I just need some advice

[Floppysnake]

Ok so for starters I do not have a BP...yet. I might get one, but I live with my parents and I am trying to convince them to let me get one on my birthday. I know the stuff I need, but still have questions. I was looking at some for sale from morph market. Has anybody here gotten snakes from them? Also, I was probably going to get a male since they're a bit smaller, so would a 20 gal long tank be a good size for his whole life? Some people say 40 gal when they're bigger, some say they don't need that much space and will get stressed. What is the best brand of heat mat? I was thinking about using eco earth, but are the wood shavings some people use better? I hope you know what I mean, it's like a tan-ish color and almost like paper. Also, I do have a flying squirrel, and am a member of the squirrel board. Do you think that even with precautions he would get hurt? I don't think so, he has a large cage and wouldn't be out at the same time, but I wanted to ask that anyway. Thank you! Also, I don't need help with convincing them, I have already researched the stuff I need for that and it is going well.

[BluuWolf]

First off, morph market isn't one large company that sells reptile but a site that breeders can go on and list their animals for sale. So when you buy from there you aren't buying from Morph Market, you are buying from the specific breeder of the snake you are looking at on there. I would suggest looking over the snakes you were interested in and do the research on the breeder themselves. I personally think a 20 gallon is good for a male. I would start out with it for sure, and if later on your feelings change on it or you feel you need more space then you can upgrade. Too much space is very stressful for a ball python, they like small spaces. I'm not as experienced on heat mats so ill let someone else better with them answer that one. As for substrate I personally use eco earth, its very good with humidity and I've read aspen bedding, that's what I believe you mean by the white wood shavings, isn't very good for ball pythons because the dust gets on their lungs and its not good for humidity. Your flying squirrel should be just fine as well, just make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after holding him before messing with your snake.


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[PokeyTheNinja]

I was looking at some for sale from morph market. Has anybody here gotten snakes from them? Morph Market is a page for tons of breeders. I have bought some snakes from breeders using Morph Market and was pleased. You can check fauna classifieds to check out the specific breeder. Also, I was probably going to get a male since they're a bit smaller, so would a 20 gal long tank be a good size for his whole life? You can start off in a 20gal but a 40gal would be needed for adulthood. Tanks are hard to meet the husbandry requirements so make sure you know what you're getting into with a tank. What is the best brand of heat mat? I use Ultratherm heat mats. I was thinking about using eco earth, but are the wood shavings some people use better? Use the substrate that correlates with your humidity needs. Comes down to preference as well. Also, I do have a flying squirrel, and am a member of the squirrel board. Do you think that even with precautions he would get hurt? As long as your snake and squirrel are secure and you use common sense, you should be okay. I would also wash hands inbetween handling as well.

[Floppysnake]

Thank you so much! This will help me a lot. I'm looking forward to buying my first snek! Oh and one more thing... how much are frozen mice and rats usually priced at?

[PokeyTheNinja]

Thank you so much! This will help me a lot. I'm looking forward to buying my first snek! Oh and one more thing... how much are frozen mice and rats usually priced at?

Since those aren't set things and you will have one snake for the time being, online is going to be expensive (shipping) for you, unless the business is close to you. Best bet is going on local snake/reptile groups on FB to see if there is any feeder rat breeders local to you. You can even go to the nearest upcoming expo and get your frozens that way. Prices will vary depending on who you buy from and what size you buy.

[Floppysnake]

There might be some reptile places near me. If not do petsmart/co sell food?

[PokeyTheNinja]

There might be some reptile places near me. If not do petsmart/co sell food?

They do but I heard the price still isn't that great and the quality has been iffy.

[Craiga 01453]

PetSmart/Co are super expensive and have lower quality prey. There are a few reputable feeder supply companies online.
I use perfecrtprey.com

[Booper]

My advice would be to look for local food suppliers, and failing that see if you can find other snake owners who'd split an online order so you can split shipping costs.

[bcr229]

Also make sure there's a good reptile vet in your area - just in case.

Since you haven't bought equipment yet save up for a proper reptile enclosure rather than a tank, as it will be a lot easier to maintain temps and humidity in them. Companies like Animal Plastics, C-Serpents, Herptastic, etc. have good offerings. Sometimes you can find used ones on Craigslist or your local Facebook reptile forums - just remember to clean and disinfect them very well.

Also you will need a thermostat for your under-tank heater to ensure it doesn't overheat, as well as a heat gun or IR thermometer to measure surface temperatures in the enclosure.