Want a BP, should I get one?

If you have to be talked into getting a python, then I would say you might want to slow it down a bit and maybe hold off for awhile until you are sure. You MUST relaize that taking in one of these for a pet is a VERY long term commitment. These snakes have been known to live 20-30 years in captivity if taken care of. That's a VERY long time to commit to taking care of an animal of any species.
I'm not trying to discourage you, but I'm just making you aware that this is a long term deal and not something that will be over in a few years. I hate it when people have to be talked into getting a snake like this. That just means they aren't 100% positive about getting one and chances are, if they do get one, they won't keep it for the long term. Just some food for thought. ;)

Also, are you aware of the many different awesome morphs that are sold by breeders? I know most people don't want to get a morph right off the bat but mojaves and pastels are very beautiful and getting pretty inexpensive right now!

You don't NEED to spend 70-80 on good thermostat to start with. Although I do recommend eventually getting one that can control the temps digitally, for you. I'm still using dimmers and they can be a pain because you have to adjust your temps manually, and the temps will go back and forth.

Go to walmart and pick up an acurite thermostat. The one with the probe and humidity reader is the best they have, I believe. It will be near the lighting section.

Also, go to home depot and pick up some kind of light dimmer to use with your heat pad to control your temps.

you really don't have to spend that much money to get started:

Light dimmer $11
heat pad $20
T-stat $11
Plastic tub $8
or
10 gal (for a baby) $15-20 at walmart.
plastic bowl for a hide $2-6
ceramic dog waterbowl at walmart(heavy so your snake can't tip it) $4-5

Newspaper as subtrate- Free
or Aspen bedding for substrate (probably the cheapest loose bedding out there)- 5$ for a big pack that will last you a month or two

If you use a tub, make sure you get one with a secure lid and remember to make ventilation holes.

I suppose if you are just starting out, a dimmer would be fine but they are really not all that reliable. If you room changes more than 3 degrees within a day, you are going to have to keep adjusting the dimmer accordingly.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kaorte

I suppose if you are just starting out, a dimmer would be fine but they are really not all that reliable. If you room changes more than 3 degrees within a day, you are going to have to keep adjusting the dimmer accordingly.

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yeah, they can be frustrating.


My next investments are going to be 2 rancos.

I definitely will adopt one in 2-3 months. I may also start out by fostering for the PNWHS(Pacific Northwest Herp Society) and see if a Ball Python is the right pet for me. I chose a corn snake initially for the ease of care and to start myself off. I've been learning so much by being a member of all these forums. I may not know everything but I am gradually starting to understand everything.

This thread was posted as a pro/con of owning a BP, not a convince me or convince me not to. I like to hear what other BP owners have to say and I know that it is a huge commitment. If I really wanted to I could go out and get one tomorrow but I'm not going to.

I'm patiently waiting for the right timing.