New soon to be ball python owner with some questions!

Hi all! I don't currently own any reptiles, just my 2 dogs, but I'm preparing to get my first ever ball python in November at an expo and I have some questions!

-First, would you recommend a baby or an adult for a beginner? It seems like most of the expos around here only have hatchlings or very old snakes. I'm not totally against buying online if I decided to get an older snake but I really would rather see it in person and make sure it looks okay before buying. Which leads me to my next question...

-Do you think you can accurately tell a snakes temperament at an expo when handling it or would it be so stressed by the experience that you wouldn't know until you got the snake home and settled in for a few weeks? What are some things I should look for other than overall appearance, mites, and stuck shed?

- I'm planning on going with glass as the idea of a plastic tub is just really off putting to me. I don't think theres anything wrong with it if it works but I'd rather go with glass unless I have to switch to a tub. Is it a must to get a small tank for a baby or could I do one big enough for an adult provided that I have a lot of hides and clutter for it to feel safe?

- And finally, what brand equipment do you guys use? I want to make sure I get a good hygrometer, thermometer, UTH, and thermostat. I'm in the US if that makes a difference as to what is available to buy. Thanks for for taking time to read and answer my questions!

Hello, welcome to the forum and the wonderful world of snake keeping (soon, hahahaha).

- First, I personally would go with a juvenile. Just be sure to speak to the breeder and make sure it's well established, preferably on the prey you intend to feed. For example, if you plan to feed frozen/thawed (F/T) Your best bet as a new keeper is to get an animal already readily taking F/T.
(A good idea would be to look at the expo website and vendor list. Research the breeders prior to going to the show. This way you'll have some reputable breeders in mind and can weed out the less desirable tables and not waste your time)

- As for determining temperament at an expo, you're right it can be a bit inconclusive due to the stressful environment. If a BP balls up, that isn't a tell tale sign the animal will remain shy and skittish, however I feel like an animal that's calm and docile in that environment will likely remain so moving forward.
Aside from the obvious external things you mentioned to look for, look at the other animals at the table. If the other animals are in tough shape I'd move on. If all of the animals at the table look good, that's a good sign.

- As for going glass, I support that 100000%. I have been successfully using glass for many years. Some people will say otherwise, but glass works really well if you're willing to put in a little effort. Sure, plastic tubs and PVC enclosures make things easier, but glass has worked well for many, many years with millions of snakes.
As for starting small, I think it's your best bet, especially as a new keeper. My advice, start simple, stick to basics and experiment once you've got some experience under your belt. Small glass tanks are super cheap...and they work!.
That's not to saying a larger tank WON'T work, but as a new keeper, why not go with what WILL work?

- For equipment, many of use use Accurite brand thermometer/hygrometers. They are about $10 each and can be found in the garden section at Wal-Mart or online. I have two in each of my enclosures.
I personally have several different brands of UTH and have no complaints on any. They all work fine when regulated by a thermostat.
For thermostats, if you can swing the upfront cost of a HerpStat brand, go for that. I personally use big Apple and JumpStart as well with no issues yet. However, HerpStat is far and away the best product for the money.


Good luck, I hope I helped you a bit.
Feel free to ask as many questions as you have. We're happy to help.
Also, please keep us posted!!!

Hi,
I am currently about 2 months in with my first BP, but I have been keeping reptiles for a while. Here is my take on things

1. I would consider the idea of a tub as a temporary setup for a young baby. Based on my research they just do better, feed better ect. My perspective on this is that while I would like to display my baby, it isn't what is best for her at this time. I can save that for when she is older. I would also encourage you to look at animal plastics display cages as an alternative to glass.

2. While you can make an adult sized enclosure work babies are much better off in small spaces, hence the temporary tub.

3. As for equipment brands, I have a lot more experience here. Flexwatt heat tape or flukers heat mats are the best I have found for UTH. Herpstat is the best thermostat I have ever used, but will run you about $100 for entry level. Jumpstart is the only non proportional thermostat I have had good experiences with, but they can fail so you have to watch them. I like the exo terra thermometer hygrometer combos, but there are lots of other good brands out there.

4. As to what snake to get: I started with a hatchling and have had good success, but I have experience with other reptiles, and i think that makes a difference. Most of the advice i have seen is to get a snake that is a bit older/ bigger but maybe not fully grown. But you are right in that babies are more readily available. I think you can make it work with a well started baby. If you do end up with a baby, I would try to get one that has been well started on frozen thawed prey of appropriate size. It should have shed and had at least 3-5 meals without refusing.

5. Have you considered a food source? I would make sure you either have a local source for feeders of various sizes or find an online supplier. If you are unsure of the snake size you will be getting, it becomes more important to because you cannot pre order feeders.

I have looked into food sources as I intend to feed f/t. I've also been looking at all the vendors that will be there to make sure I can try to find someone that has already started their snakes of f/t though it seems most people around me unfortunately do live so I hope I will get lucky or be able to transition without too much trouble. Thank you for the replies so far!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Paramedicsquidward

I have looked into food sources as I intend to feed f/t. I've also been looking at all the vendors that will be there to make sure I can try to find someone that has already started their snakes of f/t though it seems most people around me unfortunately do live so I hope I will get lucky or be able to transition without too much trouble. Thank you for the replies so far!

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I would go ahead and contact some of the breeders you're interested in. Can't hurt to get a feel for them before the show. They're often fairly busy at the shows, so being ahead of the game might benefit you and help you narrow down your options.

Just wing it, buy 12, and be happy.............jk dont do that.....

I know most people suggest small set ups. I chose to go big with the intention of letting my bp have plenty room to explore at night. I haven't had any problems with him so far. I got him at 3.5 months old 153g. He's a great eater he is now 7 months and 520g.
Glass or tub is basically preference, whatever works best for you. I went with a huge clear tub from Ikea and modified it. I cut a hole in one side and built a little tunnel going into a slightly smaller tub, where I put fake greenery. Kinda wanted him to feel like he escaped for a little while lol Surprisingly he only goes to the bathroom in the tube with the fake plants. I'll attach a pic

Good luck with whatever you decide to go with.

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Cute! I love that!