(Hello, I just joined this website so I am very sorry if this is in the wrong section. I will gladly repost this in the proper section if needed. Please don't ban me.)

Hi, I am a young teenage girl who has never owned a reptile before. I recently got interested in reptiles because I love animals and I am not a typical girl who is afraid of snakes or frogs. I am interested mainly in ball pythons. I would like to adopt one, but I am always pretty cautious so I have been looking online and writing down information on ball python care, and I would really appreciate it if someone who owns or has owned a ball python could offer me some advice on care and general information.

I would also really be thankful if anyone could recommend some brands that they trust. I have many local pet stores that I can purchase supplies from.

Here are also some general questions I have that maybe someone can answer. Thank you very much and again I am so sorry if I posted in the wrong section. Sorry for the huge amount of questions as well.



1. In your experience, do you find ball pythons to be good reptiles to own for beginners?


2. I have heard that feeding live prey to ball pythons makes them more aggressive. I like the idea of pre-killed/frozen prey better, do you prefer one over the other? Why?


3. Is it true that 40 gallons is the minimum tank size? Should I be buying a specific brand? Should I be buying under 40 gallons or over?


4. How often do ball pythons cages need to be cleaned out? (I have heard ever 3 weeks or so, but I want to be sure.)


5. Do ball pythons in general have good health? (Vet costs, etc.)


6. Can you bring your ball python with you when travelling? In comparison, how many days can you leave you ball python alone?


7. Is there any reputable ball python breeders that you recommend?


8. I have heard that cypress and aspen shavings are the best substrate for BPs. I have taken a liking to cypress, but I also know that cypress substrate is harming the ecosystems due to the demand for cypress tree wood being high. Is there another type of substrate that is good in your experience?


9. I am a pretty quiet and calm person. I know that there is personality differences, but in general I have heard BPs are calm and slow. Do you find this to be true?


10. How much should I study BP care/general info before I consider buying one? Or should I just buy one after knowing the basics and go with it?