Please help!I need information!

[Halfbreed]

My fiance just bought her first ball python this past week.She was told that ball pythons are the best starter snake she could by.She was also told she could begin handling it after a few days. When we went to another shop(I collect inverts and this place specialized in both reptiles and inverts) they told her that ball pythons are not good for handling and that it was unhealthy for the snake if she handled it at all in the first three months. We were also told two different things as far as humidity. We love all our animals and just want to know what is best for our new addition.

[Kesslers Kreatures]

http://ball-pythons.net/modules.php?...warticle&id=59


Check this out, VERY helpful

[WaRocker]

Ditto that like about says it all. If ya want you can also buy a book to. I had bought 2 diffrent books to see what they both had to say.. Alot of time you might be talking with a person who just doesnt know all the facts so take what you can and leave the rest of their info. I had found this out when I bought mine. The "expert" that was helping me told me all sorts of things.. But then to find that he didnt like BP's and would not pick them up etc etc.. So I had then at that point bought a book and did allot of research before I bought mine. I would say this place has been the best by far for info. Enjoy your Balls and cant wait to see pics..

[littleindiangirl]

Ball pythons, like any snake, need an adjustment period. A good rule of thumb for many new keepers is 2 weeks of alone time.

During this period you can spot clean his cage, and change the water and do little maintenance. Some people feel that 2 weeks is too long of a period and start handling the new BP right away.

While that isn't very smart, some people will argue fervently about it. I choose to recommend 2 weeks, and offer food to the BP late at night. Handling too soon and too often can stress a Ball python and it will often refuse to eat.

Once you have fed the BP, leave him to digest for at least 2 days. Then you can start small handling sessions and get him used to you and your GF. Your going to be building a level of trust with the BP.

Some BP's are very curious and outgoing, while many take easy, consistent work to trust a human. If your BP is trying to get away from you, doing the "snake olympics" and is clearly unhappy, then you know it's going to take some work. If he is slow moving, flicking his tongue quickly and just checking you out, then you know that he is comfortable with you.

For now, the most important thing is for you to get his husbandry set up perfect.
I use:
90-92 Hot spot
80-84 Ambient (air) Temperature
60% humidity and 70% for shedding

I hope this helps a little bit, keep us posted!

[naba2002]

the expert at the store i got mitch from opened the tank looked at me and said well go head im not touching that filthy thing.... a few books, forum, and lots of research is the only way to learn, because even among real experts and breeders you will still get mixed info. best of luck!

[stormbourne]

Hope he gets fired.