New to site and thinking about getting a ball python

Well i went to a petshop to get a lizard the guy talked me into holding a ball python, i held it then my girlfriend held it and well he shot right for her cleavage and i said i'll take him.:8: but to worn you after getting my first im now looking into a boa lol. They are a gateway snake.

My first ball python was a rescue. She was very underweight, very dehydrated, and had a retained skin. But, she's been with me for a month now and she's gained 10g, eats every 5 days, and looks healthier. I can't see her spine anymore. I've had a good experience with her. I'm already plotting to get my 2nd and 3rd ball python in August once my snake rack is done being built (I just ordered the heat tape, thermostats, and thermometers tonight)!

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Originally Posted by tmurph17

Thanks everyone. Yeah ive started researching them. Once i get free time im gonna sit down and research my butt off. How were peoples experiences when you got your first ball python?

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Amazing. I couldnt have been happier when I got my first! But its true you can not stop at one its impossible. In as little as 3-4 months I have 5 ball pythons now.

Haha i dont want to get in over my head. Im sure one will be just fine but im sure all you thought that at first. But once ive done my research i want to figure out cost for everything i need to start with and then monthly costs. I only want the best for my python! :D

Do your homework, they are wonderful addictive snakes but they can be easily stressed if their husbandry is not correct. Really the biggest issues with them are they can be finicky eaters. Some are awesome eaters and some will go on strike every year, many do a bit of both. If that doen't dissuade you, thank goodness. They are amazing pets with a ton of different color and pattern morphs, I find a wide range of attitudes, and once you have them set up they are very easy to keep. They are heavy bodied enough to be weighty and impressive looking/feeling snakes and mellow enough to just sit on your arm or neck while you watch tv or read. I went from 1 to 11 snakes and 12 eggs in just a few years because I fell in love with these big couch potatoes, and I don't plan to stop here! Good luck! And keep us posted, we love hearing about everyone babies and we love pictures when you find the one, or the first of many!

Ive read that they can fast. You just have to watch their health and weight if they decide to do it. Also read to try to avoid anything side mice or rats. Like bigger rodents so they dont totally refuse mice again. Also starting with a young one whats the best for them? Frozen or live? Also do you guys feed them in their cages or in a separate area?

Ive had mine for a little over a month and i couldnt be happoer, he is a complete jpy. I llove getting home grom work and chillin out with him on my bed. He makes me happy. Im wanting another so bad.but my husbands making me wait a year.

I feed mine live rats in hos enclosure, itss a myth that they will get cage aggressive. Also moving them to feed them.is just stressful.on them.
try f/t first though because live can be dangerous.

you came to the right place. you will get sucked into the world of ball pythons quick then you will be looking for more ball pythons to get. but welcome to bp.net

I am new myself, but welcome.

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Originally Posted by PolishPython

Welcome to bp.net and yes Bp are great starter snakes. Make sure you do your research on them and hang around on here you will learn a lot in no time.


Why not Petco .. if anything save the darn snake from their mediocre care.
and FYI my first Bp was from petco LOL and I still got him and love him as much as the rest of mine. He is the only one I trust and the only one that will tolerate little kids to hold.

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The problem with saving the snake, is that it gives them more business. They'll immediately replace it, and it just keeps going and going.
Collateral damage is inevitable and your one purchase just adds to the millions more.

Also, to the OP: WELCOME!
Bps are awesome pets, I'm sure you'll love them.
Have you ever considered adopting a rescue BP from the site, that way you'll be saving one that came from a bad home or was abandoned and won't be supporting a company who doesn't care for them properly and gets them from sources that are far from a healthy environment for the animals.