Important Question (important to me anyway)

I am pretty desperate in to getting my first snake. I am currently in the midst of convincing ResLife (campus residence life people) to allow me to have a baby ball in my dorm. If I can convince them I will probably have to take it home with me everytime I DO go home. I usually go back home once a month. Would it be okay to move the Ball every month like that? or would it be to stressful for them...

How far and the method of transport are important factors It isn't easy to answer with out that.

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Originally Posted by kitedemon

How far and the method of transport are important factors It isn't easy to answer with out that.

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It is about a 2 and a 1/2 hour drive by Interstate. It would be by car and I would do anything to make it less stressful (like covering up the cage so it doesn't really see it's surroundings). If it would be to much I wouldn't bother getting a snake but I am pretty desperate to get one.

I'm pretty sure she would be happier if you left her in your dorm... IMHO




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Okay. I will see what I can do. I wanted to ask just in case the people said I could only have it if I took it home when I went home. I figured it would stress it out but I thought maybe if I left it alone for the time that I WAS home that I would leave it alone so it could stay as less stressed as possible. Again I will try to just keep it in my dorm.

Thanks,

RJ

Well, if they give you that condition, well, I'd say, put her in a tub and don't turn the AC :/




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Originally Posted by Munizfire

Well, if they give you that condition, well, I'd say, put her in a tub and don't turn the AC :/




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Since it seems like it might be to much for the Ball then if they give me that condition I won't get one and I'll wait. I wouldn't want to hurt it by doing it. I was just asking to see if it was plausible since I want one but then again the snakes health would be more important to me than me just wanting one.

Thanks,

RJ

that is a long way, i also would try to either leave her in your dorm or find a herp person whom was close to snake sit for you. The issue I see is the vibrations and exposure to cold air temps. It also limits you, no stops for food or much else just straight shots only. It depends on the animal some but I would expect 5-7 days to get back to normal.

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Originally Posted by kitedemon

that is a long way, i also would try to either leave her in your dorm or find a herp person whom was close to snake sit for you. The issue I see is the vibrations and exposure to cold air temps. It also limits you, no stops for food or much else just straight shots only. It depends on the animal some but I would expect 5-7 days to get back to normal.

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It wouldn't be a good idea then. We never really do stop except once on the way there and back but the problem is that I am usually only home for 2-3 days. I guess I would be able to just not go home if I'm that desperate but I have a girlfriend at home waiting for me to come home.

Thanks for the answers,

RJ

Try to convince them to let you keep it in the dorm with an extra secure locking lid




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Originally Posted by Munizfire

Try to convince them to let you keep it in the dorm with an extra secure locking lid




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I sent them an email asking about it just waiting for a reply. Probably won't get one until tomorrow morning. The most they allow is a 10 gallon tank and a fish. Probably will be tough convincing them but I'm going to do my best! Can't wait to get a snake. Always wanted one and always will.

Or you could get your girlfriend to come to you.

Do you know someone or have a friend that lives close to the campus? If you're only gone for 2-3 days then ask them if they wouldn't mind snake-sitting for that time, it's not like they'd need to take it out for walks or anything. :P

Also, their "10 gallon tank" rule is NOT going to cut it for a Ball. Sure, when it's a baby, it'll fit great. But after 6-12 months it's going to be WAY too small. My 2 year old Ball is in a 40 gallon breeder tank. Sure, the "breeder" size IS a little bigger than a regular 40 gallon, but she can stretch out the full length of the tank and then some. If they can't bend this rule, there's not really a way to properly house your Ball as it grows. :(

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Originally Posted by xFenrir

Do you know someone or have a friend that lives close to the campus? If you're only gone for 2-3 days then ask them if they wouldn't mind snake-sitting for that time, it's not like they'd need to take it out for walks or anything. :P

Also, their "10 gallon tank" rule is NOT going to cut it for a Ball. Sure, when it's a baby, it'll fit great. But after 6-12 months it's going to be WAY too small. My 2 year old Ball is in a 40 gallon breeder tank. If they can't bend this rule, there's not really a way to properly house your Ball as it grows. :(

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After that time I will hopefully be in my own apartment anyway. In about a year I'm hoping to have my own place. (A lot of places up here will let you pay per semester!) My girlfriend would come up if she could drive. (She's to "scared"). So it wouldn't matter anyway. But if I wouldn't have my own apartment by then my girl said she would take care of it for awhile. (I would extensively explain things to her) I guess I'll find out what they say!

Thanks for all your opinions and remarks!

RJ

I dunno if it makes much of a difference cause my situation is a little different but maybe it will help. My BP is really chill and so I'm sure he is the exception.

Anyway, I have my own place but I go to my dads all of the time for 3-4 days at a time. Granted he only lives an hour away so the commute isn't the same and I'm sure your commute would be a lot more stressfull. Usually my roommates "snake sit" but in the past I have taken my snake with me. He WAS in a 20 tank but I upgraded to a 40breeder recently. When he was in the 20 I would take him and his whole tank along for the ride. Usually he hung around my neck and I just put him in the tank when we got there so it was like a normal handling session. He never showed any signs of stress. He was always just a happy boy and would even eat once we got to my dads if it happened to be a scheduled feeding day while we were there. I'm sure he is an exception so don't go stressing out a poor little snake because I'm saying mine wasn't bothered haha, but I think he honestly cared less about moving back and forth especially after the first or second time.
Now that he is in the 40 I can't really toss the setup in the car and be on our merry way so he stays at home but I have plans to set him up a tank at my dads to exactly match the one at my house so he can travel with me again.

If you set up an exact replica tank at home and made sure to keep it in a quiet, dark, confined, warm space for the commute, it would minimize stresses. I would plan on using the same hides, substrate, and EVERYTHING to make it exact.

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Originally Posted by astoudt

I dunno if it makes much of a difference cause my situation is a little different but maybe it will help. My BP is really chill and so I'm sure he is the exception.

Anyway, I have my own place but I go to my dads all of the time for 3-4 days at a time. Granted he only lives an hour away so the commute isn't the same and I'm sure your commute would be a lot more stressfull. Usually my roommates "snake sit" but in the past I have taken my snake with me. He WAS in a 20 tank but I upgraded to a 40breeder recently. When he was in the 20 I would take him and his whole tank along for the ride. Usually he hung around my neck and I just put him in the tank when we got there so it was like a normal handling session. He never showed any signs of stress. He was always just a happy boy and would even eat once we got to my dads if it happened to be a scheduled feeding day while we were there. I'm sure he is an exception so don't go stressing out a poor little snake because I'm saying mine wasn't bothered haha, but I think he honestly cared less about moving back and forth especially after the first or second time.
Now that he is in the 40 I can't really toss the setup in the car and be on our merry way so he stays at home but I have plans to set him up a tank at my dads to exactly match the one at my house so he can travel with me again.

If you set up an exact replica tank at home and made sure to keep it in a quiet, dark, confined, warm space for the commute, it would minimize stresses. I would plan on using the same hides, substrate, and EVERYTHING to make it exact.

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Thank you for the reply. That is pretty much the same type of deal for me in a way. For me (maybe this will make it easier for people to answer my question):

I live in a dorm. The college I go to is about a 2 1/2 hour drive (going 85 on interstate usually) since my sister drives. I would leave midday on a Friday and leave midday on a Sunday. (Although sometimes I actually have random breaks so the amount of days vary) Then I wouldn't go back for roughly another month.

That's what's going on for me.

One question not related to original post:
I'm looking for a good breeder that ships. I have been looking at "Constrictors Unlimited". They have a male and female normal for sale. I am looking at the male since it is only 30$ plus 54$ shipping. Would that be a good deal and is this a reputable breeder? (I see the add all the time on this site so I assumed he is a reputable breeder)

I am also a college student who lives 2 1/2 hours away from my parents. I'm living in an apartment and don't transport my snakes back and forth but I have done it a few times. Those few times my snakes didn't seem to even notice that anything was out of the ordinary... so I'm sure it's ok to do it every once and awhile. I live in Florida so it is very easy to keep the car warm enough for them, but it can be pretty miserable after an hour or so.

Constrictors Unlimited is indeed a reputable breeder, but I would suggest another. I've gotten a few snakes from "Justin Kobylka Reptiles" (just google it) He doesn't have any normals listed on his site but if you email him I'm sure he has some that he will sell. I've found that his customer service is better (dealt with Constrictors Unlimited as well) and shipping is included in the price so you might find a better deal as well. I don't want you to get the wrong impression, The guys at Constrictors Unlimited are great but Justin from JKR has gone above and beyond for me.

hope all this is helpful, PM me with any questions you may have :cool:

Update:

Well ResLife still says no about having a snake at all. I am highly upset about it but I will get over it. There is however still a way for me to get a snake. My girl offered to take care of it at her house. I would get the snake probably around Christmas and could help her take care of it so she gets used to doing everything. (and so the snake knows me for when I come in) I would probably come in 2-3 times a month then so I can see it more often. I have have a pretty long summer so I would be able to take care of it all summer. I would have to move it from my house to her house when I leave for college but I would keep it there while I am at college even when I come in on breaks. This means he/she would only be moved roughly twice a year. She only lives about 5 minutes away from me so it shouldn't be to big of a deal.

Since I will end up doing this could anyone give me some links to what I should need. I figured i would just use newspaper for the "bedding?". I can go to a local pet store for the 2 different hides and water bowl which shouldn't be to expensive. I would need 2 thermometers for each side of tank and a a third one that is a combo that measures temp and humidity. Is there anything else and is there any recommendations?

Be sure to get a thermostat to regulate your heating source. You are better off to spend a little extra money to get a good one (about $140 bucks) so that you can rely on its accuracy. I use Helix but there a few really good ones out there.

Good luck with your purchase.

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Originally Posted by L.West

Be sure to get a thermostat to regulate your heating source. You are better off to spend a little extra money to get a good one (about $140 bucks) so that you can rely on its accuracy. I use Helix but there a few really good ones out there.

Good luck with your purchase.

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I have about $200 to work with. (Will get it FOR x-mas) I found a few things on pet co by Zoo Med. http://www.petco.com/product/108340/...t=OnSiteSearch for example. Would this be a good temperature controller for a UTH? I was going to get a Zoo Med UTH as well. Thoughts?

When I say $200 I mean for the necessities. I will probably get the Snake itself with my own money. (I might actually be able to get an adult ball for free from a step dad of mine)

I've used the zoomed uth for my qt tubs - they seem to work fine. I have no experience with the zoomed thermostat though.

I have always been told to not go cheap when it comes to the thermostat but if you cant afford to spend that kind of money - then something like the zoomed is certainly better than nothing.

Maybe some others will chime in about the quality of that specific thermostat.

Good Luck.

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Originally Posted by L.West

I've used the zoomed uth for my qt tubs - they seem to work fine. I have no experience with the zoomed thermostat though.

I have always been told to not go cheap when it comes to the thermostat but if you cant afford to spend that kind of money - then something like the zoomed is certainly better than nothing.

Maybe some others will chime in about the quality of that specific thermostat.

Good Luck.

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Thanks! I will definitely post pictures when I get it. (If I get it) I still have to work out finances and what I would do if me and my girl ever broke up. There is always that possibility, ya know? I will post any questions I have so to take care of the BP as best as a beginner can.

Question:
This is probably up to the individual breeder but would most/some hold a snake for a couple weeks or so if I asked? (And possibly put down money on it to confirm that I would be getting it)

Some breeders do accept payment plans but I think it is only on their more expensive morphs but you could certainly ask.

Definitely figure out an alternate plan, if like you mentioned - you and the girlfriend breakup and she doesn't want to keep the snake for you any longer - you don't want to be caught with no options for the poor snake.

Look forward to hear what snake you end up with.

That is my most concern at the moment. With the type of person she is though she would actually probably still take care of it but I still need an alternate plan just in case. One thing that i could probably do is have my mother feed it. (she hates snakes though..) When you feed her/him could you just drop it in the tank? Or do you usually have to "tease" it?

I've found with my snakes (i have 7 of them) that feeding responses change often. Sometimes they will take frozen/thawed, then the next time they insist on live.

To think that you can always just drop in the prey and the snake will take it is a really wide stretch - only f/t can be left in the tub unattended. If you have to feed live you must be there watching the whole time to avoid any injury to your snake.

I think with your current living situation and all the variables that need to fall into place in order for you to keep your snake - I would honestly just wait until you are in your own apartment where you can rely on "yourself" for the care that the snake will need for many years to come.

Don't want to be a "downer" and rain on your parade but things seldom work out when you have to rely on other people to take care of your pets.

Keep reading and learning all you can on how to care for the snake. You can even start buying all the supplies you may need ahead of time and then when you are all settled you can buy your snake knowing that you can be available to take care of him.

By doing it this way - money wont be such an issue either - you can save and afford all the nice caging/equipment for your snake.

Just don't rush into it.

I think you will be an awesome snake keeper once the time in your life is right.

Best of luck to you.

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Originally Posted by L.West

I've found with my snakes (i have 7 of them) that feeding responses change often. Sometimes they will take frozen/thawed, then the next time they insist on live.

To think that you can always just drop in the prey and the snake will take it is a really wide stretch - only f/t can be left in the tub unattended. If you have to feed live you must be there watching the whole time to avoid any injury to your snake.

I think with your current living situation and all the variables that need to fall into place in order for you to keep your snake - I would honestly just wait until you are in your own apartment where you can rely on "yourself" for the care that the snake will need for many years to come.

Don't want to be a "downer" and rain on your parade but things seldom work out when you have to rely on other people to take care of your pets.

Keep reading and learning all you can on how to care for the snake. You can even start buying all the supplies you may need ahead of time and then when you are all settled you can buy your snake knowing that you can be available to take care of him.

By doing it this way - money wont be such an issue either - you can save and afford all the nice caging/equipment for your snake.

Just don't rush into it.

I think you will be an awesome snake keeper once the time in your life is right.

Best of luck to you.

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Thanks for the suggestion. I will probably wait then. I only suggested getting one and my girlfriend taking care of it because she wants one in the first place. So it would technically be "her" snake and I would just help take care of it.

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Originally Posted by Viperk

Thanks for the suggestion. I will probably wait then. I only suggested getting one and my girlfriend taking care of it because she wants one in the first place. So it would technically be "her" snake and I would just help take care of it.

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Well, in that case, if the girlfriend wants the snake and to take full responsibility for it - then that is different - then go for it.

I know what its like to really want that new snake - been there and done that, just be sure that it will be taken care of for the long haul which can mean like 30 years of committment.

Sorry to say, but I think you are better off waiting until you are in a more permanent location. Just my :2cent:

I am making sure it can. If I do get one for her I will still call it my snake since I know more about the caring about it (in a sense. Been reading about it the past week nonstop) then she does. Which means the month I am home for Christmas I will have to show her how to take care of it and everything about temps and humidity. I will probably consider it "our" snake. If you will still want pictures I will definitely post them. :)

Sure, we always like to see pictures of everyones new snakes.

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Originally Posted by L.West

Sure, we always like to see pictures of everyones new snakes.

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Okay. I will keep updated on what I end up doing. I'm weighing all of my options keeping the snakes health in my top priority. I will only be getting a normal since they are cheaper and I want to have experience before I send $100s on one. I love animals and there health is always my first priority before my wants.

Thanks for everyone's opinions/suggestion,

RJ