Are they really good for beginners?

I'm still debating on if I want a BP. A lot of people say they are a more intermediate level snake rather than beginner. Is this really true?

They were my first snake, and I've had no problems thus far. Just follow the care sheets provided on this site and you should be just fine.

My first snake was a ball python & I think they are great beginner snakes. I haven't had too much trouble with him at all, been a great eater & never given me any troubles. And now I have 2 bp's!

I usually don't recommend them as first snakes to most people. It depends on the person.

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Originally Posted by bsavage

They were my first snake, and I've had no problems thus far. Just follow the care sheets provided on this site and you should be just fine.

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Me 2

I feel they are a great first snake! My 10 year old son has one that he takes care of completely! I do watch over. But, he knows two feed him every other weekend and he handles him daily.

bp normal was my first and now i have 5!!! lol

What you need to do if fine a breeder and sit down and talk to them about. Breeder might be able to help with you with your answer. Not a pet store they dont crap most of the time. Nothing agains them.

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Originally Posted by bsavage

They were my first snake, and I've had no problems thus far. Just follow the care sheets provided on this site and you should be just fine.

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Same here. I've only had my BP for a month or so now and he has been no problems at all. It all depends on the person and the snake or the combination of both. I am very pleased that I chose a ball python as my first snake.

The biggest reason people say BPs aren't good starters is if you get a picky eater..this can scare new owners who don't know if their snake is ok or not or is going to starve! Our vet said someone force fed their ball every meal...All because he missed one feeding when he got him! :O

As long as you listen to advice from people who have owned them..buy from a good breeder, know the animal you are buying..and of course make sure it's healthy when you buy it..You'll be fine!

Our first snake was a ball python..She was wild caught and came with ticks, scars, and RI! It was a rough start, but it was well worth it, and even with her illnesses she is still one of the easiest pets we care for! With no prior snake experience we were able to handle it with the help of people on forums like this one and since we got her better...easy!

I think it depends a lot on who the "beginner" is. And that is true of ALL living creatures that we choose to take on the responsibility of keeping.

What makes ball pythons so great for someone new to snakes is their mostly very docile nature. Babies can be a tad bit nippy (but not all) because they're so little and nervous. Adults are almost always very laid back (but not all) and are far more inclined to duck their head and hide rather than bite. They're also a perfect size....large enough to handle without feeling like you're going to crush the poor little thing...but small enough to be safe for the whole family. They also tend to be a bit slower and more mellow in your hands, as opposed to a wiggly, flighty colubrid.

What makes some cautious about recommending them to a "beginner" is that they can easily be put off their food if their environment is not tweaked correctly. They're a very hardy snake, and can be kept in a variety of different enclosures with different types of heat sources and a modest range of temperatures to aim for. But they can be shy and skittish and if the environment is "off" they may be too nervous to eat.

Is this "beginner" willing to learn and pay attention to details? Are they willing to make adjustments to their "perfect" enclosure if the snake doesn't seem to be comfortable in it? If so, then a ball python is an exceptionally fine choice to make.

If the "beginner" is unwilling to do some studying to learn the basic foundation of good husbandry....if they will become dead set on being "right" rather than being willing to make adjustments and changes, no matter how much good advice they are offered....then I would most likely recommend nothing more challenging than a pet rock. ;) (I hear they come in some really cool morphs these days! :P )

Yes they are a great beginner snake. They are much easier to care for and handle than other snakes for beginners anyways. I do absolutely agree to try and find a local breeder and sit down and chat with them about all the supplies you will need. As well as common problems and things to watch out for. At this breeders home or facility you can see their setups or they could possibly show you an example of how to handle, setup and feed the animal. Bps are great that's why we love them. I started with 1 and in 6 years got up to 40 so once you have one they become an addiction.
Morgan

I consider them a beginner snake temperament wise, and an intermediate snake environmental wise. It's certainly a doable beginner snake if you do your research. I always advise using a tub set up rather than a tank set up, especially if you are a beginner because it's so much easier than tanks.

They are terrific pets or snakes to have even for beginners as long as the beginner is able to provide correct care and husbandry. This site is a great place to get started.

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Originally Posted by PastelPython

I'm still debating on if I want a BP. A lot of people say they are a more intermediate level snake rather than beginner. Is this really true?

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My personal opinion is "NO".

Reptile care can be specific, but it isn't hard. I think plenty of people over-hype how 'hard' reptiles are to keep simply to ward off people who haven't thought it through, but if you compare the care of ball pythons to say, rabbits or fish, they're incredibly easy and low maintenance.

I can count on my fingers the number of nonvenomous snakes that might actually be difficult to someone without reptile experience to keep.. given that they have half a brain and a willingness to talk to someone who has kept a particular species successfully.

Welcome to BP.net, this is a great place to figure out how to provide a ball python (or just about any other reptile species) quality captive care to keep them happy :D

i actally like my corn more than my ball python :P

Judy said it best.

If you are willing to research first. Put the needs of the snake before your desire for a "pretty" environment. And if they are willing to learn and be corrected when they find out they goofed up { like me }. Then a ball python is a good beginner snake.

Gale

I got my first BP when I was 10 now i am 23, they are def. not intermediate, very very easy.

They are IF you do your research and plan on a 20+ year pet:O

My first snake was a Burmese I was told it was perfect for beginners lol I was a little uneducated back then but my answer would be yes ball pythons are near perfect beginner snakes. Make sure your enclosure is set up before you bring it home and do your research on feeding it because odds are at some point in its life it will decide not to eat and it will stress you out a little if youre not prepared for it. Also, I wouldn't recommend buying a higher end morph until you have a little practice with them. If your pet dies it sucks really bad but if your 500.00 plus pet dies it sucks alot more.

These boards are an awesome place for info. so if you get one most of what you need to know should be here good luck and have fun