thinking about getting a ball python, what do i need?

Do a google search for the local Herpetological Society in your area. Their website will have good info for you , such as a list of reptile vets in your area. The other thing they'll have is a schedule for their local reptile shows or meetings. Go there and meet the local BP enthusiasts and breeders.

Wow! Thank you guys for all your very quick yet detailed anwers! Im going to look into everything recomended. I live about 15minutes from Tinley Park, IL. Also, do you recommend heat pads or lamps? which is cheaper/last longer. And what is the bare min. for supplies to begin with.

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Originally Posted by A.D.

Wow! Thank you guys for all your very quick yet detailed anwers! Im going to look into everything recomended. I live about 15minutes from Tinley Park, IL. Also, do you recommend heat pads or lamps? which is cheaper/last longer. And what is the bare min. for supplies to begin with.

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Heat mat/tape (belly heat) is generally preferred over a heat lamp. Some of us use a combination of both. Those that do use heat lamps often use them to raise ambient air temps when they are kept in rooms that are cooler. The downside is that they suck the humidity out of your enclosure, so keeping your humidity up can be a bit of a pain (should be some helpful info on that subject in the care sheet that was posted). So which you use will depend on factors such as that. As far as longevity and efficiency, heat mats/tape win hands down. Heat bulbs generally use many times the electricity and will burn out in time, just like a light bulb.

how do you even make humidity in the tub :) im such a newbie to the whole process

I use a little spray bottle filled with water. Tubs maintain humidity (and temps) so much better in my experience. Another way to keep humidity up is to place your snake's water bowl over part of the UTH. This will cause it to evaporate quicker. I use the method during shedding and with pickier species, like our amazon tree boas that require higher humidity.

so how high should the humidity and temp be

Temps should be 88-92 degrees Fahrenheit on the warm side and your cool side should be about 80 degrees. Ambient air temp should be in low 80's. Humidity should be in the 50-60% range, although when your snake is shedding, you will want your humidity close to 80%.

okay. thanks. so Im having a little trouble finding a reptile show near me. the next one ive seen so far is next year in like April or May. What should I do about finding a Ball Python

They are having the Tinley Park show on October 13-14. http://www.narbc.com/

You can also order online from a breeder. Once you factor in shipping, it will end up being about the same as if you were to buy from a pet store, but you will likely end up with a higher quality, well started snake. There are lots of excellent breeders on this site as well and this is a great time to score babies as a lot of us have clutches hatching. There is a classifieds section on this site where members sell their snakes. You can also check out the breeding section and see who has clutches and talk to the posters about what they have available. There are also a lot of sites out there like www.kingsnake.com and www.faunaclassifieds.com that has lots and lots of snakes (and just about every other critter you can imagine) for sale.

Another option is checking your local Craigslist ads and other similar local sites.

Don't rush into it and get the first snake you see. Do your research and get the perfect snake for you.

okay, thanks. you all have help so much in a matter of hours. So glad I found this site!