Im New:] - Ball Python Info

Im REALLY interested in getting a ball python... After interacting with one in my biology class i got hooked! i was originally looking at a boa... but after researching i decided on a BP... My question basically, is what should i know before adopting a BP? i know all the basics... feeding, housing, ect.. but is there anything further i should know? like temperment... how often can they be handled? are they okay without a lot of social interaction? how are they around a lot of people? that kind of stuff

Thanks!

BAM!

http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules/...warticle&id=59

:welcome: !!!

You have come to the right place for anything and everything about ball pythons.

They are fantastic little animals and are normally quite calm with handling. That being said, these are not social animals like dogs or cats. They would enjoy being alone over anything else. They are easily stressed so they shouldn't be handled excessively. I don't handle my snakes much anymore because I have 6 of them, but I would say once your snake is settled in and eating consistently, 15 minutes a day is acceptable.


I know you probably think you know a lot about these snakes already but there is a lot of information that is not in the care sheet ( http://ball-pythons.net/modules/Sect...warticle&id=59 ).

A few common newbie mistakes are:

1. Using half log hides instead of "rock cave" hides. Ball pythons like tight cramped spaces so low to the ground, tight fitting hides are best. I use plastic cereal bowls from the dollar store.

2. Too much heat or not enough heat. If your house is warmer then 75* on a normal basis, you will only need an under tank heater. With whatever heating source you use, you need something to control it with. A reptile thermostat is the preferred means of control. A thermostat is not the same thing as a thermometer, which is just as important.

3. Inaccurate Thermometers. 90% of first time snake owners will come out of the pet store with a bunch of round dial thermometers. Those things are garbage. They can be up to 10* off in both directions. You should never rely on these for measuring temps. Instead, you want a digital thermometer with a probe. You could buy one of these from the pet store for about $10, or you could head to the home depot, lowes, or walmart for the accurite weather station for $12. This unit measure ambient temp, ambient humidity, and temp with a probe. This unit is very good and is the only thermometer/hygrometer you will need in the enclosure.

4. Feeding. Many newbies think that you MUST MUST MUST feed a ball python in a separate enclosure. While this is true for some of the larger snake species, it is just not true for ball pythons. Ball pythons can be very picky and are very shy. Many will not take meals in a separate enclosure which can be very frustrating for a new owner. Make your life easier and feed in the home enclosure

5. Gigantic enclosure. Ball pythons, again, are shy secretive snakes. They are quite happy in small cramped enclosures. Providing them with "roaming room" will only make it harder for you to maintain proper temps and humidity, and might also stress your snake out. Ball pythons up to a year old should be kept in a 10g tank or 15qt tub. Adult males should be kept in a 20g long or 32qt tub, and adult females should be kept in a 30g breeder or 41qt tub.


I hope this helps you out a little bit and puts you on the right path for getting a ball python! They are great little animals.

Frist off welcome,

Research prior to adoption is always key to having a happy snake.

Make sure you know where your getting your appropriate sized F/T mice from. Purchase and set up your enclosure prior to getting the snake.

If you have the housing set up correctly prior, your snake will ajust to its new home faster and will be in good spirts for handling.

Let your snake be for the first few days to a week if you can wait. This gives them time to chill out. Then make it a point on non feeding days to take him/her out for 5-15 minutes at a time of handling time. After a few months of doing this a few times a week the snake will get use to you and feel safe. You will notice it will just sit with you rather then try to run off and hide. A calm snake is fine with being around groups of people, but they will never be fans of fast spaztic movement. So make sure that if your friends are over wanting to handle it they need to not spook the snake.

Good luck!

Thanks everybody for the replies!

Veryyyy helpful! :]

I actually think i am adopting a sub-adult to adult ball python from someone who no longer wants him/her.

The one i am currently looking at comes with his tank ect.

Now i do have another question: if the owner has been feeding him in a second tank should i continue that or switch him over to feeding in his tank.

Also: which is better. live or frozen? or should i just continue what the previous owner was doing?

thanks!

I would just start feeding him in the home enclosure. Moving to a new home, even if he is kept in the same tank, is still stressful. You are much more likely to get him to eat if you feed him where he is comfortable, in his home enclosure.

Neither live or frozen are "better". I would continue with whatever the previous owner was feeding.

Great! thank you!

One more and then im done! :]

Once a snake has adapted and is eating regualrly ect. How do they do with outings? Ive seen a few posts on this site where people are taking pictures of their snakes outside and such. I would love this, cause im an amature photographer! but is it alright to take them outside? or out and about or w/e?

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Originally Posted by NatalieFaye1031

Great! thank you!

One more and then im done! :]

Once a snake has adapted and is eating regualrly ect. How do they do with outings? Ive seen a few posts on this site where people are taking pictures of their snakes outside and such. I would love this, cause im an amature photographer! but is it alright to take them outside? or out and about or w/e?

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I would say after the snake has fed 3-4 times in a row. You can take your snake outside for photos, just make sure it isn't too cold or too hot outside. Try to keep the snake out of direct sunlight.

I wouldn't recommend bringing your snake to a public place unless you have the consent of others around you. Many people have irrational fears that could lead to legal action taken against you :(

First of all, I have never had a single problem feeding outside the enclosure. Although many newbies think you MUST feed outside the enclosure, I think there is this wave of common thought that feeding outside the enclosure is somehow terrible for the snake. As I said, I have never had a problem feeding in a separate container, and I think it is speculation that this causes stress to the snake, considering how many people have done it over the years. Also, there are many that feel that it reduces aggression to feed in this way. In all, you should know that it is a bit of a heated debate which I will not get into.

Yes, and no about taking it outside. Yes, taking a snake out for a few minutes on a warm day should not be a problem, but I would be careful about where you let it go to avoid anything that might be harmful. And no, don't go taking your snake out to walk to the local pet store to show off or to your friends house to hang out. Those things are just asking for problems. This could do a number of different things and is just not the best idea.
The only rule is that you must post lots of pictures for us to see.

:welcome:to the forum. You are doing the best thing you can by researching first. Another good thing to do is read through some of the threads where people address the problems they are having and the solutions offered. That way you will know what some of the potential issues or problems that may arise and how to prevent or deal with them when or if they do...

Welcome! We are fairly new here too, and everyone is great. Super helpful and friendly, you'll really like it here.

We take ours outside for pics and when they're hanging out on our arms or necks and are comfy there. We also feed outside of the enclosure, because when we first got our BP's, we were told it's a must, so we listened to the pet shop. After reading what everyone says on here, if we could do it differently and feed inside, we would. It's better for the snake, but after doing outside of the enclosure for so long, we don't want to stress them out and attempt feeding inside. We've never had a problem feeding outside, but each BP is different. When I say never had a problem, I mean random aggression, biting, attitude changes, any of that kind of stuff. They've gone off feed in December like a lot of other BP's.

Our experience with temperment has been pretty good. Our very first BP tagged me after a meal, and then has tagged her new owner, too. She was a very aggressive feeder, and we were feeding her way too little, but then again, it was the pet store's recommendation, and we thought that being a pet store, they knew everything. :rolleye2:

This is the best place to get your info from, IMO. There are breeders here, pet owners, reptile lovers, a whole bunch of great people who give great advice!

Sorry but, how on earth will beginning to feed in the home enclosure cuase stress to your snake? We recommned feeding in the enclosure to REDUCE stress.

First: About taking him/her out... thats what i kinda figured:] just wanted to make sure! all that sounds great tho and when i get my new friend i will defiantely post pictures:] especially when i doo eventually take him outside..

I will probably end up feeding in his enclosure if he will cooperate... does seem a lot less stressfull.. i was nervous about handling the snake after feeding to put him back.. i heard they sometimes will regurgitate their food which can be harmful...

soo anyways thanks everyone! if uve got any more info id love to hear it!

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Originally Posted by Kaorte

Sorry but, how on earth will beginning to feed in the home enclosure cuase stress to your snake? We recommned feeding in the enclosure to REDUCE stress.

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What are you referencing? I don't think anybody misunderstands your point.

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Originally Posted by mr. s

What are you referencing? I don't think anybody misunderstands your point.

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After reading what everyone says on here, if we could do it differently and feed inside, we would. It's better for the snake, but after doing outside of the enclosure for so long, we don't want to stress them out and attempt feeding inside.

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It sounds to me like the snake is so used to it and there have been no problems, that they don't want to change feeding conditions. I agree with that idea. Changing conditions from the normal process of feeding can cause stress.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
There is nothing to suggest that if this snake, which has always eaten outside the enclosure, started eating inside the enclosure that it would be less stressed.

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Originally Posted by mr. s

It sounds to me like the snake is so used to it and there have been no problems, that they don't want to change feeding conditions. I agree with that idea. Changing conditions from the normal process of feeding can cause stress.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
There is nothing to suggest that if this snake, which has always eaten outside the enclosure, started eating inside the enclosure that it would be less stressed.

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Yes, but this person said that they -would- feed in the enclosure but the -can't- because the snake would me -stressed- to feed in the enclosure.

I don't care where you feed your snake, but don't tell me you can't feed it in its enclosure because it isn't used to it and will become stressed as a result. That makes NO sense.

Hi,

Well I think I know what they mean.

When you change anything in a snakes routine it can cause unexpected problems. How many times have we told people that adding new (but better ) hides to the tank can mean the snake needs time to settle back down?

It's not impossible that a snake that is used to being placed in a feeding enclosure on a regular basis to be fed would be uncertain when the routine was suddenly changed.

If you think about it we rely quite heavily on conditioned responses in feeding.

That's why we emphasis keeping the routine and offering in the same way the snake is used to.

I know from personal experience when I stopped feeding one of my snakes in a separate container she didn't eat for the first three or four times and seemed really nervous about the whole procedure.

But once she got used to the new routine she ate happily and has been a bucket for the most part ever since.

In the end it all comes down to the individual snake and how skittish it is - and that is something that everyone needs to learn about their own animal.

It should, broadly speaking, be fine to feed inside the enclosure but animals aren't perfectly predictable. :D


dr del

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Originally Posted by Kaorte

I don't care where you feed your snake, but don't tell me you can't feed it in its enclosure because it isn't used to it and will become stressed as a result. That makes NO sense.

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I think both of us agree that we don't care what the other does. I was interpreting the post for you as you seemed to have difficulty understanding it. Nope, and you are right, it makes no sense to say that feeding in the enclosure will stress the snake, that is why I did not even hint at it. I merely said that it would not necessarily make the snake any less stressed to eat there.
The dr. seems to have cleared that up for you hopefully.

Kaorte knows her stuff...so anything she's sayin' I'd listen to...

Oh and 'grats on doing some research before getting one...makes me happy to see people putting an effort into learning about their new snakes...especially first time owners...I think alot of people don't understand the housing requirements and such...they think "oh I have other pets, so I'm fine"....my friend a dog or cat is just not a snake. Lol

Let's see some pics when you get one!

Ok i lied i have one more question! :]

Soo the snake im looking at is about 3 1/2 feet long and comes with his aquarium... the guy tells me the aquarium is 7 foot long and 3 feet wide! i feel that is excessive and i dont have that kind of room... is it okay to get him a smaller aquarium and what is the best size for a snake of that size... ive read for an adult python a 30 gallon breeder is best... is that correct?

ALSO! on that site u provided it talks about using like rubbermaid tubs and such... how do we feel about those? that sounds very cost effective and conveniant and i might consider that as a replacement for that giant tank! also how do u keep something like this heated?

thankss :]

For an adult male, a 20g long will be fine, but for a very large female (+200g) I would go with a 30g breeder.

Tubs are a great alternative to tank. Tubs hold heat and humidity well and only require the use of UTH's with thermostats. For an adult male, a 32qt tub is fine, and for a big adult female, a 41qt tub is good. Plus, they are so much easier to clean then a giant heavy glass tank.

Welcome! Yes, that large tank is way excessive! A 30 gal breeder would be perfect, but tubs (my opinion) are way better. I use use 41 qt. tubs from walmart. They are under $10, clear so you can still see the little dude, and keep humidity really well.

It's not really difficult to keep humidity in a glass tank, but can be challenging. Just drill some holes in, and measure humidity with a digital indoor/outdoor thermometer. If you need more humidity plug some holes, if you need less drill some more. Slap an under tank heater (UTH) on one end, and connect it to the thermostat/herpstat, and presto! You are done.

I take mine to the pet store all the time when it's nice outside. Of course, it is the only pet store I trust (you don't want to take him somewhere that may have mites, or other ball diseases). It is amazing to see peoples reaction. Most of them love it! Some seemed a little frightened, but get over it quickly when they see a little 3 yr old handling the snake. The pet store workers are really nice to us, and they are actually amazed with the different morphs we can show them. :)

I guess it's me your all talking about, as far as switching for feeding. One of our BP's has been fed outside it's enclosure for over 5 years, the other for the 1.5 years we've had it. From what we've read, changing their routines could stress them out.

That's what I meant. I switch from 'I' to 'we' a lot because they're not just mine, but I think you guys get what I'm trying to say.

I don't think it's necessary to get into a debate over feeding since it's been done a ton of times already on this forum. Some feed inside, some feed outside. I guess as long as they're eating, shedding in one piece, and hiding like they should, what we're doing is working.

We, too, like many others on here, bought our first snake from PetCo. We were told it was necessary to feed outside of the enclosure, and we believed it, which is why we started doing it. The internet has a ton of resources that go both ways, some reliable, some not so much. We did our research and came up with two different answers and chose to go with what we were told from PetCo. This was back in 2004 when we had our first BP.

I was just trying to add to the conversation about what works for us.

Well thanks for the answers again everybody!

i think i probably will go with a plastic storgae container.. sounds like the best choice for me..

I am curious though, how you guys do ur tank (or container) setup? i know the basics.. like two hides on each end, a good substrate, some plants... but is there anything else i should know? and specifically whats ya'lls favorite substrate to use?

I wouldnt be opposed if some of u wanted to post pictures of ur tanks for ideas ;]

thanks!

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Originally Posted by NatalieFaye1031

Well thanks for the answers again everybody!

i think i probably will go with a plastic storgae container.. sounds like the best choice for me..

I am curious though, how you guys do ur tank (or container) setup? i know the basics.. like two hides on each end, a good substrate, some plants... but is there anything else i should know? and specifically whats ya'lls favorite substrate to use?

I wouldnt be opposed if some of u wanted to post pictures of ur tanks for ideas ;]

thanks!

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http://bp.kaorte.com/tubsetup.htm

here is how I setup my tubs

Im a bit late to reply but you have gotten some good info so far. The only thing I'll add is about tubs.. I saw someone with an add on CL for a ball python. They said they would not sell it to anyone who planned on keeping it in a "breeders tub" because they thought this was cruel and wrong. I was so tempted to email them but I knew it would be worthless. There are alot of reasons tubs are better. Being able to better control proper heat and humidity are a huge plus. The biggest reason they are not even remotely cruel for ball pythons is the fact that these snakes spend most of their lives in a burrow under ground. Ball pythons are very shy and secretive. They prefer a small, dark, tight enclosure. Many females will rarely if ever leave the den. They prefer to wait for a meal to happen by. If they do leave it is only at night and they do not travel far. This is why it is better to house them in the smallest possible enclosure. It mimics their natural den. It helps to keep them calm and feeding regularly. This is also why it is better to have small, tight fitting hides.

Aquariums can be used but the proper hides are a must. Lots of clutter in the tank so they do not feel like they are in the open. Ball pythons do not make good display animals. It sounds like you are doing all your research and you want the best for your new snake. When you get it be sure you post pics and keep us updated :)

Awesome! thanks everyone!

looks like im going to get him on friday... 2ft long, friendly, Normal. Im excited! thanks for all the help... ill probably have a few more questions as i get started... but i feel much more prepared now:]