Are They Really That Hard?

[Krazybob]

I have been reading the forums about Ball Pythons. I think I am pretty well informed. The book I read spent half the book talking about different maladies that Balls have. They require specific temperatures, humidities, can be difficult to feed, and get sick easily. Are they really that hard to take care of? I have the cage ready but I am starting to get a little concerned that my new python is going to take up a lot more time and money than I initially thought.
Any help and thoughts would be appreciated.

[lars5277]

If you keep the temps and humidity right I think BPs are easy to keep. You feed them once a week. You feed and water as needed. I think lizards are a lot more work than BPs. I have 8 snakes and 7 lizards and put most of our time into the lizards. They are not a "fire and forget" animal, but I find them very easy to care for.

The care and cost of the snake are about the only two expensive parts. Feeding is cheap and a yearly vet visit doesn't even cost that much.

[JLC]

I agree with Lars...I find snakes a LOT easier to keep than lizards. Even BP's with their somewhat sensitive husbandry needs. It takes a bit of effort to get that initial set up just right...and some expense as well, if you really want to do it right. But once that is done and you are sure it will maintain temps and humidity at optimum levels...the rest is cake.


It only takes a moment to peek in at the thermometer/hygrometer and make sure temps and humidity are spot-on. Only a little effort to tweak as needed. And ANY pet will require occassional visits to the vet, cleaning up after, fresh water...and such things.

[mr~python]

ball pythons are an awesome pet to keep, i think. they're much easier to care for then my two fence lizards. just do a "test run" on your enclosure to see if you have everything dialed in. if anything is wrong "tweak" as necessary.