what is it like to have a ball python?

As far as what its like to own them and keep them there is nothing that can descrive it. They are like kids at time and others they are companions. Having these outstanding animals is never boring and they will always keep you intrested. Wether it be the they way they feel in your hands or that each of them have their own personality and even have their playfull days and their "HISSSS" I'm not wanting to get out of bed to day days.

In short they are rewarding and addictive in the same breath.

sorry I removed

Welcome to the forum and my compliments on you doing your research, both on practical experience and husbandry information, before purchasing your first BP. Buying from NERD will be a joy and should definitely get you a lovely snake for your first BP (be warned they are addictive lol).

Practical day to day stuff....BP's are great...once you have their enclosure set properly it's very basic stuff to maintain it for anyone with a few moments a day to devote to husbandry and checking their temps/humidity. A well started baby should settle in and do well for you if you follow a few simple steps to give it what it needs to thrive in it's environment. Not all that much different than what you would do with your fish....correct environment, correct food, happy critter. As far as handling and viewing...they are pretty shy snakes that love thier hides so a display snake they aren't (unless you like looking at what appears to be an empty enclosure LOL). Handling tends to be guided by what that particular snake will allow. Some are better able to handle the stress of it, others are not. Gentle, regular handling as a young snake by an owner that is observant and caring seems to trick though. Even an older snake unused to handling can slowly "learn" that there isn't a reason to have a fear response to it. Be aware though some BP's will never learn to tolerate much if any handling....it does happen occasionally.

None of that means however that these are domesticated pets or ever really tame. They are and will always be snakes, wild even if captive born, and personally I love that part. For me it's a great joy to provide a snake an environment where it can exist and interact with me with as little stress as possible. I consider handling a gift and one that I enjoy but try never to overdo. All of our BP's accept handling, some seem to get more benefit from their time outside their enclosures, others can only take so much and we've just learned to know who is who and their own particular limits or stress triggers.

I love ball pythons. Their beauty, grace and power combined with their reasonably gentle nature (though don't forget anything with teeth can and will bite LOL) makes them fascinating to me and my family.

My best advice to you is grab a cool drink and a comfy chair and browse the threads. You'll see experiences ranging from a person with one pet BP to breeders with 100's here. From the newest of the new keepers of all ages, to some pretty seasoned veterans. Everyone has something to contribute and it should give you a "real world" overview of what having a ball python is like.

I think the two biggest things that surprised me about having a ball python pet was

1) snakes are so soft! I guess always thought they'd be slimey or something, but they are joy to hold in your hands, to feel their bodies move...and the skin is so so soft. =)

2) They have personalities. I know I "anthropomorphize" too much, but fear, curiousity and hunger seem pretty evident with our bp and it's fun to watch.

And Kevin's book is great...good husbandry and health issues covered, some of the best explanation of genetics as applied to ball pythons, a zillion to-die-for pictures of known ball python "morphs" as well as a bit of explanation about ball pythons and their trade in Africa. If you're going to buy one book, it'd be the one I'd recommend. =)

thank you all for your thoughtful responses!


I agree that one of the attractions is that snakes are never *really* domesticated. I have always loved birds, fish, and reptiles for the very fact that they are sooooo alien. Providing an environment that is accepted by these critters is incredibly satisfying to me.

I am so excited about the potential of herps in my life.
I have always loved snakes, but never considered keeping them until recently. Now it feels like it was there in front of me all along and I was blind :lol:

anyway, I will continue to read and learn for a couple of months and hopefully I will have a new obsession by year's end. I have some upcoming business travel in the fall so I am putting any snake adoption on hold until I know I will be here every day during the first month or two. I hate travel!