Adopting a Ball Python

Hello everybody! I am new to the forums, my name is Rick. I am thinking about adopting a Ball Python, so I have been reading like crazy, especially on these forums to learn a few of the things that I need to know when adopting a snake. This message is to primarily introduce myself and thank you all for supplying such an amazing resource to would-be snake owners!

I have been reading a lot, as I said before, but I am wondering if perhaps you have tips you would like to share that tend to be overlooked when trying to digest large amounts of information. Anything you supply will be appreciated, thank you!

Rick

Read the care sheet about 2 times and abide by it. Don't waste your money on a tank that looks like cause for babies and young BP's what looks good to you, isn't what is ideal for them. So honestly just go to a local reptile expo if there is one close, read the care guides over and over and then ask as many questions as you like, we will answer all of them!!

Thank you for your reply, Steve. I have read the care sheet once, I would like to print it off and put it somewhere near the enclosure when I get the snake :). I will definitely make sure that I get a suitable sized tank for it, though. I know I hate being cramped in a small place, and I wouldn't do that to my pets. I appreciate your response.

Rick

Hi Rick,

I currently have 4 bps for pets. I would highly recommend that you go with a rack system - it will save you lots of money and grief in the long run. I started mine out in reptile specific cages and then ended up selling them at a great loss - to move mine into a rack. The snakes seem much happier in the rack.

Keep in mind - snakes prefer small/tight places.

Good luck with your new bp.

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Originally Posted by L.West

Hi Rick,

I currently have 4 bps for pets. I would highly recommend that you go with a rack system - it will save you lots of money and grief in the long run. I started mine out in reptile specific cages and then ended up selling them at a great loss - to move mine into a rack. The snakes seem much happier in the rack.

Keep in mind - snakes prefer small/tight places.

Good luck with your new bp.

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Hello there! Would you be able to perhaps provide me with a link that shows an example of this rack system? I'm not quite sure I understand what you mean. Thanks.

Rick

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Originally Posted by Quacking-Terror

Thank you for your reply, Steve. I have read the care sheet once, I would like to print it off and put it somewhere near the enclosure when I get the snake :). I will definitely make sure that I get a suitable sized tank for it, though. I know I hate being cramped in a small place, and I wouldn't do that to my pets. I appreciate your response.

Rick

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Oh yeah, but keep in mind, Ball pythons are going to be still and hide for about 8 or 10 hours of the day, so even if the enclosure looks small to you, it's perfect for them. Plus you can also let them out daily if you want to cruise around, but honestly it's up to you! They don't necessarily need the exercise, since people have kept ball pythons in tubs for almost 30 years without issues.

http://www.reptilebasics.com/reptile-rack-systems/

Reptile Basics is my number 1 place to get any supplies from. Rich will treat you right and work with you no matter the situation.

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I know I hate being cramped in a small place, and I wouldn't do that to my pets.

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Ball pythons live in small rodent burrows in the wild. They are a type of snake that prefers cramped enclosures over having extra room and prefer not only their enclosures, but hides, very snug fitting.

If you wanted to do a tank, here are some pictures of a few of my set ups to give you some ideas.
http://ball-pythons.net/gallery/file...h_pets_032.jpg
http://ball-pythons.net/gallery/file...h_pets_030.jpg
http://ball-pythons.net/gallery/file...h_pets_029.jpg
http://ball-pythons.net/gallery/file...h_pets_028.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Quacking-Terror

Thank you for your reply, Steve. I have read the care sheet once, I would like to print it off and put it somewhere near the enclosure when I get the snake :). I will definitely make sure that I get a suitable sized tank for it, though. I know I hate being cramped in a small place, and I wouldn't do that to my pets. I appreciate your response.

Rick

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Be careful not to anthromorphize your new ball python. It's not a human, so it's not going to have your human wants and needs. You'll find that your new snake, will by choice, cram itself into a snug hide over being out in the open. They need that security, and smaller enclosures (especially for babies) provide that sense of security that they need.

They spend the bulk of their lives inside rodent burrows and termite mounds, really only moving when they've been "evicted" by another ball python that may like their home. They come to the entrance of their burrows to ambush hunt their prey - they don't actively go out to hunt for prey.

Welcome to the forums Rick! A BP a great choice! Everyone pretty much covered the advice. As others said I'd also recommend checking out the BP.net caresheet and checking out a local reptile expo (there is a list of all upcoming reptile expo's on www.kingsnake.com)

my thoughts on this,

Tanks are for displaying your snakes like a piece of art and there is nothing wrong with that BUT if you live in dryer less humid areas it can be a problem.

Racks/Tubs are great here in Arizona where its dry, they create perfect sheds. Its just disturbing to open the rack to find what looks like a rolled up condom and a big pile poo . Reminds me of a bad movie involving rednecks.

Racks create a smaller area if you have multiple snakes and easier to keep all the electric cords in a single area

Thanks everybody. I really appreciate the advice! For a full grown ball python, how large of an enclosure would you suggest we look into? I've read different things all over the internet, but I feel comfortable with the advice I've been given here.

I'm new to this game as well. My reading says that a 20-gal. long tank (30"'x12"x12") would be good for a 4-5 foot adult Ball. They aren't arboreal, so they don't need the height. And they prefer to stay coiled up in their hides, so the 30" length dimension is enough to provide a cool side and a warm side.

Better smaller than larger.