Introduction from a nervous new BP mom!

Hello! I'm Jacaranda (or Jac), and I'm here because I just bought my first ball python yesterday! His name is Cosmo, and he's a little hatchling. He was sold to me as a normal, but he has some markings that are kind of "off" for a normal, so my friend and I think that he's a bit of a mystery bag!

I'm posting here because I'm a little nervous about being a snake mom. I'm going on 20 years old, and this guy could potentially be around until I'm 50! I want to give Cosmo the best home possible. Some of my "friends" bullied me about getting a snake and said that I would end up neglecting him. The thought of that makes me cry. Another one of my good friends has been assuring me that I'm going to be a great snake owner! This friend has a yearling BP of her own, and is training to become a vet. I think she knows what she's talking about. :p Still, I'm worried sick about the bullies who are telling me that I'm going to do a bad job with him. What if I do? I still haven't picked Cosmo up from the shop. I still have a few supplies to pick up before I'm ready to bring him home. Are these new snake jitters normal? This is something that I've been thinking about and researching for almost a year now! All advice is welcome!

Thanks!!! 🐍

Welcome!!
If you read over this caresheet and get the required equipment, not equipment the pet shop suggests, you should be fine! http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ius)-Caresheet

Most first time ball python owners make the mistake of buying everything the pet shop tells them to buy, and often times, most of the stuff is either worthless or not suitable for a ball python. Doing your research online is the key... and then there's no reason to feel jittery! :P

Ignore the haters- snakes are the single most misunderstood animals in the world, imo, and we need to vouch for them.

Thanks!! I just got some little things for his enclosure. :) Still feeling nervous, but I know that he's going to be great!

Best information is the care sheets. Don't assume the pet store has any clue, 'cause chances are they don't. The better supplies can be found on line and usually for a lower price.

Welcome! Congrats on your new snake!

Congrats and welcome. Sounds like you are doing your research and that's a good thing. What kind of enclosure are you planning on keeping him in?

I'm going utilitarian style! The shop that I bought him from recommended plastic because it's better at keeping the desired temperatures and humidity! I live in a cold mountain climate, so this is important!

We rescued ours from Petco. Talk about a place that knows nothing about anything.

I've heard that most new bp owners are worried/nervous about being bitten. Don't be. It's not that bad. Or so I've heard lol mine has never bitten! She's the best. Except that she has escaped...I need to invest in a latching system.

I'm not worried about that at all! I volunteered at the shop where I bought him from for several months before actually taking the plunge, and I never got bitten! Even if he does bite me someday, my cat could probably do a lot more damage! :rolleyes: My anxiety is starting to settle, but I keep worrying that I'll make a mistake while caring for him. Some of my "friends" made some really nasty comments saying that I would end up neglecting him after the "newness" wears off. :( I really don't want them to be right. I love my little dude! Also, I'm 19 going on 20. I know that reptiles are a popular pet for a lot of 20-somethings, but they can live for 20-30 years! I want to give Cosmo the best life possible over 20-30 years, but I'm worried that some unforeseen situation will cause us to part ways.

I'm very thankful to be able to talk to you guys! I also have a great support net of real friends (not those dummies who said I'd ignore my baby), and they're all telling me that my nervousness means that I'm going to take great care of Cos! :grouphug:

Welcome!! You are going good to LOVE being a snake momma!!!!

I had wanted a bp since I was 16 and just got a 3 year old female at 32! Even after wanting one for 16 years, I wondered if I had made a mistake after bringing her home. But, very soon, I knew it was the best decision ever and I'm so in love with her!!

Honestly, you are going good to love it!!!!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by xenasculee

We rescued ours from Petco. Talk about a place that knows nothing about anything.

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Im glad I'm not the only one who's felt they rescued their BP from a pet store...

Petsmart is in line with that. They're good for your average furry pets... Maybe fish... But birds and lizards are questionable. Definitely not smart about snakes.

Hello and welcome,

I am new to keeping a BP and also very nervous as I have only ever had fish before, I have had mine since Saturday and all is going well and he had his first feed last night which was easier than expected.

If you have a good read around this forum and do not be afraid to ask questions even if you think they are stupid most people will help you and give you great advice and just calm down you will be fine.

If I can help with anything just ask but like I said i am new as well but Im on this forum everyday picking up advice and other peoples knowledge.

good luck.

Thanks guys! One of my best friends is training to be a vet, so she's been a huge help! She installed a locking mechanism on my enclosure and gave me some really good advice about shedding and feeding. She told me that she can always come over and take a look at him if I ever run into any problems.

My only other worry is my family. I am a college student. I share an apartment with two other girls, and they have given me permission to keep Cosmo in my room. As cool as my roommates are about it, my family probably won't be so cool. There are three rules while I'm in college: no tattoos, no pets (not even fish), and no living with significant others. I have now broken two of those rules. :rolleyes: I have five tattoos and one snake. I'm a good student, but I don't know if I'm ready to tell my parents that they have a grandsnake. I feel like a bad owner for not being able to talk about my new baby with my family, but I guess that's a part of being an adult and not always seeing eye-to-eye with your family!

Please, someone tell me if I'm doing something wrong! :P

They say it's always easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. :gj:


I just got my first BP a week ago (I'll introduce him when he's settled), and found the caresheets/forum questions on this site to be extremely helpful.


For housing, I followed Gavin's advice in:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQ20vUFka8s

Those tubs can be found at Office Depot/Office Max, and though they're "expensive," they're super solid and the latches are great.


Jordan Shaw has a great understanding behavior video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnWv7XOd-X8


Videos and browsing these forums helped me feel more confident and hopefully will help you too!

Awesome! I got my tub from Target for $3.50. My friend installed a locking mechanism using floral hooks. She uses the same thing for her BP, and it works like a charm!

Cosmo is settling in very nicely. :D He's going to have his first feeding with me on Sunday!!