Bad husbandry advice..

I was on Yahoo!Answers and somebody was asking about how to extend their BP's life and this is what someone answered:

"You really should have known this stuff earlier. Four years into owning a pet isn't a good time to start learning about it. I have had a ball python for 2 months and I know almost everything about it.

Food: As an adult, a mouse or rat big enough to make a small bump in it's stomach every two-three weeks.

Humidity: Contrary to common thought, ball pythons should be fine with normal, every day humidity, however when shedding, the python should be misted 2-3 times a day with a water bottle to ensure a nice clean shed.

Cage Cleaning: Pick up any feces the moment you see it in it's cage, and change out the substrate once a month or every two months if kept in good condition.

Temperature: 80-85F Is ideal for a ball python on the warm side of the cage, and 65-75F is good for the cooler side, be sure to have hide spots on both.

Housing: 50 Gallon tank as an adult MINIMUM. Plenty of hides, a water dish that it can submerge itself in, and a nice heat gradient.

Water: Change every other day and if from the tap, add water conditioner from Zoo Med or something similar."

I hope the person takes the advice to come here and read caresheets instead of following that info...

No kidding sounds Like he needs to ask some questions lol!

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Originally Posted by scales owner

No kidding sounds Like he needs to ask some questions lol!

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I like his "contrary to common thought" part... 2 months owning a BP and he knows just about everything, huh.

That person didn't have to be so mean.
I don't think he answered the question anyway.
That's all just basic care, but longevity I would think it more than that, wouldn't breeding frequency come into play aswell?:weirdface

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Originally Posted by SecurityStacey

I like his "contrary to common thought" part... 2 months owning a BP and he knows just about everything, huh.

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No doubt.I have been aruond snakes for about 26 years and I am STILL learning.

It doesn't matter how long you have animals...you're ALWAYS still learning. :D

Dontcha just love those people who heard some crap advice from a 'trusted friend' and hold it dear like it was carved in stone. Then, of course, since their animal is still alive they tell everyone they can that their knowledge is 'what really should be done'. And usually that 'wonderful' advice is about 20 years out of date if not totally wrong. :rolleyes::mad:

If someone has bad or inaccurate knowledge and will not listen to the right stuff it's maddening. When they keep it to themselves, alright fine... but when they spread it around like they're all knowing gurus or something, that's when it can cause a lot of problems for the snake keeping hobby.

Sorry... pet peeve of mine. :)

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Originally Posted by Argentra

If someone has bad or inaccurate knowledge and will not listen to the right stuff it's maddening. When they keep it to themselves, alright fine... but when they spread it around like they're all knowing gurus or something, that's when it can cause a lot of problems for the snake keeping hobby.

Sorry... pet peeve of mine. :)

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Its not just when they share it...even those stubborn people who keep it to themselves are bad. The other day at work, I had one person check out with a handful of fuzzies...and after asking, I find out that its all for her SIX year old BP. Immediately after her, a guy checks out with a pinkie for his 6 month old BP. Neither would take an ounce of advice about changing their feeding habits. The week before...someone who feeds one mouse every 1.5 months. Between fish and reptiles, I see so many people who will take NO advice on how to better care for their pets. If you don't know better, fine...but to be told multiple times and refuse to change is rediculous.

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Originally Posted by Argentra

If someone has bad or inaccurate knowledge and will not listen to the right stuff it's maddening. When they keep it to themselves, alright fine... but when they spread it around like they're all knowing gurus or something, that's when it can cause a lot of problems for the snake keeping hobby.

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Like the girl at the local petsmart that told me that a BP needs at least a 120 gallon tank... I can't even imagine the problems people are having that take the advice from these people when getting their pet set up.