Are Ball Pythons Good Beginner Snakes?

They are definitely a beginner snake and super easy to care for.. seriously, it's not that hard.

Frankly, I'd like to think that most people could care for pretty much any snake that is regularly kept in captivity, with even just a little bit of google time.

Really, how hard is it to care for a pet that thrives eating once a week and living in a plastic tub on paper towels with two hides? With the available commercial caging and thermostats, keeping snakes has never been easier.

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Originally Posted by apple2

They are great beginner snakes, but make sure to research and know what you're doing before you get a BP, or any pet.

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I agree with this 100%. Snakes in general take specific care that is more time, and overall maintaince consuming than say a cat or dog. Just like a cat or dog, most snakes need to be interacted with daily (unless in shed or sick). A lot of people could avoid very bad situation when it comes to pet choosing if they simply take a month at least to do research on said animal before they buy it. To many people jump into owning a pet without first considering if they can afford it, do they have the time for it, do they have enough room, can they provide the animal with the proper enviroment, are you willing to accept the risks of possibly being bit or harmed by the animal (this includes animals from birds, rodents, amphibians, and ferrets, not just snakes), Can you afford vet bills should the animal become sick, is there even a close vet knowledgable about the animal? These are all very important questions that must be answered before purchase. If even one of these questions is in doubt or can easily be answered no, then you should not bring that animal home until you are 100% ready, or you should consider a diffrent animal that is more suited to your lifestyle.

Bp's do make the best starter snake imo but there are exceptions to the rule. Some Bp's are bitey as heck but as a general rule they're extremely docile and easy to handle. The exception is MBK (Mexican black king) yearling. Hes only bit me once the first week I got him (I use the term bite loosly at the size he was) and hadn't even tried once since and loves to be held now. So it is possible to get flighty bitey snakes even if generally they're not.

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The snake itself is a great beginner snake, unfortunately the husbandry issues and feeding issues make it not such an easy beginner snake.
Just look at all of the people having issues in the husbandry threads of every forum.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by apple2

They are great beginner snakes, but make sure to research and know what you're doing before you get a BP, or any pet.

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I agree. My first was a bp. Have had him for 8 years now. But definitely do some research if you get more than one. I did before I bought the three more I now have. And they are all awesome.

i think they make great starter snakes just make sure you do your homework before getting one. Make sure you can provide the proper care and housing requirements before getting a ball python. but i think its like that for any pet you need to make sure you know how to care for them before you go out and get one. the only thing i have found with owning a bp is you have to be patient with them some are really picky eater. mine didnt eat for 5 weeks after i got her

I don't have much say when it comes to whether BPs are good beginners because the only thing I have to compare with them are garter snakes (from experience). However I went into BP care as a novice because I received one unexpectedly as a gift, and I had to learn fast. I was excited, but for a long time was worried that what I was doing wasn't enough for him. Four years later and I'm still learning, but he's doing great and I pay very close attention to his behavior and well being. I feel this is necessary for any animal of course!