Need Help choosing my first BP!!!!

[BiggsPython]

I've never owned a ball python before and am looking into getting one. I've been researching as much as I can for the past few weeks before I get one. I've been looking at the one's that they sell in petsmart for $70. From what I've been able to gather its a normal ball python and its afforadable for me. I'm looking for a good first snake to take care of that's non-aggressive and apparantly these are the best choice. I'm tryin to get all the materials I need before hand, i.e. tank, heater pad, etc. Is there anyone on here that has a normal frendly ball python for sale or any equiptment that you would recommend for me? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[DutchHerp]

Hmm... where do I start. I'll just rant a little bit.

1) No petsmart/petco. Overpriced and generally not healthy animals. Get from a breeder.
2) You'll need specific temperatures. Approx. 80* on the cool side and approx. 90* on the warm side. To achieve these temperatures, you'll need to insulate your tank and have the heating source on a thermostat.
3) You'll need two, identical, tight fitting hides for your snake.
4) The tank should not be too large.
5) You're aiming for 50-60% humidity.

I don't get why BPs are beginner snakes. The cool spot of 80* is already hard to achieve in a glass cage and other snakes, like corn snakes, can be kept at temperatures in the high 60s on the cool side.

[BiggsPython]

Ok. I have found someone locally that has a bp for sale with a complete setup, tank, heating pads, hides, the whole nine. It looks like I will be purchasing from them. Your right, its a much better price and they are willing to offer me lots of help. I will post pics when I get everything to see if anyone has any recommendations on anything that I might need that didn't come with it.

[llovelace]

Great!!! look forward to the pics. btw

[DutchHerp]

Don't forget the thermostat to regulate that heat pad and a digital thermo/hygrometer (cheap one at Wal-Mart, called Acu-Rite) that measures the temperatures in your setup.

[BiggsPython]

How many thermo's will I need?

[rabernet]

I'm also in Georgia (metro Atlanta) and can help you if you need. Just shoot me a PM so that I don't miss your post!

[Wh00h0069]

How many thermo's will I need?

One thermostat for the hot side. Heat pads can get extremely hot, and could potentially kill your snake. I suggest a digital thermostat; such as, Herpstat or Johnson Controls, but they can be a little pricey. If you do not have the funds for one, you could go with a lamp dimmer; such as, a Lutron dimmer sold at Lowes. You will also need a digital thermometer to measure the temp on your hot spot. Make sure that it does not go above 95F. I set my hot spot to 92F, and I try to maintain 82F on my cool side.

Hope this helps.

[charliegirl]

Please don't get a snake from your local pet store. Their best interest is not in the snake, it is in making as much money as possible. They often sell snakes with health problems (sometimes knowingly, sometimes unknowingly) and then you are left with $70 (or more) and a dead snake. You can get healthy snakes from pet stores, but why take the risk? Often times breeders will have a health guarantee. Plus, they know how to take proper care of the snakes and you will end up with a healthier and happier snake. Also, a good breeder will be more than happy to answer questions you may have well after you have purchased the snake. Anyway, my two cents.

[charliegirl]

Oops, should have read the whole thread, then I would know you're not going to buy from the pet store!

Can't wait to see pics of your new BP!