Future owner with questions

[TheBallPython]

Hello,

I am looking to get my first BP in a few months and had some questions. I have learned the basics (humidity, warm/cool side, identical hides, etc), but there are a few things I don't know. Now, I was thinking about getting my snake from the show here in havre de grace, md.. but I'm a little worried about either being ripped off, or not knowing the breeder. Is there any way to know which breeders will attend certain shows?

I was also wondering if there seems to be a temperment difference between males and females. Right now, since I'm still living with my mother, she first didn't want me to have a bp at all, then agreed on a male because they don't get as large. And on here, I have seen some MASSIVE females. However, do they get that big naturally? Or is it because of frequent feeding? I just really wish I'd be able to keep my options open with gender and be able to tell my mom that females don't really get that much bigger.

I have also seen many opinions on tank size. After what I've read, I'm thinking about going with a 20gal. Is that really large enough for a full grown BP? I was also wondering if 1 UTH would be enough? One person here told me 2 would be better for the warm and cool side since my house is a little cooler for my chinchillas, but being a 20 gal, would it really be necessary? Not that I don't trust who told me (they were a huge help), just want multiple opinions.

Thank you. I'll ask more questions as I think of them, lol.

[mrshawt]

I have to use two UTHs for my 20g because we don't have central air in my house. They are both hooked up the same tstat however, with the dimmer backup for the cool side turned down lower to get a temp gradient.

I was actually thinking of getting a chin, but I decided having a pet that needs cooler air and one that needs warmer air isn't a good idea for energy conservation.

[TheBallPython]

Thanks I was thinking about getting a duel thermostat, but they're $210 or something like that. I'm guessing there are no more that are cheaper?

Another question. I was just off reading a retained shed thread, and was wondering, how often do they shed?

[mrshawt]

I don't have a double tstat. Most will have more than one plug to control multiple devices. I use the Repti temp 500r, which has two plugs and costs about $30.

Depends on the snake. Most shed every 4-6 weeks. But like I said it depends per snake and their growth rate.

[TheBallPython]

Oh ok, thanks! You were saying about backing it up with a dimmer, how would that be done?

[Kaorte]

You can buy a light dimmer for $10 at the home depot or lowes. You just plug the dimmer into the t-stat and one of the heat pads (cool side) into the dimmer. Tada! You can now dim down the cool side temp

[Lolo76]

Hello,

I am looking to get my first BP in a few months and had some questions. I have learned the basics (humidity, warm/cool side, identical hides, etc), but there are a few things I don't know. Now, I was thinking about getting my snake from the show here in havre de grace, md.. but I'm a little worried about either being ripped off, or not knowing the breeder. Is there any way to know which breeders will attend certain shows?

There should be a website set up for the show, and they typically list the breeders expected to attend. From there, I would go on this website to research them: http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/foru...splay.php?f=13
The other members here alerted me to that site, and it's been a fabulous resource! I've only attended one show so far, where I saw some decent (but not amazing) deals... picked up a hatchling male pastel for $125, who is both gorgeous and SUPER sweet. But it's possible I just got lucky, so definitely do your research first.

I was also wondering if there seems to be a temperment difference between males and females. Right now, since I'm still living with my mother, she first didn't want me to have a bp at all, then agreed on a male because they don't get as large. And on here, I have seen some MASSIVE females. However, do they get that big naturally? Or is it because of frequent feeding? I just really wish I'd be able to keep my options open with gender and be able to tell my mom that females don't really get that much bigger.

Females are typically bigger at full size, but I can't say if that's genetic or environmental. They have to be around 1500g or more to breed, whereas males can breed much smaller (and younger)... so that could have something to do with it, although I believe it's also somewhat natural.

FYI, I have 2 females (one 1770g adult, one 350g yearling) and my baby male... can only speak from experience with these snakes, but I've found the boy to be calmer and more "affectionate." I've had the younger female since she was a baby, and she still hisses at me sometimes - never strikes or bites, but you can tell she has mixed feelings about handling. Toby, on the other hand, can't seem to get enough cuddle time! They all have unique personalities, though, so there are no guarantees based on gender.

I have also seen many opinions on tank size. After what I've read, I'm thinking about going with a 20gal. Is that really large enough for a full grown BP? I was also wondering if 1 UTH would be enough? One person here told me 2 would be better for the warm and cool side since my house is a little cooler for my chinchillas, but being a 20 gal, would it really be necessary?

Generally a 10-15gal is recommended for hatchlings/yearlings, and a 20gal is sufficient for the rest of their life... some will go as big as 40, but it's not really necessary for a BP. Keep in mind, they often reside in termite mounds in the wild, so large open spaces can be intimidating. Go for a long/narrow tank, rather than a tall one, and fill it with stuff (branches, fake plants, etc) if there's empty space. As for the UTH, I think one is fine since they need one side to be warmer. If the ambient temp is still too cold, which is a problem I have with the glass tanks, you can add an overhead light - I use a ceramic. Good luck and have fun!! You know they are addictive, right??

[mrshawt]

You can buy a light dimmer for $10 at the home depot or lowes. You just plug the dimmer into the t-stat and one of the heat pads (cool side) into the dimmer. Tada! You can now dim down the cool side temp

In order to set a sufficient temp in case the tstat fails, you first plug the heat pads into their respective dimmers. Set them at a point where the hot side temp is about 95 and the cool about 85 (This may take a while.). Then, you can hook it up like Kaorte said.

This way, if the tstat fails in the open position, your dimmers will regulate the temps only up to 95 and 85 until you notice.

[aff19802]

Hello,

I am looking to get my first BP in a few months and had some questions. I have learned the basics (humidity, warm/cool side, identical hides, etc), but there are a few things I don't know. Now, I was thinking about getting my snake from the show here in havre de grace, md.. but I'm a little worried about either being ripped off, or not knowing the breeder. Is there any way to know which breeders will attend certain shows?

I was also wondering if there seems to be a temperment difference between males and females. Right now, since I'm still living with my mother, she first didn't want me to have a bp at all, then agreed on a male because they don't get as large. And on here, I have seen some MASSIVE females. However, do they get that big naturally? Or is it because of frequent feeding? I just really wish I'd be able to keep my options open with gender and be able to tell my mom that females don't really get that much bigger.

I have also seen many opinions on tank size. After what I've read, I'm thinking about going with a 20gal. Is that really large enough for a full grown BP? I was also wondering if 1 UTH would be enough? One person here told me 2 would be better for the warm and cool side since my house is a little cooler for my chinchillas, but being a 20 gal, would it really be necessary? Not that I don't trust who told me (they were a huge help), just want multiple opinions.

Thank you. I'll ask more questions as I think of them, lol.

Being pretty new to the hobby myself there is a couple of things that i wish i never did and recomend not doing to someone else.

1. I have been to harve de grace personally and i took a coulple of friends there myself and I would say they are all pretty good breeders and produce good quality. I can recomend rick krimurae(how every you spell it) he occupies the far left back corner when you walk in the door... nice animals and you can talk to him on pricing. But harve dre grace is a small show and its pretty much always the same people there.

2.first i wouldnt buy a tank 10 easyer toi meet the reqirements in a tub cost is 90 better. all you would need is a drill or soder iron(recomended) from radio shack and you can make it great for you bp... (cost 20 tub and soder)

3.In my oppinion now that i have three the only true difference is length neither is really that mach bigger asto where the can harm you. it seems thats the worry with size... as far a bps what makes them seem bigger is girth that has to do with what you feed. So mom should have any worries with what you bring home. If you get a normal I'd say get a female if you do desided to expand a male would almost be usless in future breeding.

GOOD LUCK and dont forget to show us what you got!!!

[TheOtherLeadingBrand]

We have a 2200 gram male... lol it really depends! He's eight years old...