NEED TO NO SOME THINGS ABOUT BALL PYTHONS??

WHAT DO MEAN IT WOULD IFFY IN ALL HONESTY

OK here is the deal. A ball python is a great beginner snake if one has done the appropriate research and read every care sheet they can get their hands on. Ball pythons are notorious for refusing food. If you have a friend then maybe he can give you some pointers but getting information from many sources is better. A ball python can get 3-4 feet long and live like 20 years. Ball pythons are easy to keep if you give them the right conditions and the appropriate setup.

Pleae read this and ask more and more questions.
http://www.ball-pythons.net/Sections...s-secid-1.html

In all honesty, do what you KNOW that you can handle, and take care of properly. Everyone has to start somewhere, and us telling you not to get a ball python probably won't stop you from getting what you really want. Just please, for the sake of your new snake (whatever you may get) be sure to do TONS of research on it. Do not just "impulse buy"; that's how most ball pythons die.

Also, if you really want one, but you aren't really sure how to take care of it, that's what places like this are here for! Please, ask TONS of questions, it's really ok. (Just make sure these questions are asked BEFORE BEFORE BEFORE you buy the snake).

Oh, and yes, I have a ball python, lol. Actually I've got around 25 of them. As Marla said, I breed them as well.

Jennifer

Also remember if you buy a ball python make sure you are ready to tote it where ever you go. You might go off to college or some school and you wont have anyone to take care of it. They have to eat once a week and you have to provide them with veterinary care if they get sick. A snake no matter what size or species is a big responsibility. Please read the care sheet and when your done read it more. http://www.ball-pythons.net/Sections...s-secid-1.html

Please TURN YOUR CAPS LOCK OFF.

I mean it would be iffy because you seem pretty unsure about it - BPs leave a lot less room for error than Corns - thats all.

For a first snake, I would definitely recommend a corn snake. They are much easier to maintain temperatures for, stay a smaller size (so you can stick to mice, no need to switch to rats later on), and feed much more readily (this is important, especially when using prekilled or frozen/thawed prey which is a must). Ball pythons can be very picky eaters, and may fast for months at a time. They also live a LONG time, 30 years, with the record being 47, so you must be willing to make a LOOOONG term committment. This is not a snake to get because it is cool or your friend has one (in fact, no snake is). However, if you're really intent on getting a ball python, here's what I suggest:

1) Do your research. Find as many care sheets on the Internet as you can and read them all. Some will be better than others, but you will notice things in common between all of them, which are probably good rules to go by.
2) Sift through these forums, as there is a lot of great information here and a lot more personal experience shared than you'd find in any care sheets. Make sure you get clarifications in any areas you are unsure about. Ask questions, but be patient and polite. STOP USING ALL CAPS!!!
3) Fully setup your tank well ahead of time. Check that your temperatures and humidity are stable, and that your temperature gradient is sufficient.
4) Research a source for your ball python. You should go with a reputable breeder rather than some local pet store (although there are some very good pet stores, but they are the exception not the norm). Avoid wild caught at all costs!
5) Bring your bp home and tell us all about it!

well, everyone has their opinions. im still fairly new. my first snake, rex, which is a BP, march. ive read form all over that their great beginning snakes and fairly easy husbandry. they are laid back usually. depends were you get it. mines almost 2ft long and has a temperment problem. i have been bit a couple times. it feels like being stung by a bee or poked with a needle, although it is possible to draw blood. im having no problem with mine, which is my first snake. the only real problem is their eating, since they are well known to go off feed. and everyone is right about the caps, PLEASE STOP TYPING LIKE THIS. hope i helped a little

I agree with Smulkin. Start with Corns. Also, keep in mind that Balls are not snakes that should be handled a lot so if you are looking for a snake to 'play' with, Balls are not it.

I would go for a corn snake, they are more fogiving to mistakes. They dont need a specific humidity with the exception of when they shed. They are great eaters. They only need temps to be a little bit above room temperature. They dont get very big. They are very tame. They are a more active snake which is sometimes more fun anyway.
The problem with getting a ball is they have a lot more specific needs. The humidity has to be just right or they will have a bad shed if too low, and get scale rot if too high. They can also get respritory infections if the temps/humidity are not correct.
If their conditions are not correct, they get stressed out and stop eating. They will somtimes stop eating for no apperant reason for months at a time.

Anyway my point is, corns are easier to care for, they are a more active snake which doesnt mind being handled, they are dog tame, and they come in many different cool colors. Where as Ball pythons have a harder husbandry to meet, most dont like to be handled that often, they are shy, they dont move around much (they hide all day), and you are likely to have problems with going off feed at some point.

No one is telling you what to do though :)
Ball pythons are great snakes, just a bit harder to keep.
Good luck with whatever you choose and please stay and ask lots of questions. You can never learn enough :)
cya round!

i'm wondering should i get a bbp i no alot about them a whole lot i have a tank it could live in it's whole life i have enough money for it and i have owned a snake before. but the python would be new to me do any one think i should go ahead and bet a bbp? please be free and tell me what you think i should do.