BP Questions

Hello i have been researching snakes for a few months now and I wanted to ask a few questions before i made a purchase of a snake.

1.) Why a Ball Python?

2.) I have heard buying from a pet store is a no no because they might not eat why is that?
3.) also what is the price to pay for a "Normal" Ball Python i have seen them range form 45-100$
4.) I have seen tanks from the size of 30 gallons to 55 gallons however the only tank i have available is a 300 gallon tank is that too large or does it really matter?
5.) Also some people swear by real plants and some swear by fake plants what are the pros and cons of real and fake?


Thank you for reading this and taking the time to answer :)

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Originally Posted by Byrdie

Hello i have been researching snakes for a few months now and I wanted to ask a few questions before i made a purchase of a snake.

1.) Why a Ball Python?

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They generally exhibit a reluctance to strike unless extremely stressed or think you are food.

They are hardy - that means, they don't easily belly-up and die when their husbandry is less than perfect.

They are big (4 feet long average as an adult) but not giant.

They come in a myriad of colors.

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Originally Posted by Byrdie

2.) I have heard buying from a pet store is a no no because they might not eat why is that?
3.) also what is the price to pay for a "Normal" Ball Python i have seen them range form 45-100$
4.) I have seen tanks from the size of 30 gallons to 55 gallons however the only tank i have available is a 300 gallon tank is that too large or does it really matter?
5.) Also some people swear by real plants and some swear by fake plants what are the pros and cons of real and fake?


Thank you for reading this and taking the time to answer :)

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2.) I wouldn't say buying a ball python from a big box pet store is a no-no. Generally, big box pet store snakes are captive hatched and are raised in a stressful environment. Therefore, they can be very finicky. But, if you know what you're looking for, there are good snakes in the pet stores too.

But, for newbies, you can't go wrong with getting the snake from a reputable ball python breeder. They usually sell only snakes that are well-adjusted, healthy, and eating.

3.) You can get one for $35 plus the cost of shipping.

4.) Yes it matters very much and 300 is waaaay too large. You can get a small plastic container if you buy a baby snake and get bigger containers as the snake grows until you go to the 30L tank size which is as big as you'll ever need.

5.) Real plants may carry fertilizers and pesticides that are harmful to your snake. Fake plants may have sharp wire that can hurt a snake. For any plant real or fake, the snake can crush it. So, as long as you know what to look for in plants - real or fake - it's okay to use it.

1.) Why a Ball Python?

I also asked myself this before I got hooked with them and this is why...

-They are very docile, this was important to me because I also want my 4 year old to handle my snakes with supervision. I agree when people say they are the labradors of the snake world.

-They are laid back and move slowly when handled. They can just stay on your lap and chill. I have a corn snake that moves a lot when handled. Some say they are boring but if your the type that wants to relax when handling your snake, ball pythons are for you.

-Their size is perfect for me. I find corn snakes too small and I don't like giant snakes because they need big enclosures.

-They are just beautiful. Even the normals are awesome.

I think if you give a ball python a good environment, you won't have a hard time feeding them. It's normal for them to go off feed when they reach sexual maturity and it's breeding season but hatchlings and juveniles should eat well.
My 4 month old pastel went on strike and did not eat for a month. The heat was perfect, she had hides on her tub and I even offered her live food eventhough she was eating frozen thawed rats before that. Then I found the culprit, I moved her to a bigger tub and she was stressed out. She felt move secure in the 16 qt tub then in the 32 qt. When I moved her back to a smaller tub. She ate frozen thawed like nothing happend.

Just give them the proper environment and care and you'll soon find out why ball pythons are great pets!

My answers regardless of others LOL

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Originally Posted by Byrdie

1.) Why a Ball Python?

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I do/did not like any type of snake up until a couple of months ago. We were on our vacation (first week in october 2010) from work and the wife and I stopped in a small pet store just to look. Well she found a banana king that she fell in love with and wanted. So we got it andthe ball started rolling. I still dont like snakes!! I have come to realize it is the speed they move. We went in to buy some mice for Nibbles and they had 5 balls from a local breeder. Well they talked me into holding one. It sounds crazy but this little girl gave me some funny feeling. Kind of like my Staffordshire (Marley) did before I lost her to cancer. I was calm and relaxed and couldnt believe it:O (I know compairing dogs to snakes shows how screwed in the head I am:rolleye2:)

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Originally Posted by Byrdie

2.) I have heard buying from a pet store is a no no because they might not eat why is that?

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I think it really depends on the store. There are some that are leaps and bounds better than others. Example: (Petsmart just because its a BIG name) you can go into 3 or 4 different stores and find one good one and the other three will only give their animals minimal requirements. So it kind of help to really look around. I like "Mom & Pop" shops because they dont have millions of dollars backing them and you get to deal with the owners face to face. I would rather pay a little more to get the one on one and have someone that really listens.

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Originally Posted by Byrdie

3.) also what is the price to pay for a "Normal" Ball Python i have seen them range form 45-100$

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The shop we got our two first normals were $25 each, I have seen them as low as $20. Try to find a breeder in your area, they will almost always have normals.

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Originally Posted by Byrdie

4.) I have seen tanks from the size of 30 gallons to 55 gallons however the only tank i have available is a 300 gallon tank is that too large or does it really matter?

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A 300 is HUGE but I think it could be doable depending on your funding?:confused: Its gonna take A LOT to clutter it up so your snake has plenty of areas to feel secure. Plus it will take even more to be able to maintain your humidity and temps. For what your are going to spend on UTHs and lighting, you could probably get a 20 long and everything a lot cheaper than it would cost to set yours up. Most here are going to try and push you into tubs, I would rather have more area for my snakes to move AND something my wife can look at and say "That is pretty":gj::gj:

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Originally Posted by Byrdie

5.) Also some people swear by real plants and some swear by fake plants what are the pros and cons of real and fake?

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Ball are heavy bodied animals and they will crush even fake plants. I am sure the live plats would help A LOT with keeping up the humidity if you decide to set up the big tank. I just dont know how well the plants would last with the snakes on them:rolleyes: Also, as stated, chemicals in the plants could cause problems with your snakes.

Good luck on what ever you choose.:snake:

Well thank you all for the answers

Well it looks as though ill be getting a Ball Python (for myself as a Christmas present).
I will be using the 300 Gallon Tank (LOTS of clutter)
I have 3 UV lamps already so heating shouldn't be a problem (Used to Own a Beardie)
As for plants i still haven't decided admittedly Fake plants are easier to care for and easier to clean up after and the thought of my snake dying because of a plant kinda scares me i mean of all the things to kill a snake the plant does it >.<
and as for food i know they only eat every 7-10 days lets say a baby bp how much and of what do i feed it? I'm assuming Pinkies but just one or multiples?

And thank you for answering again :P im just the type to do my research before i commit lol god it was almost 10 months before i bought my Beardie(RIP Geezer)

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Originally Posted by Byrdie

I will be using the 300 Gallon Tank (LOTS of clutter)

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Correction i am going to use a 150 gallon Tank i sold a few years ago he said it was just sitting so he is giving it back to me(sold it to him for 300) lol perfect investment if you ask me.

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Originally Posted by Byrdie

Correction i am going to use a 150 gallon Tank i sold a few years ago he said it was just sitting so he is giving it back to me(sold it to him for 300) lol perfect investment if you ask me.

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A tank that size is good for a 10 foot burm not a ball python. A BP thrives in small secure areas, in Africa they hide in termite mounds very tight spaces a tub or 10 gallon tank would be a wiser choice to start off.

Hope this helps good luck picking up your first ball python they are great your gonna love them.

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Originally Posted by Emilio

A tank that size is good for a 10 foot burm not a ball python. A BP thrives in small secure areas, in Africa they hide in termite mounds very tight spaces a tub or 10 gallon tank would be a wiser choice to start off.

Hope this helps good luck picking up your first ball python they are great your gonna love them.

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So i have heard but its either a 300 gallon or a 150 and I'm going to use a lot of clutter i have a quite a few of the basics UV light hideaways food source so on and so forth. in the next few days or so I'm going to be picking up the plants and the bedding and have the tank set up long before the snake actually gets to me (so excited) but i think i might have to get one from a breeder because i don't really trust petco :P

Just an Update for those wondering i have a 150 Gallon Tank BUT! i have it closed off so the snake can't really get to the other side of the tank as well as a tub for him to grow up in i also have a nice bag of moss and a container already cut and melted to be smooth i have 2 store bought hides one plastic the other wood a nice watering dish and some Paper towel from Lowes the shop towel kind for substrate ;)...uhh temp gauge a humidity gauge found a store a few miles away that sells F/T and live mice / rats i have 2 heaters in my room although only one runs at a time....annnd a zoomed heating pad and a bunch of clutter...am i missing anything before i make my purchase?

p.s. The 150 / 75 gallon is only temporary i might have a 30gal before i make the purchase depending on the prices at petsmart / petco

sound like you are on the right track:gj:

Please take a look at this it really helps

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ius)-Caresheet

If you can't afford a 10 gallon tank, then get a tub. But if you can't afford a $15 tank I don't suggest getting the bp. You need to think of the BPs needs before your own. I understand that you want to use that giant tank, but that's enormous even for a full grown female. You can try it with lots of clutter, but it still might not be enough. Heating that much space and keeping the humidity up is going to be difficult. Properly sized tanks are a headache, I couldn't imagine that one. A 30 gallon is also too big for a baby bp. I'm sure you don't like my response or others, but you asked for advice. You are asking some very knowledgeable people who have been doing this a long time!

Good luck!

yep like i said i have a smaller tub but he will probably outgrow that fast I'm looking toward the future and i have read it stresses the snake so it wasn't exactly my first choice but like i mentioned i have a HUGE 300 gallon tank now I took this 150 tank back and I'm not even going to mention how much other "human clutter" i have laying around >.< and money isn't the issue it's just another fish tank :P which I might add my Tub is already set up and I even cleared a nice spot for whatever tank I do decide to use for him which 99.2% is going to be a 30 gallon tank I just need to get one when he looks too big for the tub I purchased the other day at wally world maybe I'll resell that 150 gallon again :rofl: that might make my friend nice and happy me selling something that he gave to me that he bought off of me :confused: lol if you can understand that xD

also where are you finding a 30 gallon tank for $15? ill go there :D

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Originally Posted by Byrdie

also where are you finding a 30 gallon tank for $15? ill go there :D

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I believe SlitherinSisters was saying a 10 gallon tank is 15 dollars :)

Have fun with the BP! im sure you will love them

oh i know i am a professional smart ass ;) am a veteran smart ass a pro really i should have badges made up :D :gj:

Looks like you're doing good! Just monitor temps and humidity on the tank/tub (you would need a thermostat to stabilize the temperature) then add the ball python when everything is stable and he should be very happy. :)

As payment for all the advice you got from bp.net you are required to post pictures the very first moment you get your snake. :D:D:D

LoL no problem i had already planned on it in fact you caught me right as i was sending another email to Mr.Frankie about a normal BP :) so it looks like a week or so ill be a BP owner :D:D:D and a :banana: for good measure :D

Just my final update before i open my new thread in a couple weeks :) I just got done Emailing Frankie and he will resume shipping Jan.3 since the most people use fed ex to ship he is right those people could care less and don't properly handle the packages :mad: anyway... so hopefully i will be a snake owner EARLY January :D :banana: :salute: :snake: :cool: :gj: it's going to be a Female Normal Ball Python :gj: sooo excited now all i need are some names :D i got a couple :colbert: but thats a secret ;) will post Pics ASAP and will be Lurking in the chat and on the forums :ninja: like a silent forum ninja anyway Thank you Everyone for your comments and helpful tips :D