I'm a noob!

Heya! I'm Rachel and I am new to this forum. I have one corn snake and am thinking of adopting an older ball python from a shelter nearby. Besides needing large living quarters, are ball pythons any more expensive to keep than corns as pets? When looking at the shelter's balls, what should I look out for, especially health and personality-wise? Tips for the ball python :) noob are greatly appreciated. :)

Welcome to the forum, Rachel! :welcome:

To answer your questions, they don't really need large living quarters and the only extra expense you may incur is the additional energy to heat their cage as they require warmer temps than a Corn. Other than that, the requirements are essentially the same.

Here's a link to our caresheet for more specific information.

Welcome arbored Rachel!


*EDIT*
Lawrence you beat me to it. Nicely said!

Welcome to BP.net! :) You'll find many helpful folks on here, willing to jump right in and help--so feel free to ask questions!

As previously said, BPs don't really need a whole lot of space. They're shy snakes and love their enclosed spaces! I've never kept a corn snake (or any other type of snake besides a BP), so I don't really know how they compare.

I think it's great that you're willing to adopt an adult BP from a shelter! Just be aware that you might end up with a problem feeder (at first) or a snake that isn't very "socialized" (ie: used to people handing it). Even if it appears healthy (no burns, open wounds, mites, "drool" around the mouth/wheezing when it breathes, clear cloacal area), you should also be prepared to bring it to the vet for a preliminary check-up to look for internal parasites.

I'm sure others can chip in here about what to look for, things that I may have missed. That said, I'm really glad you're coming here to get some information before going out and adopting--you're a smart girl!

Howdy



~mike

Welcome aboard! :handshake

I've been bumping around the forums and I am seeing some amazing snakes! Wow! Now I've really made up my mind..I'm addicted! Thanks for your info! What size tanks do you use?

It IS a seriously addicting hobby! Be warned!! :P


My ball python is in a 32qt sterelite tub. She's very content in there...although I'm currently looking for something one size bigger for her "full grown" enclosure. (She's about 21 months old now)