What am I doing here? I don't even own a snake!

I'm working on it though :) I used to have a Uromastyx that I bought from a pet store, on impulse. I know, I should be dragged into the street and shot! Well, I was younger then and didn't always make the best choices. So, I had no clue how to take care of it. I found what I thought was an excellent forum, LOADED with useful information. As soon as I started being honest about my complete lack of knowledge on the animal's requirements, they jumped on me like a bunch of psychos, so I stopped going there. Well, that's a lie. I stopped posting there. Good information is good information, even if it's coming from a bunch of meanies!

So...that's what brings me here. I want to get a ball python. I'm determined not to make the same mistake with the snake that I did with the Uro, may he rest in peace. So, I was just looking for a place where I have a group of experienced snake owners at my disposal, should I have questions or concerns. This time, I am going to make sure I have every requirement met BEFORE I get the snake. I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that I'll be doing us both a favor :)

You all should also know that I am not forum savvy. I don't know how to post, I just figured out how to do it here by fluke, and I probably couldn't do it again to save my life. So if I do something wrong, or post in the wrong spot, or cuss too much or whatever, please just politely steer me in the right direction.

For now- I do have one beginner's question. I have been seeing equal amounts of keepers keeping their snakes in tubs and terrariums. A plastic tub? A lot of people do it, so I assume it's ok. But how do you keep the heat levels where they need to be? I swear, I'm not an idiot. But I've thought about this for awhile now! You obviously can't put a light bulb on top of a plastic lid. Am I missing something?

Thanks in advance.....even though I probably won't be able to figure out how to see any answers anyone might give!

PS - I think it's really awesome that you have dancing bananas! :banana:

Welcome!

I keep all but one of my snakes in tubs/vivs: to keep their temps up I keep the room ambient temps to the appropriate temperature (~80) and give each an appropriate hotspot. Hotspot being either an Under Tank Heater or Flexwatt on a thermostat so it doesn't overheat (I don't use heat bulbs and ball pythons don't need UV light)

For the cussing I would refrain so you don't get warnings/infractions.

Feel free to ask any questions, however silly they may seem.

Thanks, that makes perfect sense!
Note to self : No swearing in the snake forum!:colbert:

Yes! Ask away. Mind your cussing, you will get infractions. Go check out Reptile Basics. They have flexwatt, and thermostats.
I started with tanks, but went to tubs. Love them, once you go tub, you will never go back. Bps are awesome. Be warned, you will become addicted......

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Welcome! Glad you came here to learn how to care for your new friend when you get him.

Like daybreaker said to heat a tub use a heat pad or flexiwatt heat tape. Also all heat sources need to be regulated by a thermostat. There are several thermostats that range from (30$ budget) to over (100$ top quality).

Easiest way to set an ambient temp is to jyst keep the room temp at about 80, but if you keep a cold house like we do you can use a ceramic heat emitter or red infared light bulb on a dimmer.

Glad to have you here!

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Welcome to the forum! Tubs are a popular enclosure for people that have a lot of snakes. They keep them in a rack system with either a under tank heater or flexwatt tape regulated by a thermostat. I keep mine in terrariums personally. But I think my ball would prefer a tub because she doesn't come out much.

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Originally Posted by BrandiR

Thanks, that makes perfect sense!
Note to self : No swearing in the snake forum!:colbert:

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Ps I used to live in Seattle and Longview Wa. Miss it but coming back to the area before too long!

Awesome pick up! I love his name!!

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If you went to a Pet Store they would most likely steer you to a terrarium with plenty of accessories, likely even with a light as this would make them the most profit.
Ball Pythons like to be in a rather small, dark place and a tub fits the criteria at a very inexpensive price. No light source is needed.
If you end up with more than one snake, a rack system would be the most efficient and cost effective way to go.
It is essential to have a source of heat and a method to regulate it.
Look at the care sheets on this site and feel free to ask questions.
The primary mission of this site is to help the novice learn to care for their ball pythons properly.
I commend you for studying the requirements of care before purchasing your first ball python.

Here is a link to the care sheet.
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?p=1410665


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Originally Posted by dsirkle

If you end up with more than one snake, a rack system would be the most efficient and cost effective way to go.

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If we're supposed to be giving accurate, honest info then shouldn't that be a 'WHEN you end up with more than one snake'?

A heat lamp or heat emitter will fry your humidity and lead to bad sheds. Ball pythons also digest best with heat on the underside of the belly, as this is where the food sits. This is why we use heat pads. Ball pythons also sit inside a small, dark hide for 80% of their life. They don't care a ton where that hide is at as long as it's in a place where there is the right temp. gradient and humidity. These are the reasons we use plastic tubs rather than glass tanks. Glass tanks simply provide too much air flow and not enough temp. insulation to make it easy to sustain the right conditions. They also provide less security than a smaller, less transparent enclosure. It can be done and is done, but it's definitely trickier than a tub.

Thanks so much for all of your input! I came home from work yesterday to find a 3 mo old black pastel ready to greet me as I walked in! OK, that was the cat. But the snake was there too, just not as interested in seeing me.
I had been talking to a local keeper who had a few babies for sale. I also strategically placed detailed lists of necessary equipment anywhere my boyfriend might see them, like in the bathroom and on his grinding wheel.
The other night, the snake-seller sent me an email and said the snake had sold. I told my boyfriend that the one I wanted was gone, but I'd take one of the others. He told me to go to bed, as my behavior was bordering on harassment.

I came home the next day to find a complete set up with the lovely girl inside! My first thought was, "He had to touch it to get it in there!" It's nice to know someone likes you more.than he hates snakes :)

It's all good, Ive been a member here since the old days before these fancy new forums and I just got my first snake slightly over a week ago!

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Originally Posted by BrandiR

Thanks so much for all of your input! I came home from work yesterday to find a 3 mo old black pastel ready to greet me as I walked in! OK, that was the cat. But the snake was there too, just not as interested in seeing me.
I had been talking to a local keeper who had a few babies for sale. I also strategically placed detailed lists of necessary equipment anywhere my boyfriend might see them, like in the bathroom and on his grinding wheel.
The other night, the snake-seller sent me an email and said the snake had sold. I told my boyfriend that the one I wanted was gone, but I'd take one of the others. He told me to go to bed, as my behavior was bordering on harassment.

I came home the next day to find a complete set up with the lovely girl inside! My first thought was, "He had to touch it to get it in there!" It's nice to know someone likes you more.than he hates snakes :)

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thats sweet :) welcome to the site and the addiction!!

That's awesome! Pictures??????

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[IMG]E.V.[/IMG]

I have no idea if I'm doing this right. I suppose we shall see....

She is just starting a shed and she was just moved into a new environment, so I'm trying to leave her alone, but ONE picture won't hurt, right?

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Nope. Didn't work! I'll figure out eventually. You'll just have to take my word for it, she's a looker!

I have somehow managed to get a picture of her into my profile....that's the best I can do with my limited knowledge of this forum mumbo jumbo.

If some of you wouldn't mind, I'd actually like for someone with experience to confirm (or deny?) That she is a pastel. As much as I've looked, they all still look the same to me, other than color. The lady I bought her from said when I'm hearing about "morphs" it refers to pattern not color. Really, this thing could be black Mamba for all I know! I'm kidding. Kind of.

My daughter once went to school and bragged to her friends that she had an "endangered species"....it was a sun conure. Don't let me be that kid! Tell me what I have, please :)

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Originally Posted by BrandiR

[IMG]E.V.[/IMG]

I have no idea if I'm doing this right. I suppose we shall see....

She is just starting a shed and she was just moved into a new environment, so I'm trying to leave her alone, but ONE picture won't hurt, right?

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Nope. Didn't work! I'll figure out eventually. You'll just have to take my word for it, she's a looker!

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Chivalric code demands I help a hapless maiden in her time of need

I now present to the masses BrandiR's serpent!

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil.../0/9/8/e.v.jpg

Thanks for that! I fully expected a tutorial on how to reply with a picture. I'm more of a 'why-dom't-you-just-do-it-for-me' kind of girl :)

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Originally Posted by BrandiR

Thanks for that! I fully expected a tutorial on how to reply with a picture. I'm more of a 'why-dom't-you-just-do-it-for-me' kind of girl :)

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Nay madam, twas my pleasure to assist you while I still can, for I have not felt the sweet embrace of the restful wisp on my eyes for nigh three passes of the moon and am beginning to fear mayhap I may lose my ever firm grasp on this reality. Never fear! For I am a force to be reckoned with and the Morning star will obey my command to sleep a while longer while I wait for the lady of dreams' sweet kiss once more.

So, Snakespeare, any idea if that's a black pastel in that picture?

With this request I must humbly admit that even with my vast knowledge of the things of this realm and the next, your task is too great. Oh sorrow! Perhaps I shall consult with the old crowne, who by rumor is vastly learned in the beasts that inhabit these lands. I shall ride swiftly until my mount can steal no more breath! Patience is now your task, m`lady.

AWAY!

Am I being Punk'd?

Greetings! For I have returned with news from the old crowne! Alas, sorrow! Sorrow! She speaks of this Black Pastel being defined by the serpent's high contrasting color and scales that are black as pitch - yet the sorrow! The crowne could not distinguish any such traits from the painting you have provided! Do not despair in this moment, most patient and kind noble, for she also reckons that a higher quality painting, perhaps one from a more talented artist who has the near magic of creating realistic lighting and contrast, maybe yet reveal the answer to your most important query! So go, do not falter! Commission this new painting at once! The old crowne does not like to be kept in wait!

For how to post pictures-
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?p=1848800

Or if you have a smartphone, the tapatalk app, for this forum, and its super easy to load pictures.

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Brandi: It looks like a black pastel to me :) Remember, pastels and black pastels are different morphs but I'm confident from that photo that your little one is a black pastel.

http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/...ps019b760b.jpg

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You learn something new every day!

I really don't care what she is. I'm not an enthusiast or a collector. I just think snakes are really cool. I'm just curious....

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http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9b4318ce.jpg