the temps and humidity right.

here's a few threads on how to set-up different types of enclosures:
-- plastic tub - http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...e-Basics-*DUW*
-- glass tank - http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...-With-Pictures!
-- PVC cage - http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...-With-Pictures!

invest in a thermostat that will keep the heatpad for your BP warm, but not hot enough to burn.

good luck and don't forget to post pix of your new baby BP.

[DennisM]

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...Husbandry-FAQs
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ius)-Caresheet

[Mustang5]

As Ax01 said, I think it would be a good idea for you to go over some of the helpful links provided.

1. I will usually wait a week or 2 before attempting to feed new BPs. I have experienced both extremes, one ate 6-7 days after I got her and one didn't eat for 2 and a half months. So I would try it out a week or so after you get your new BP.

2. I agree with JodanOrNoDan, stick with rats. BPs can get hooked on mice and never want to change to rats. For example, instead of feeding them one appropriate sized rat, you are stuck feeding 2 or 3 mice at a time. I am guessing your are getting a baby BP, so I would start a baby out with a rat pinky every 5-7 days.

3. Don't have any experience with Bearded Dragons but I will usually rub my BPs slightly before I handle them to let them know I don't have food and they are about to be picked up.

4. As JodanOrNoDan said it all depends on willingness to take food, husbandry and sex.

Good luck and post pics when you get your newest addition.

[Reptimom]

3. I think I have the world's only nasty bearded dragon. My snakes are angels compared to that little nasty guy.

Too funny, XD.
Thank you all, for the reminders on tanks as well as the answers to my questions. I hadn't realized about rats, thank you! And I needed the reminder to set it up a few days before, that hadn't crossed my mind yet.
Also I wanted to clarify, limited handling and I should do it in the evening? And feed in the evening?
Thanks again guys! I will put up pictures, definitely, lol, it's looking like late June is when I'll go.
Reptimom.