BP for my son!

Alright so I am going to get my son a ball python for x-mas. My story is that I am somewhat afraid of snakes, but I like and respect them. I don't want my kids to be blindly afraid of snakes so I thought a ball python would be perfect as a pet and perfect for my son who was born without thumbs. Due to his size and hands he is most likely never going to play competitive sports so I am trying to provide him neat and interesting things that don't involve thumbs or athletic prowess! So far we have gone to all the local pet shops and even a reptile expo yesterday and both my kids love the snakes and hold them with no trepidation! So anyway, my question is that if your parents got you a BP, what morph would you have wanted(under $300) and what sex if you might later get into breeding?


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There are many different morphs that you can get for that price. The best advice is to start looking at sites like kingsnake.com and find a few bp's that appeal to you that are in your price range. Personally if you are thinking about breeding I would be more inclined on getting a female. They take longer to get to breeding age. Please take time to read the caresheet on this site to make sure that you are providing the best care for your new snake, and ask questions. I hate to see anyone have problems because their set up is wrong, or incorrect husbandry....

Pinstripes and Spiders are visually beautiful and will always make great looking pets. Either of those female babies can be picked up for well under $300. You could find a male Spider or Pastel, and a female Pinstripe for around $300, and make either Spinners or Lemon Blasts in a few years.

And by the way, since you're in the Springs, take a look at my available page. ;)

I agree with the above, by the way i think this is a great idea for your son. You sound like a great parent :gj:

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Originally Posted by Gomojoe

Alright so I am going to get my son a ball python for x-mas. My story is that I am somewhat afraid of snakes, but I like and respect them. I don't want my kids to be blindly afraid of snakes so I thought a ball python would be perfect as a pet and perfect for my son who was born without thumbs. Due to his size and hands he is most likely never going to play competitive sports so I am trying to provide him neat and interesting things that don't involve thumbs or athletic prowess! So far we have gone to all the local pet shops and even a reptile expo yesterday and both my kids love the snakes and hold them with no trepidation! So anyway, my question is that if your parents got you a BP, what morph would you have wanted(under $300) and what sex if you might later get into breeding?


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Very good advice from Dragonboy, I'd say just find a morph that you really like the looks of and go to another expo or buy one from a reputable online breeder.
There are plenty of cool looking morphs in that price range. Maybe a Spider or a Pastel, it all depends on what you like. Welcome to the hobby, I got my first normal female a year ago. I've gotten 3 more (morphs) since.

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Originally Posted by dragonboy4578

There are many different morphs that you can get for that price. The best advice is to start looking at sites like kingsnake.com and find a few bp's that appeal to you that are in your price range. Personally if you are thinking about breeding I would be more inclined on getting a female. They take longer to get to breeding age. Please take time to read the caresheet on this site to make sure that you are providing the best care for your new snake, and ask questions. I hate to see anyone have problems because their set up is wrong, or incorrect husbandry....

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Ive done live coral and saltwater fish myself so I understand the newb mentality that can result in the death of new pets. I don't intend to let that happen. So far I have gotten a exo-terra 40g breeder size tank. I've put cypress substrate down and put flex watt tape underneath. I put about a foot piece( of the 11") underneath the warm side and a close to 2' piece under the cool-side. I just ordered a herpestat II to so I can set the cool to 80 and the warm to 90 as measured on the substrate. I've got a warm and cool hide and some fake plants. Right now I'm just waiting for the herpestat to be delivered and have been trying to tweak the humidity by closing up the screens on top. I don't plan on getting the snake until it is stable! Anyway, I really want to make this a flawless process for my son and just educate and familiarize him over the next few years so that if he wants to breed it he is prepaired.



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That cage is too large for a baby. Do you plan on buying an adult? You could always temporarily house it in a tub until it is large enough.

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Originally Posted by Jessica Loesch

That cage is too large for a baby. Do you plan on buying an adult? You could always temporarily house it in a tub until it is large enough.

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No, but I have put smaller hides and a bunch of fake plants hoping it will make a hatchling feel secure enough.


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It may, but it may not. Often times hatchlings do not feed well in larger enclosures because they do not feel secure. However, it can be done - just make sure you get a strong feeder and you should be okay.

Here is my son posing with his older sister behind him!

http://img.tapatalk.com/cfe11ac9-8460-b480.jpg


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