Good resource for potential newbie (books, etc.)?

All,

Been considering a reptile of some sort for my son (8) for a couple of months, now. Took him to Repticon in Atlanta, where I met a few breeders, one appears to be here, Slowcountry Balls. We've looked at Bearded Dragons, Milk Snakes, Sand Boas, Rainbow Boas......we just keep coming back to Balls. One of my daughters (13) became very intrigued during one of our trips to check out some, and it is possible we'd look at a couple.

Have to admit, I'm a bit overwhelmed with info. I don't think I even know enough to ask the right questions. For example, enclosure. Glass seems most readily available, but it seems that folks here prefer polymeric for I believe heat retention. The pet stores (sadly, a place here called The Critter Barn closed a few years ago, so I'm left with the big stores - though one has some great employees who are all BP owners) seem to only sell "kits" that contain the heating element, baskign light, etc. So if I go with say an Animal Plastics enclosure, I'm flying blind for what kind of stuff I need to finish off the terrarium. If I have two Balls in there, do I need multiple zones, or will the pad heat a large enough area for both? How many hides, one warm one cool for each snake (total of 4), or what? Basking lamps? If I get an AP enclosure, should I go big, and start with a divider to keep them in a smaller space initially, or just have teh whole thing open to them? Should I get a small one, then upgrade? Is glass really that bad (it seems better for display)? So tons of really basic questions. But I'd like to start working on this stuff well before we get a snake (and it appears that AP has some lead time for their enclosures, so I may need to be way ahead).

Compared to other snakes, they seem to largely be considered more of an "intermediate" type of snake, compared to the Kings/Rats/Milks.......yet the Balls are considered the most docile. Is this due to their tendency to be finnicky eaters when moved into a new home?

At any rate, I am sure all of my questions are here on the forum, but I don't even know which questions to ask. The proprietor of Slowcountry Balls was fantastic, and my intent is to go to him when that time comes, but I don't want to inundate him with tons of questions that I can find if I have teh right resource available.

So, any recommendations for a Ball Pythons 101 type data source?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 67King

All,

Been considering a reptile of some sort for my son (8) for a couple of months, now. Took him to Repticon in Atlanta, where I met a few breeders, one appears to be here, Slowcountry Balls. We've looked at Bearded Dragons, Milk Snakes, Sand Boas, Rainbow Boas......we just keep coming back to Balls. One of my daughters (13) became very intrigued during one of our trips to check out some, and it is possible we'd look at a couple.

Have to admit, I'm a bit overwhelmed with info. I don't think I even know enough to ask the right questions. For example, enclosure. Glass seems most readily available, but it seems that folks here prefer polymeric for I believe heat retention. The pet stores (sadly, a place here called The Critter Barn closed a few years ago, so I'm left with the big stores - though one has some great employees who are all BP owners) seem to only sell "kits" that contain the heating element, baskign light, etc. So if I go with say an Animal Plastics enclosure, I'm flying blind for what kind of stuff I need to finish off the terrarium. If I have two Balls in there, do I need multiple zones, or will the pad heat a large enough area for both? How many hides, one warm one cool for each snake (total of 4), or what? Basking lamps? If I get an AP enclosure, should I go big, and start with a divider to keep them in a smaller space initially, or just have teh whole thing open to them? Should I get a small one, then upgrade? Is glass really that bad (it seems better for display)? So tons of really basic questions. But I'd like to start working on this stuff well before we get a snake (and it appears that AP has some lead time for their enclosures, so I may need to be way ahead).

Compared to other snakes, they seem to largely be considered more of an "i" type of snake, compared to the Kings/Rats/Milks.......yet the Balls are considered the most docile. Is this due to their tendency to be finnicky eaters when moved into a new home?

At any rate, I am sure all of my questions are here on the forum, but I don't even know which questions to ask. The proprietor of Slowcountry Balls was fantastic, and my intent is to go to him when that time comes, but I don't want to inundate him with tons of questions that I can find if I have teh right resource available.

So, any recommendations for a Ball Pythons 101 type data source?

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I wouldnt keep Balls together. There's a caresheet on this forum that is really helpful. The only thing intermediate is the humidiety

Hello, Yes there is a lot of information to consume but before long it will all make sense to you. Definitely read the caresheet over for all the basics such as temps, humidity, etc.

Caging tends to come down to a personal preference. I use most the Animal Plastic PVC cages - awesome product. I do have a small Reptile Basics Rack system for my honduran snakes. They have an awesome product also. It just comes down to what you want. Do you want a display tank for your enjoyment or the proper cage/setup that will best suit the ball python.

You do not want to keep multiple snakes in the same enclosure - that is a no no. Each snake will needs it's own setup with all the necessities like heat, hides, etc.

As you will see mentioned all over this site - you must have a good thermostat to regulate the heat source that you end up using. This is imperative. I use Radiant Heat Panels in my AP cages.

I suggest you read the caresheet and then maybe post additional specific questions you have so we can help direct you in the right direction.

Happy reading!!! To me the research is half the fun in getting a new snake.

Cohabitation......well, so much from the advice from the good pet store!

THat actually drastically simplifies many of my questions (or rather shifts them to how to keep peace in the family.......)

Avoid advice from any big chain stores. Books are ok but often have out of date information. This site is actually wonderful for the information you can get.

PVC constructed enclosures are wonderful options for a small collection but don't count out rack setups.

Take a look at user oodaT's post about vivarium electronics rack setups and feel free to ask questions on racks, PVC enclosures, tubs, etc. I would steer you away from glass as it tends to be much more work in the way of humidity.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...=1#post2568317


The site reptile basics sells them and they are a great option for having multiple snakes and allows you to grow your collection.

Reptile basics also sells enclosures, heat tape, ultratherm UTH, rediant heat panels, CHE, and excellent hides as well as excellent thermostats also by vivarium electronics.


Take your time and read up on some of the basics such as temperature gradients, humidity, hides, acclimation, feeding prey sizes, etc.

It may seem overwhelming at first but it really is not that bad and the more you can get setup before you pull the trigger on a snake, the better off that snake will start off at.


I would highly recommend a good breeder to buy from as you will get good information on how and when that snake was fed, any genetics it from the parents, when it was born, and they will answer many common questions you have. If you start out with a healthy snake form a good breeder, you will have a much easier time getting that snake settled in.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SDA

Avoid advice from any big chain stores. Books are ok but often have out of date information. This site is actually wonderful for the information you can get.

PVC constructed enclosures are wonderful options for a small collection but don't count out rack setups.

Take a look at user oodaT's post about vivarium electronics rack setups and feel free to ask questions on racks, PVC enclosures, tubs, etc. I would steer you away from glass as it tends to be much more work in the way of humidity.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...=1#post2568317


The site reptile basics sells them and they are a great option for having multiple snakes and allows you to grow your collection.

Reptile basics also sells enclosures, heat tape, ultratherm UTH, rediant heat panels, CHE, and excellent hides as well as excellent thermostats also by vivarium electronics.


Take your time and read up on some of the basics such as temperature gradients, humidity, hides, acclimation, feeding prey sizes, etc.

It may seem overwhelming at first but it really is not that bad and the more you can get setup before you pull the trigger on a snake, the better off that snake will start off at.


I would highly recommend a good breeder to buy from as you will get good information on how and when that snake was fed, any genetics it from the parents, when it was born, and they will answer many common questions you have. If you start out with a healthy snake form a good breeder, you will have a much easier time getting that snake settled in.

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First of all, thanks to all for the replies! Yes, it seems overwhelming.

That said, I really liked SLowcountry Balls as a breeder. My son was with me, and he (breeder) took a lot of time goiing over things, recommended a specific snake (it was a Mojave, inexpensive option). He mentioned teh tubs, and quickly went over how to set up one..........which frankly completely flew over my head.

I am thinking that AP Cages option would be good. I'd be able to "display" the snake a bit, whereas with the tub option, that wouldn't really all that conducive to it. And if I were to get, say a T10 (with acrylic doors, rather than glass), I could get a divider should we end up with 2, and then when they are bigger, I could buy a second one to let each have a larger area.

Just remember there is a lead time with the purchase of these enclosures. So... you could always raise up a baby in a tub (inexpensive way to get one settled in and feeding) while the enclosure is being built and shipped.

Deborah, the super duper mod wrote up a very excellent guide on how to care for hatchlings.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...-hatchling-101

I would say immerse yourself in some of the excellent tips on husbandry and I promise in a very short time you will be ready to care for a new snake. Once you have a good foundation of knowledge it really is super easy to care for these little guys. It becomes second nature very quickly and can be a fun bonding with your kids and something they will learn to love their entire lives.

Good luck and asking is the first step to being a pro ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 67King

First of all, thanks to all for the replies! Yes, it seems overwhelming.

That said, I really liked SLowcountry Balls as a breeder. My son was with me, and he (breeder) took a lot of time goiing over things, recommended a specific snake (it was a Mojave, inexpensive option). He mentioned teh tubs, and quickly went over how to set up one..........which frankly completely flew over my head.

I am thinking that AP Cages option would be good. I'd be able to "display" the snake a bit, whereas with the tub option, that wouldn't really all that conducive to it. And if I were to get, say a T10 (with acrylic doors, rather than glass), I could get a divider should we end up with 2, and then when they are bigger, I could buy a second one to let each have a larger area.

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Sounds like you're already learning a lot. Definitely no snakes housed together. And don't listen to the chain store employees. Of course there are exceptions to the rule, but generally they are clueless.

Glass will, work, I've been using glass for years with different species and have never had a problem. That being said, I will be switching to PVC when finances allow. PVC is just a LOT easier.

Read over the "stickies" on this forum about how to set up enclosures, basic husbandry, etc... and you'll be off to a great start. This forum is loaded with knowledgeable, experienced keepers who are happy to help you learn. Keep in mind, just because one person says something doesn't make it right. Learn from multiple, reliable sources and you'll be fine.