Hello + Question

[James K]

Hi, I've been wanting to get a ball python for quite some time now and I think I just might within the next couple weeks. I currently own a bearded dragon and 2 corn snakes. My question is in regards to plastic vivs for ball pythons. I have a Rubbermaid tub (around 55 qts i believe) that measures roughly 24x16x13 inches. I was wondering if this would be sufficient to house an adult ball python. If not, what are the minimum measurements for a rubbermaid/sterilite/plastic tub to comfortably house an adult ball python. Thanks.

[Alice]

I try to make sure that the sum of two sides of the tub is longer than the ball python. So, based on your tub's measurements, I wouldn't put a snake longer than 40 inches (24" + 16" - I assumed the tub was 13" high) in the tub for any extended period. That means that the tub you have is rather small for a full grown adult female BP but it would house juvis and adult male BPs in most circumstances.

I use 32 quart sterilite tubs (23" long x 17" wide x 6" high) to house juvis, males and females up to about 1800 grams. I then switch the females to CB 70s (34" long x 16" wide x 6" high).

It you are going to buy one tub for the entire growth cycle, remember that to significantly reduce the stress of your small hatchling or juvi you would need to fill your tub with multiple hides or crumpled newspaper so it doesn't feel so exposed. Another trick I've used is to buy a can of very dark (black, dark blue) plastic spray paint and spray the outside of the tub on the two long sides and one short side. This makes the entire tub dark and then I use only one hide for additional security.

Since tubs are probably one of the least expensive items in a setup (under tank heater, thermostat, hides, etc.) I'd probably buy smaller tubs and grow the size of the tub with the growth of the ball.

Are you comfortable that you know all the other basics about setting up a ball python? I'm talking about the temps needed on the warm side of the tub and on the cool side, the humidity level needed, etc.? If not, there are some great stickys at the top of the section you posted this thread in (BP Husbandry) that I would suggest you read through. A good setup is important before you buy that beautiful ball python!

Good luck and let us know what you get . . . pics are a must.

[James K]

thanks for the reply alice, very helpful!

yes, i've read up a lot on the other basics. not too much different from housing my corns, just slight differences in temp, humidity, etc.

a 32 qt sterilite is sufficient to house an adult corn so i thought a bp would need something larger as their bodies seem larger. i don't plan on breeding bps (not yet at least), so i think i may get a male because of its smaller size (i assumed from your post that males generally tend to be smaller). i measured the rubbermaid i have against a 32 qt sterilite and the base is identical so i guess this will be sufficient to house an adult male.

thanks again

[James K]

oh forgot to ask, are there temperament differences between male and females ball pythons, or is it just size?

[Elvyra's Keeper]

I'm not sure about a temperament between the two, but I have a little girl and she is a sweetheart. She has never hissed or tried to bite, ever when I was getting a stuck shed off from around her mouth and she was having trouble breathing. I was amazed with her patience.

[Alice]

yes, i've read up a lot on the other basics

Smart move!

oh forgot to ask, are there temperament differences between male and females ball pythons, or is it just size?

Not that I have found. Either can be a little hissy, picky eater, etc. but most are very docile and sweet.

so i think i may get a male because of its smaller size (i assumed from your post that males generally tend to be smaller)

Yes, you're absolutely correct . . . adult males are usually significantly smaller than adult females. My biggest/oldest males top out at around 1800 grams but my breeding females usually top out at around 2800 grams. I have a female BP who is just a pet (she had surgery over a year ago and can't breed anymore as a result) and she weighs 3900 grams. IMHO BPs have a tendency to get big and fat and don't seem to breed as well (more slugs, no eggs, etc.) so I try to keep my breeding females in the low to mid 2000 gram area for that reason.

BTW, have you deceided to purchase a beautiful normal BP or are you venturing into the morphs? Good luck and remember to post pics after you get your new BP home.