BP caging

Im buying my first ball python and im wondering what exactly i need to get started. i was just going to buy a starter kit from petsmart or petco or some other place like that. but my roomate also owns a glass shop and i was wondering what is the best demensions for a cage? and what kind of material should i use if not glass?

Hi,

Generally speaking you won't get good value with the starter kits as we will probably tell you half of it doesn't work or isn't needed. ;) :rofl:

What size of BP are you planning on getting? What are your room temps like and do they vary a lot?

The good thing is, since you asked first, you are probably about to save a lot of money. :gj:


dr del

I would highly recommend you read through both of the following threads. It is also a very good idea to have everything set up and let it sit for a day to make sure you have humidity and temps right, that you there is less stress on the snake than if you kept changing things around after you get it home.
http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=56846
http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules/...warticle&id=59

thanks i really appreciate your help that was some good information

i just got my guy about a month ago, and he was living in a tank using a heat lamp for a little while, but it became a total pain and was stressing me out 24/7 because the humidity and heat was NEVER constant or where it was supposed to be.

now he's living in a tub with a piece of 4 dollar flex-watt tape and a ranco thermostat to keep him warm and we couldn't be happier.

Tank or tub, its really your choice, but its all in how much work you want to do with maintaining the snakes habitat. My tub is p just slightly opaque, and I think it still looks great if thats what you're looking for.

Just scour the forums and you'll eventually find all the answers you need :) hope this helped!

p.s. tubs are way cheaper too! :)

ok ive been readin up throughout the forum and some people are saying to not buy from a pet store. does anyone have any suggestions on BP breeders in the kansas city metro area?

I wouldn't say stay away from all pet stores. In my experience the chains (petco/petsmart) reptiles are more expensive and don't seem to be in the greatest shape. I perfer either buying from a breeder or a privatly owned petshop.

For a display(tank) you'll need minimum :
Tank
Substrate(no cedar)
UTH (under tank heat pad)use on hot side
water bowl
2 identical hides
Accurite to measure temps and humidity
Adjustable lamp and 50 w red bulb is optional but you might need it to regulate ambient temps. It will hurt your humidity though. But theres ways to fix that.

Or tub. flexwatt, thermostat and water bowl. Your at the mercy of the rooms climate for humidity or you'll have to mist for humidity. Depends on where you live, If you run your heater in the winter your house humidity is like 30% at best as the heater will dry up the air.