So what about heating?

Yes, I started out with 10 gluon tanks. a 10 gallon will last a few months at the least before they outgrow it (really depends on the growth rate of the BP) keep in mind if you are using a UTH the substrate layer needs to be 1/2" thick or less for the UTH to be able to do it's job. I prefer to use paper towels or corrugated wrap in my cages it makes cleaning much easier. (newspaper is also good). Don't use Cedar or Pine mulch in the cage as they have a chemical in them that is toxic to snakes (pine is ok if it is kiln dried) Aspen, Cypress, are the most commonly used. If you only have 1 BP I would just buy it from the petstore. it is much safer that way (though costs a little more) coco-husk is also a good choice (Eco-Earth is a name brand)

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Originally Posted by serpent fan

I guess my question, what exactly maintinence wise am i looking at with a 10gal glass, simply because ive got one.
Again this is 2 months temporary housing until my lease is up, than i would like to make a big custom cage for him.

Also, amles vs females

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Females get bigger than males but that is the only difference.

You will need to make sure that the temperatures are correct, a probed thermometer and thermostat will make this very easy. you will need to make sure that the humidity is between 40%-60% normally and 60%-80% during shed. this is the hard part, but can be done. you will have to mist the cage a few times a day.

Here is a good site that sells reptile supplies. I highly recommend the hide boxes they sell:

http://reptilebasics.com/

If you build your own cage i would recommend that you find somewhere that sells sheets of PVC or another plastic as wood cages tend to have difficulty with the humidity that the cages need to be kept at. (they also don't hold in heat as well)

Wow thanks everyone.
So to clear. My friend has a snake, i have none as of just yet :)
Checking the site now.
So ill probobly go with ut heatmat of some sort.
I will deff. Look into pvc for a tank when im outa my apt. But if i cant get away with a 10 gal and a mist bottle, i dont mind. Is there any sort of easier way to go about humidity (auto humidor for snakes?)

I have used humidifiers in the past. they require weekly maintenance if they run a lot.

there are also misting systems. Here is a good one that I am currently using in my cages.

http://www.mistking.com/

Overkill for a 10 gallon but whatever works right?

I use the mist king system along with my herpstat 4 (thermostat/humidity controller/lighting controller) the herpstat has a humidity sensor and the mist king pump plugs into the herpstat. when the humidity gets below a certain % the herpstat turns the pump on and it mists the cages. (I only have to run this system when I have a snake in shed as my cages stay about 60% humidity naturally.

Hmm maybe a spray bottle and vigilance for now...college paychecks here haha

This is off topic but...

If I were to get a single snake to keep as a pet I would not get a ball python. I would go with a boa constrictor, carpet python or woma.

Balls are great but their feeding problems do get annoying. If its your first snake you probably want to handle it alot and since balls are pretty nervous compared to alot of other boas/pythons its not the optimal choice.

From my reading, that shouldnt be a huge issue if i get from a hatchling, and acclinate him to handling over time. Ive got experience with pets, reps, but not snakes, but im incredibly patient, and have the time to be patient.

Also, the fact balls tend to ball up vs strike is nice.
Im aware of the feeding issues that may happen, but i feel a ball wpuld be what im looking for

If you have taken other snakes into consideration and still want a ball, you should get one. But be aware of the feeding issues that may arise! As for the balling up, some balls do others prefer biting! It all comes down to the personality of the snake.

I have 8 balls atm and only one of them is a biter, but I do keep handling to a minimum. I have a carpet (mcdowelli) which is kinda my pet snake. She has never even hissed at me, although baby carpets have a reputation of being little :cens0r::cens0r::cens0r::cens0r::cens0r::cens0r:s.

Anyways, good luck to you:)