hello, I have some general questions and even some hypothetical questions I would like to get opinions on. I have considered getting a ball python for a month or more now, and I still feel like I have a lot to learn. I am a very cautious person, so I would like to know as much as possible on ball python care. (I am aware of the bp.net care sheet. )


general questions:


1: is there a specific age when ball pythons become very docile? I know ball pythons are extremely calm, but I would also like to hold mine a few times a week for an hour or more. (Let me know if this is not an appropriate amount of time to hold a ball python.) I was wondering if there was a specific age (Hatchling, Sub-adult, Adult) when ball pythons tend to be the calmest they can be.

2: there is a lot of conflicting opinions on the internet about what tank size and material to use, and it's confusing me a little. I was leaning towards a 40+ gallon tank for a ball python, but I have a chilly room and I heard that glass does not hold heat very well. People were recommending tubs or plastic tubs for ball pythons. Do you recommend glass or plastic enclosures? Why?

3: Are there any trusted brands you recommend to me? Are there good books or sources?
hypothetical questions:

1: I live in Canada. Our winters can be very harsh, and although it is rare, there can be extremely cold temperatures (-40*f and even -50*f one winter.) and blizzards that will potentially make it difficult to travel outside. I heard that ball pythons can go months without feeding, but I don't know if it is true and I wouldn't want to put my BP through that. I would definitely have a storage supply of rats, but in the event of a blizzard or extreme weather, how long could a BP go without food?

2. I am still very young, and I haven't finished high school yet. I plan to go to university and study complex topics like science and medical. I may be gone for 7 hours a day, or more when uni is hectic. I would hate to leave my ball python, but would it be okay without me? What is the maximum time they can be left alone? (I have also heard sad stories of people having to give up their ball pythons because of school, and I would never want to do that.)

3. I plan to study cancer and how to cure it when I am older, so I may need to travel frequently. I know that ball pythons can live for 25+ years, and that is a long time considering I am still in high school and my BP could potentially live until I am 30+. My main question I have is do ball pythons deal well with travelling? How often can you travel with them, and do planes accept them on flights? Is there a preferred way to travel with them that causes them the least amount of stress possible?

4. I still live with my family, and so far none of my family members are willing to feed my BP if I am away studying. This poses a major issue for me. Is there a way I could maybe change my families opinions? I have honestly tried to tell them that ball pythons are calm and gentle snakes, but my mom threatens to throw them across the room. (Gosh.) And with all that I have told you, do you think I should even consider getting one anymore? I have always loved snakes and unusual things, but with all of my plans and my family my chances seem to be getting slimmer.

I hope that my long personal questions weren't too boring! Thank you very much for answering. Have a great day/evening.