i'm ignorant

my son has been researching snakes for a while in an attempt to convince my wife to let him get a one. specifically a Ball Python. his birthday is in June and my wife has decided to let him get one (she wants to surprise him). he's a very responsible 11yr old. he tells me they can live to be over 30yrs old so i inderstand that i'll be taking care of this animal while he's away at college.

could someone please steer me to the most current newbie thread about what sex to get, what equipement to get etc? also where to get just a standard BP near Louisvile KY. (i realize i just missed a big KY reptile expo here in Louisville by a few days)

thanks for any help and guidance you may have.

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

Read that- Its the caresheet - it will tell you what you need to know.

I personally would recommend getting a female. On where to get one in KY, that I can't tell you.

As for housing - follow what the caresheet instructs - the caresheet knows all. :P

I recommend you read this thread first and foremost. There are lots of other threads/links regarding basic husbandry in there I believe.

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...s%29-Caresheet

As for locating a normal ball python, most pet shops carry them, but you will pay dearly for them and most of the time they are wild caught and/or of relatively low quality. There are lots of great breeders in KY/OH area that will be overrun with babies in June, myself included. Many of them can be found right here on these forums. If you can't make it to a show (there are several KY shows between now and your son's birthday) I would consider looking into ordering one online. Although the snake will be cheaper, you will have to pay shipping so you will end up paying about the same as a pet store, but you will likely get a higher quality animal.

Link to some KY shows:
http://www.kentuckyreptileexpo.com/calendar.html

First of all, I commend you on doing research before getting you new BP. It may seem like no big deal to you, but you would be AMAZED how many people buy pets with no knowledge of proper husbandry requirements....and then wonder why they aren't eating or they "mysteriously" die. Second, you guys are awesome parents for allowing your son to get into the hobby. When I was a kid my mom was just as awesome and allowed me to have pet snakes on the condition that I researched the hell out of them first so they would be properly taken care of. I can't thank her enough for instilling those values in me.

To answer your question, Mr. AK907 already said it best. It is highly recommended to buy from a breeder as opposed to most pet stores. Most pet stores do not take care of BP's as they should and they have been known to sell sick or non-feeding animals. Breeders will guarantee and healthy and feeding ball python.

Also, this has some great visuals to help you see what is in the caresheet as far as housing goes.:

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...-Basics...*DUW

great info people. thanks for the links and info.

I got in touch with a local breeder as well and he said getting one at the end of May shouldn't be a problem. Decent price as well it seemed.

nice forum.

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Originally Posted by yz9890

great info people. thanks for the links and info.

I got in touch with a local breeder as well and he said getting one at the end of May shouldn't be a problem. Decent price as well it seemed.

nice forum.

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I would suggest that if it's at all possible (keeping it a surprise), to have the enclosure setup and working right before getting the BP. That way you can work out the kinks getting the humidity, ambients, and hotspot temps right. Then all you do is put the BP in and it should be good to go.

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Originally Posted by RetiredJedi

I would suggest that if it's at all possible (keeping it a surprise), to have the enclosure setup and working right before getting the BP. That way you can work out the kinks getting the humidity, ambients, and hotspot temps right. Then all you do is put the BP in and it should be good to go.

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+1

I would even go as far as getting the BP a week or two early so it can get acclimated to its enclosure before your sons birthday. That way he will be able to hold the snake on his birthday without stressing it out to much.

Welcome to BP.net!

Sounds like the crew here is pointing you in the right direction for doing your research and finding the information you need.

I highly commend you for finding a breeder in your area. You're son will end up with a much healthier animal and your wallet won't be nearly as light when it's all said and done.

One thing you asked about that has only been lightly addressed is the issue of what sex to get...Males tend to stay smaller and lighter than females, but since BPs are not a large species, either are easily kept and handled. Females usually cost a little more than males, but more so with morphs than Normals. Some say adult females are more prone to going on feeding strikes, but this varies quite a bit with each animal.

Of course, if your son ever plans on breeding, it's prudent to get a female first since they take longer to reach breeding size than a males. If breeding isn't in his future, there are really no down sides to purchasing a male.

Good luck! I look forward to seeing you around the Forum.

I think most has been said. Read the care sheet. Spend some time browsing these forums to pick up other information. Feel free to ask any questions, this is a great place. You will get good answers fast. I would steer clear of pet stores for a snake. I would get cage/tub set up ahead of time. Get a good thermostat. Sex doesn't really matter as far is disposition, just the individual snake. Which btw, will usually be better fromba breeder than the pet store. Imo tubs are way easier, as far as cleaning and holding humidity and temps without constantly messing with them. Also take up less room. Bps are like potatoes chips, you can't have just one. :D Welcome!
Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

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Originally Posted by RetiredJedi

I would suggest that if it's at all possible (keeping it a surprise), to have the enclosure setup and working right before getting the BP. That way you can work out the kinks getting the humidity, ambients, and hotspot temps right. Then all you do is put the BP in and it should be good to go.

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I just read that in one of the threads you guys sent me to. that shouldn't be a problem.

I was a little concerned about attaching an electric heat pad to a plastic tub but apparently that's not an issue as long as it has a thermostat.

gobs of good info.

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Originally Posted by yz9890

I was a little concerned about attaching an electric heat pad to a plastic tub but apparently that's not an issue as long as it has a thermostat.

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Yes the thermostat will stop it from getting too hot. You could also get a one of these Ultratherm heatpads:
http://www.reptilebasics.com/ultratherm-heat-pads

They STILL NEED A THERMOSTAT but are low wattage and the site says they are perfect for tubs. I used one before I got my rack and loved it!

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Originally Posted by RetiredJedi

Yes the thermostat will stop it from getting too hot. You could also get a one of these Ultratherm heatpads:
http://www.reptilebasics.com/ultratherm-heat-pads

They STILL NEED A THERMOSTAT but are low wattage and the site says they are perfect for tubs. I used one before I got my rack and loved it!

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Ultratherm's are the only ones I use and they are terrific!! Don't know if it's already been mentioned, but a good thermostat is not only a must, but a good quality one is worth its weight in gold. If you can swing it, I'd recommend a Herpstat or Vivarium Electronics. They are not cheap, but as I said, they are worth it - more accurate and better made and will last your BP's lifetime. You can get Herpstats from Spyder Robotics and Vivarium Electronics from Reptile Basics along with lots of other good-quality supplies (Ultratherm's are there too).

If those are a little too much for the budget, Hydrofarm t-stats are about $30 off Amazon. Many of us use one or two of those as a back up and it'll work ok for a single snake.

Everything else has already been said, but I'd like add that I hope you continue to frequent the forum! You'll never stop learning and we're always ready to help! As you've already found, there's tons of good info here! I'd also suggest that your son join as well. There are many children here and we keep the forums pretty well rated G and it's heavily moderated. We're usually a very good, clean group!

.......Don't anyone shame me now! Slim, I'm talking to you.... LoL! JK....... :rolleye2:

Just like everyone else has been stating do your research.
Once when you purchase the snake you will quickly learn that everyday is a learning process.
At least for me it is!
Best of luck!
:cool:

Hey, I live in Louisville. I get everything from Pet's Galore on Grinstead Drive. He breeds all of his own stuff and he's very knowledgeable and helpful. Hope that helps, congratulations on your new future family member.

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Originally Posted by Evenstar

Slim, I'm talking to you.... LoL! JK....... :rolleye2:

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I keep it G rated in the open Forums....G rated on the European scale :rofl::rofl:

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Originally Posted by Slim

I keep it G rated in the open Forums....G rated on the European scale :rofl::rofl:

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:8::rofl:

one of the above recommended threads mentioned a $30 thermostat. I plan on doing a tub with an 11x11 or 7x11 pad under it. is there a reliable thermostat for a small, low watt pad that won't break my piggy bank? cheapest I've seen so far online is $75.

and a recommended entry level digital thermometer that will do both sides of the tub? (2 leads I guess). I've read a few opinions that temp guns are better. does it matter?

decent digital or analog humidity gauge?

Thanks.

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Originally Posted by yz9890

one of the above recommended threads mentioned a $30 thermostat. I plan on doing a tub with an 11x11 or 7x11 pad under it. is there a reliable thermostat for a small, low watt pad that won't break my piggy bank? cheapest I've seen so far online is $75.

and a recommended entry level digital thermometer that will do both sides of the tub? (2 leads I guess). I've read a few opinions that temp guns are better. does it matter?

decent digital or analog humidity gauge?

Thanks.

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Here's the $30 thermostat http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR...4920589&sr=8-1

Although they've been shown to not be highly accurate, a lot of people use Accuright thermometer/hygrometers. I think it's +/- 5 which isn't horrible but isn't the greatest. Highly accurate ones cost a lot of money, so people (including myself) generally settle for these. It will read both sides as it has two probes. They can also be found at Walmart or Home Depot and the sorts. http://www.amazon.com/Chaney-Instrum...1&sr=8-1-spell

I wouldn't go with analog...

Congrats though and welcome to the forum! Not sure if anyone warned you, but don't be surprised if you become addicted. I had ALL intentions of only getting one ball python...it never works that way lol.

perfect. thx.

And if you go to Walmart looking for Accurites and cannont find them, we found them with the fans. :confused:

I have a couple of 28qt sterilite tubs in my basement. I see the ultratherms come in 11x17 size pads. what size pads do you guys put under a 28qt tube (23x16.3). will that fit? the 11x11 would seem to leave a lot of space.

The 11x11 would be just fine for a 28 qt tub. Keep in mind that what you are trying to create is a warm belly heated spot where you snake can go when it needs to thermo regulate, especially after eating.

http://img.tapatalk.com/601c025c-e153-7b6b.jpg

I tried to convince my wife about the tub but she said my son wanted a tank. maybe later. still working in the the temps. right now it's running 77cold / 87hot and 49% humidity via a 11x11 ultratherm UTH and a thermostat. We got the snake today (I think my son named him Carlos) and he's a funny little guy. seems happy as can be. curious, not shy at all, and ate a live mouse about 10mins after moving in to his new digs. my son loves, loves, loves the snake but was shocked at the cuteness of the food. well need to work on that and maybe try to change to frozen.

thanks for your help.

http://img.tapatalk.com/601c025c-e4e7-4890.jpg

The only concerns I can see right now are
A) The temperature is too low. The basking spot should be 90F. The air temperature should be 80F.

B) Regulating humidity is going to be extremely difficult.

You will probably have to cover all but an inch of that screen top with plastic, and might still have to add a fogger (such as a Repti-Fogger) to keep the humidity at 60%. Covering most of the top and raising the humidity may also help with the heat issues.

Hot air rises, of course--and floats right out of the top of the tank. This is the reason why tanks with screen tops aren't recommended. You will need to modify this setup to provide correct temperatures and humidity, it simply can't work as it is currently.

Are the shavings aspen? Pine is potentially toxic.

Here's a good thread on how to fix your screen lid to create better humiidity:

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=90187

I am using a tank ATM, but am currently waiting on my custom PVC tank.

If your wife/son want the snake on display, consider ording a PVC tank from animal plastics.

It's supposed to be much better at holding temps and humidity than an open screened lid.

What I've learned from this site?

Aquariums are for fish ;)

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Originally Posted by Bobbafett

Here's a good thread on how to fix your screen lid to create better humiidity:

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=90187

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I use this and it works like a charm!

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Originally Posted by WingedWolfPsion

The only concerns I can see right now are
A) The temperature is too low. The basking spot should be 90F. The air temperature should be 80F.

B) Regulating humidity is going to be extremely difficult.

You will probably have to cover all but an inch of that screen top with plastic, and might still have to add a fogger (such as a Repti-Fogger) to keep the humidity at 60%. Covering most of the top and raising the humidity may also help with the heat issues.

Hot air rises, of course--and floats right out of the top of the tank. This is the reason why tanks with screen tops aren't recommended. You will need to modify this setup to provide correct temperatures and humidity, it simply can't work as it is currently.

Are the shavings aspen? Pine is potentially toxic.

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thanks for the feedback.

I relocated the thermostat probe so the UTH now lays completely flat under the tank and I can now get the warm side to whatever temp I want. the cold side is still at 78 though (we keep the house pretty cool). I bought a piece of plexiglass to put over the screen. we'll see how that works on the air temp. the shavings are aspen.

Looks like a really good start! :gj: Once you cover that lid with some plexi you will notice a huge difference. The only other thing I would recommend is think about putting some fake plants in there to take up some of the open space....especially overhead. If you make the tank feel smaller for your BP, he will be less likely to get stressed and go off feed. You can get the kind that suction cup to the glass at pretty much any big box petstore.

Maybe I missed it in the previous posts, but where did you end up getting your BP from?

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Originally Posted by lmartelli77

Looks like a really good start! :gj: Once you cover that lid with some plexi you will notice a huge difference. The only other thing I would recommend is think about putting some fake plants in there to take up some of the open space....especially overhead. If you make the tank feel smaller for your BP, he will be less likely to get stressed and go off feed. You can get the kind that suction cup to the glass at pretty much any big box petstore.

Maybe I missed it in the previous posts, but where did you end up getting your BP from?

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thanks. it was a gift for my son and we wanted to leave a little of the decorating for him. he said he wants to put a plant and a big skull in there. might have to pull that hide in the middle out for all that I suppose.

I ended up getting it from a local breeder at Pets Galore on Grinstead Drive in Louisville. That guy (i cant recall his name, i suck) was very helpful and he made sure it had eaten 3 times before I picked it up. Gave me some supplies and a lot of help. He also helped my wife get comfortable with the snake by helping her hold the adult BP's he had there. My wife quickly went from freaked out to really enjoying them with his help.

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Originally Posted by yz9890

thanks. it was a gift for my son and we wanted to leave a little of the decorating for him. he said he wants to put a plant and a big skull in there. might have to pull that hide in the middle out for all that I suppose.

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Just a quick word to the wise - make sure he picks a skull without holes for eyes (blacked out instead). There's a chance his new baby could get used to climbing through them, which sounds cool until he gets a little bigger and gets stuck!