Looking forward to getting a BP but had questions!

I have found that bt the time you're done buying all the wood and other accessories to build your cage, you are further ahead spending the money on a pre-built unit that is sealed and more conducive to raising a happy python. To me it's all about the snake's comfort and health and not my ability to build a cool looking viv, but that's just me.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by word

And I still can't tell the difference between Mojaves, Pastels, and Normals... It's not the pattern right? Its just the coloration?

---

Well, a mojave has a very distinct pattern. However, a pastel and normal have similar patterns, but a pastel should have a clear belly, and brighter colors. Maybe slightly brighter, or a really lemon.

Mojave - notice the "alien heads" usually only have one eye and they are a light brown
http://rustys-balls.com/assets/graphics/Mohave.jpg

Pastel - brighter colored with blushing on the top of their head.
http://rustys-balls.com/assets/graphics/LemonPastel.jpg

Normals
http://images.jupiterimages.com/comm...7/22203758.jpg

Go to www.kingsnake.com and spend some time checking out all the breeders and all the types of ball pythons. 8 Ball has a really great website too, but I couldn't find a pic of a mojove so....... that's why I tell you too look on kingsnake. I'm sure you can find just about every morph there.

This is awesome guys! Thanks so much for your help!!!

Grim, now that I think about it, you're right! Not to be arrogant, but I think my design is awesome! But the ones that are prefabricated are proven to ensure the snake's comfort... I will really look into it... are there any other brands that you guys would suggest?

And Stratus, thank you too! I'm starting to like mojave more and more now that I can see the difference :]

p.s. In the pictures above, what kind of substrate are the mojave and pastel on? it looks pretty awesome...

And another thing, is it absolutely necessary to have a thermostat? I know that it is for at least a rheostat, but I'm jsut making sure...

I just keep coming up with little questions! Would it be a bad thing to purchase a large enclosure to raise my BP in? or should I purchase a smaller one and increase in size as the BP grows? The first option just seems more economical... It probably wouldn't matter, as long as it has a hide right?

You could probably get away with getting a 20gal long (or making something with similair dimentions) and use that for your snakes whole life. Most people would tell you to put a baby in a 10gal though.

Have you built the enclosure yet?

Have you considered buying a cage from Animal Plastics or RBI?

Yes a thermostat is absolutely necessary for any heating element.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by word

p.s. In the pictures above, what kind of substrate are the mojave and pastel on? it looks pretty awesome...

---

Its like reptibark or something. I don't like it because when it gets wet it stains the snakes belly scales and makes them look all funky.