Help give me a crash course on ball pythons

Hey all!

So good news! You may recall seeing a fees posts I've made about it being a while until I could get a ball python (1-2 years from now). Turns out I may actually be able to get one a little sooner than I originally anticipated!

So that means I have to double down on research!

I'll be honest that a ball python will be my first snake (only have cats and betta fish).

I know some don't recommend bp's as their first snake as their husbandry needs are very demanding but I'm not interested in other snakes, at least not enough to commit 15-20 years to an animal for the sake of experience.

So I'm trying my best to research as much as possible about their behavior and care, get hands on experience with bps by visiting pet stores and handling them (I would never get mine from there though) and looking for local reptile shelters or shows. I aware of the work and commitment I'll be getting into and I'm determined to do what is needed to make it work. Even started my own ball python funds to save $2000 for everything I'll need to get started :) found a vet too!

Anyways this is where I could use some help. I've been learning a lot from this forum (you guys have been so awesome!!) and videos from breeders and I believe I've got the basics down but wouldn't mind getting any additional advise on areas that should be studied more or are often overlooked. Especially when I'm starting to bump into conflicting information or topics that have open debates.

So if you guys have any advise or recommended resources (articles, videos, books, checklist) to share please do!

Thanks for taking the time to read this!

Seriously, unless you are going to breed, almost everything you need to know is here. These animals only become difficult to take care of when you break the "rules". If you want to make things easy in the beginning, start with a tub setup. If you want to do a "pretty" setup, wait till you know your animal well then you can experiment. Read a few threads on feeding "issues" and you are pretty much set.

I always tell people to get all the correct equipment before getting your snake. If you have the correct equipment: cage, heat source, thermostat then it won't be difficult at all housing your snake,

Good luck with your new snake - they are wonderful pets.

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Originally Posted by JodanOrNoDan

Seriously, unless you are going to breed, almost everything you need to know is here. These animals only become difficult to take care of when you break the "rules".

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This. Learn the "rules" before you look at bending/breaking them. There will be seemingly conflicting information, but once you understand their basic needs, the conflicting information slowly turns into nothing more than different ways to achieve the same results.

Also, there's a reason why they call it a crash course. Soak up as much information as you possibly can before adding your new one. I know that's your goal, but I can't emphasize this point enough.

Here is the best book I've come across when it comes to comprehensive ball python care: Pythons of the World, V2, BALL PYTHONS (http://vpi.com/store/products/python...ing_in_usa_can). My wife got it for me as a gift early on and to this day I still open it up for reference at least once a week.

In the short time I've kept ball pythons I've lerned a ton from this site the one thing I would recommend before you get your snake is set up everything for at least a week or more to make shure you get your temperatures and humidity were it needs to be before putting in your new snake. I changed my setup 4-5 times before I got mine were I wanted it then let it run for a week to make shure it was rite and still had to make small adjustments

I looked on Amazon for ball python books costing less than $10 new. Used may be less expensive. I have not read any of them, but here are three (in no particular order) that I consider the cream of the crop, based on what I know about the authors. Sutherland and McCurley are well known and very experienced ball python breeders, and for many years De Vosjoli has been publishing the Herpetocultural Library, the gold standard of high quality for low price herp care books. Check out the reader reviews on Amazon.

Ball Pythons (Complete Herp Care) by Colette Sutherland, Paperback, $6.74. Also see http://www.ballpython.com, the Sutherlands' web page.
The Ball Python Manual (Herpetocultural Library) by Philippe De Vosjoli, Paperback, $8.57
Ball Pythons in Captivity (Professional Breeders Series) by Kevin McCurley, $6.29. McCurley's web page: http://www.newenglandreptile.com/index.php/homepage

Sorry for the double post

Thank you everyone! And oh man thanks especially for book recommendations! Looking at everything you guys toss at me :) Definitely focusing on making sure I have the rules down.

I don't believe in the concept of "starter" snakes. If a ball python is your dream snake, get a ball python. As long as you do plenty of research and are willing to spend the time and money for a proper setup, then you will have a thriving snake!

As others said, it will be ideal if you set up your enclosure with the correct temps and humidity before the snake arrives. That way things will be less stressful for both you and the snake :)

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Originally Posted by Kira

I don't believe in the concept of "starter" snakes. If a ball python is your dream snake, get a ball python. As long as you do plenty of research and are willing to spend the time and money for a proper setup, then you will have a thriving snake!

As others said, it will be ideal if you set up your enclosure with the correct temps and humidity before the snake arrives. That way things will be less stressful for both you and the snake :)

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That's spot on. Tweaking your temps can be tricky in a brand new setup and the wild fluctuations you will most likely experience are not good for your snake.

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Originally Posted by Kira

I don't believe in the concept of "starter" snakes. If a ball python is your dream snake, get a ball python. As long as you do plenty of research and are willing to spend the time and money for a proper setup, then you will have a thriving snake!

As others said, it will be ideal if you set up your enclosure with the correct temps and humidity before the snake arrives. That way things will be less stressful for both you and the snake :)

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Definitely keeping that in mind! Hoping to get everything set up and ready weeks in advance before I actually get my bp. How long should I wait to see if my temps and humidity are stable for? I'm guessing if I've managed to keep everything consistent and stable for a week (or two?) then it would be snake ready?

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Originally Posted by MissterDog

Definitely keeping that in mind! Hoping to get everything set up and ready weeks in advance before I actually get my bp. How long should I wait to see if my temps and humidity are stable for? I'm guessing if I've managed to keep everything consistent and stable for a week (or two?) then it would be snake ready?

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A week should be plenty of time but you could always do two weeks just to be sure. I recommend getting a temp gun because they are very accurate. Also I'm sure that you already know but just in case, always remember that thermostats are very important!! They control your UTH and make sure that it doesn't get too hot. It's good that you are asking these questions before getting the snake. Being prepared is never a bad thing :gj:

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Originally Posted by MissterDog

Definitely keeping that in mind! Hoping to get everything set up and ready weeks in advance before I actually get my bp. How long should I wait to see if my temps and humidity are stable for? I'm guessing if I've managed to keep everything consistent and stable for a week (or two?) then it would be snake ready?

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A week is plenty! Honestly, seeing how much research you seem to be doing, if you get all the right equipment, you'll only need a couple days.

Imo almost any snake species (except giants and venomous and a few that are genuinely hard to keep alive in captivity) can be a "first snake" for the right owner who does ALL the necessary research and follows known, correct setups to a T.

The concept of "get a beginners snake first" or even "yes, you can get a 5 foot enclosure for your baby ball python, all you need to do is clutter it up" are both two extremes that I don't agree with. You can get your dream snake as a first snake, but keep things basic and follow known reliable setups, get a hang of controlling temps and humidity in your climate, until you understand the species well enough to change it up.

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Originally Posted by redshepherd

A week is plenty! Honestly, seeing how much research you seem to be doing, if you get all the right equipment, you'll only need a couple days.

Imo almost any snake species (except giants and venomous and a few that are genuinely hard to keep alive in captivity) can be a "first snake" for the right owner who does ALL the necessary research and follows known, correct setups to a T.

The concept of "get a beginners snake first" or even "yes, you can get a 5 foot enclosure for your baby ball python, all you need to do is clutter it up" are both two extremes that I don't agree with. You can get your dream snake as a first snake, but keep things basic and follow known reliable setups, get a hang of controlling temps and humidity in your climate, until you understand the species well enough to change it up.

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I completely agree. I hate when sometimes people are steered away from their dream snake and told that they have to have a corn snake first. What happens to the "starter" snake once the person eventually gets the snake that they wanted in the first place?

A ball python was my dream snake and I did a bunch of research before getting one. I have never owned a snake before so I wanted to make sure to have my husbandry spot on. Now I have a healthy ball python who hasn't missed a meal in the 3 weeks that I've had her. :)

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Originally Posted by Kira

A ball python was my dream snake and I did a bunch of research before getting one. I have never owned a snake before so I wanted to make sure to have my husbandry spot on. Now I have a healthy ball python who hasn't missed a meal in the 3 weeks that I've had her. :)

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Same- I wanted a ball python, never even touched a snake in my life before, got my first baby ball shipped to me 2 years ago. I now have 5 ball pythons, a dumeril's boa, and a green tree python. All have always been healthy with me. Being an avid researcher PRIOR to getting a snake is key, and that's pretty much it.

Some people over-complicated snake keeping so much, like owning a low-intermediate level species like a ball python is something only meant for "gods". Oddly enough, most people who say this are the ones who have had issues with their snakes. :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by redshepherd

Same- I wanted a ball python, never even touched a snake in my life before, got my first baby ball shipped to me 2 years ago. I now have 5 ball pythons, a dumeril's boa, and a green tree python. All have always been healthy with me. Being an avid researcher PRIOR to getting a snake is key, and that's pretty much it.

Some people over-complicated snake keeping so much, like owning a low-intermediate level species like a ball python is something only meant for "gods". Oddly enough, most people who say this are the ones who have had issues with their snakes. :rolleyes:

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I guess some people like to act high and mighty about how you have to "work up to" ball pythons. Like you said, research is key. I absolutely adore my ball python and I'm glad that I didn't listen to people who made it seem like I HAD to have a corn or king snake before "moving up" to ball pythons.

I follow your blog! It's cool to see your beautiful collection of snakes :)

@OP:

Feel free to ask anything else! Keep doing your research and I am confident that you will raise a healthy snake.

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Originally Posted by Kira

I guess some people like to act high and mighty about how you have to "work up to" ball pythons. Like you said, research is key. I absolutely adore my ball python and I'm glad that I didn't listen to people who made it seem like I HAD to have a corn or king snake before "moving up" to ball pythons.

I follow your blog! It's cool to see your beautiful collection of snakes :)
Idon
@OP:

Feel free to ask anything else! Keep doing your research and I am confident that you will raise a healthy snake.

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I don't think anyone needs to work their way up to a ball python. I think they are very appropriate as a first snake if you are responsible and attentive to their husbandry needs. BPs aren't as tolerant to bad husbandry as some other species. I think that's the reason people recommend they get something else. Like you guys are saying, research is key.

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Originally Posted by cletus

I don't think anyone needs to work their way up to a ball python. I think they are very appropriate as a first snake if you are responsible and attentive to their husbandry needs. BPs aren't as tolerant to bad husbandry as some other species. I think that's the reason people recommend they get something else. Like you guys are saying, research is key.

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I don't think you have to work up to them either. I just think it's funny when people get an attitude and say that first time snake owners shouldn't get a ball python. If someone isn't going to even try to have good husbandry then they should have ANY snake period.

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Originally Posted by Kira

I don't think you have to work up to them either. I just think it's funny when people get an attitude and say that first time snake owners shouldn't get a ball python. If someone isn't going to even try to have good husbandry then they should have ANY snake period.

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exactly! That belief is mostly under the assumption that new owners all won't do research. Makes no sense.

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Originally Posted by Kira

I don't think you have to work up to them either. I just think it's funny when people get an attitude and say that first time snake owners shouldn't get a ball python. If someone isn't going to even try to have good husbandry then they should have ANY snake period.

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I agree. I'm in agreement with pretty much everything you and redshepherd posted. lol I'm just telling you why some people recommend getting something other than a BP. I think more people should strait up be told they just don't need a snake.

OP -- This went sideways. Def not talking about you or anyone else in particular. I think it's great you are going about it this way. I'm anxious to see your New Snake Day post!!

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Originally Posted by redshepherd

The concept of "get a beginners snake first" or even "yes, you can get a 5 foot enclosure for your baby ball python, all you need to do is clutter it up" are both two extremes that I don't agree with.

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So I admit cluttering was something I was wondering about.

I'm planning on getting an AP enclosure (T5 or T11/T12) and using the divider so baby ball gets half of the cage to start with then graduates to the whole cage when fully grown. I was thinking of overcrowding the half cage to help with security. If I go with the 36 length (T5) I'm not as worried about the enclosure half being too big, but I'm starting to lean towards the 48 length ones (T11 and T12), which I'm not sure when halved, if a 24 x 24 x 18/24 would be too big for it. Would cluttering it up be an acceptable approach on this situation? Perhaps adding extra hides?

Would covering the glass viewing side (but not cover any ventilation) also help with not having the bp feel overly exposed? Maybe that way I can slowly expose more and more of the viewing glass so bp baby gradually gets used to the idea that there is another world beyond the cage? Or am I overthinking this?

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Wow thank you all for the alarming amount of support and positivity guys! This is super encouraging and reassuring. I'll be looking forward to sharing my snake day with everyone! I'll most likely run my check list and enclosure set up with you guys first :p

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Originally Posted by MissterDog

So I admit cluttering was something I was wondering about.

I'm planning on getting an AP enclosure (T5 or T11/T12) and using the divider so baby ball gets half of the cage to start with then graduates to the whole cage when fully grown. I was thinking of overcrowding the half cage to help with security. If I go with the 36 length (T5) I'm not as worried about the enclosure half being too big, but I'm starting to lean towards the 48 length ones (T11 and T12), which I'm not sure when halved, if a 24 x 24 x 18/24 would be too big for it. Would cluttering it up be an acceptable approach on this situation? Perhaps adding extra hides?

Would covering the glass viewing side (but not cover any ventilation) also help with not having the bp feel overly exposed? Maybe that way I can slowly expose more and more of the viewing glass so bp baby gradually gets used to the idea that there is another world beyond the cage? Or am I overthinking this?

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Wow thank you all for the alarming amount of support and positivity guys! This is super encouraging and reassuring. I'll be looking forward to sharing my snake day with everyone! I'll most likely run my check list and enclosure set up with you guys first :p

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The reason a big enclosure is not usually recommended for baby ball pythons, particularly with first time snake owners, is that it can be hard to get the "level of clutter" and hides right. Baby balls can be much more difficult than adults with getting them to eat, so there's much more room for error and thus baby ball refusing food.

But with the amount of research you seem to be doing, if you really want to start out with a T5/T11 and halving it, it could all go perfectly fine haha. If not, you should be willing to switch to a small tub setup and start from basics.

Main notes for a big setup for baby ball is to getting the right sized small hides with a small opening, put the hides everywhere and facing dark directions, put in branches and stuff for additional hiding, and stuffing a bunch of these big leafy vines in to fill in the "height". You could probably buy two of these: https://www.amazon.com/Flukers-Repta...s=reptile+vine

The leaves from those vines will provide top cover. All in all, make it so that you can't even find your baby ball if you're watching from outside. LOL

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Originally Posted by redshepherd

The reason a big enclosure is not usually recommended for baby ball pythons, particularly with first time snake owners, is that it can be hard to get the "level of clutter" and hides right. Baby balls can be much more difficult than adults with getting them to eat, so there's much more room for error and thus baby ball refusing food.

But with the amount of research you seem to be doing, if you really want to start out with a T5/T11 and halving it, it could all go perfectly fine haha. If not, you should be willing to switch to a small tub setup and start from basics.

Main notes for a big setup for baby ball is to getting the right sized small hides with a small opening, put the hides everywhere and facing dark directions, put in branches and stuff for additional hiding, and stuffing a bunch of these big leafy vines in to fill in the "height". You could probably buy two of these: https://www.amazon.com/Flukers-Repta...s=reptile+vine

The leaves from those vines will provide top cover. All in all, make it so that you can't even find your baby ball if you're watching from outside. LOL

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Excellent! Those are the details I needed to know so thank you so much for sharing! I'm hoping starting with the T5/11 will work out but if not I'll have the tub enclosure prepared as a plan b. Will probably ask for two Flexwatt's just in case, figure having an extra available as a backup/replacement would be a good idea regardless of the tub.

How small would you recommend the openings for hides to be? I'm not sure how fast a male baby bp will grow so would he ever get stuck? I'm hoping by then I'd notice baby has gotten bigger and I can just replace it with a bigger hide.

Also do you know how well suction cups stick to AP's walls?

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Originally Posted by Kira

I guess some people like to act high and mighty about how you have to "work up to" ball pythons. Like you said, research is key. I absolutely adore my ball python and I'm glad that I didn't listen to people who made it seem like I HAD to have a corn or king snake before "moving up" to ball pythons.

I follow your blog! It's cool to see your beautiful collection of snakes :)

@OP:

Feel free to ask anything else! Keep doing your research and I am confident that you will raise a healthy snake.

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Thank you Kira! Your success is a huge inspiration to me so it means a lot that you're being so honest and encouraging. I'm determined not to let any of you down!

P.s - just followed your blog! Hello fellow gamer! Vodkavulpix is the cutest name!

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Originally Posted by MissterDog

Thank you Kira! Your success is a huge inspiration to me so it means a lot that you're being so honest and encouraging. I'm determined not to let any of you down!

P.s - just followed your blog! Hello fellow gamer! Vodkavulpix is the cutest name!

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Feel free to message me directly if you need anything! I'm no expert since I've only had my ball python for about 3 weeks but I've done lots of research so she is doing great! I'm sure that your snake will do just fine :) Do you have a morph in mind?

Aww thanks so much!! I just picked my favorite alcohol and my favorite pokemon! Yay fellow gamer!!

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Originally Posted by Kira

Feel free to message me directly if you need anything! I'm no expert since I've only had my ball python for about 3 weeks but I've done lots of research so she is doing great! I'm sure that your snake will do just fine :) Do you have a morph in mind?

Aww thanks so much!! I just picked my favorite alcohol and my favorite pokemon! Yay fellow gamer!!

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Morphs are a toughie! I'm currently torn between Super Mojave, Mystic Potion or a Piebald/pied combo! Those are the main three I'm interested in most but I swear every day I find another morph I like lol

I still need to play Pokémon Sun and Moon! I admit Vulpix is also one of my favs so I was super hyped when Alolan Vulpix became a thing hehe. And omg I just realized you named your ball Winry! As in Winry from FMA right?

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Originally Posted by MissterDog

Morphs are a toughie! I'm currently torn between Super Mojave, Mystic Potion or a Piebald/pied combo! Those are the main three I'm interested in most but I swear every day I find another morph I like lol

I still need to play Pokémon Sun and Moon! I admit Vulpix is also one of my favs so I was super hyped when Alolan Vulpix became a thing hehe. And omg I just realized you named your ball Winry! As in Winry from FMA right?

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Oh I love Mystic Potions! That would probably be my next morph. There's so many gorgeous morphs so I understand finding it difficult to settle on just one!

I finished Sun and Moon in January I think. It's fun! A bit too hand-holdy but still an enjoyable game. Yep! Winry from Fullmetal Alchemist! She's smart and beautiful so I think it suits my snake well.

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Originally Posted by MissterDog

Excellent! Those are the details I needed to know so thank you so much for sharing! I'm hoping starting with the T5/11 will work out but if not I'll have the tub enclosure prepared as a plan b. Will probably ask for two Flexwatt's just in case, figure having an extra available as a backup/replacement would be a good idea regardless of the tub.

How small would you recommend the openings for hides to be? I'm not sure how fast a male baby bp will grow so would he ever get stuck? I'm hoping by then I'd notice baby has gotten bigger and I can just replace it with a bigger hide.

Also do you know how well suction cups stick to AP's walls?

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I'd make it easy and get reptilebasics hides. The small hide box fits a baby BP for a couple months at least, and I'd get four of them for your cage size- http://www.reptilebasics.com/small-hide-box

You can order a couple mediums too for when your bp grows bigger.

No worries, they won't get stuck :) Their bodies are smooth and they can slide themselves in or out of anywhere LOL

Ideally, a hide should have one opening that should be just small enough (or slightly bigger) for the snake's body to slide through, and the snake can hide itself completely inside.

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Originally Posted by MissterDog

I'll be honest that a ball python will be my first snake (only have cats and betta fish).

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MisterDog doesn't own a dog? whoa! :O mind blown.

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Originally Posted by MissterDog

Morphs are a toughie! I'm currently torn between Super Mojave, Mystic Potion or a Piebald/pied combo! Those are the main three I'm interested in most but I swear every day I find another morph I like lol

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any BP crash course should be prefaced with - Warning! BP's are addictive! i bet u will own all 3 morphs at some point. gotta catch 'em all! ;)

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Originally Posted by Ax01

MisterDog doesn't own a dog? whoa! :O mind blown.



any BP crash course should be prefaced with - Warning! BP's are addictive! i bet u will own all 3 morphs at some point. gotta catch 'em all! ;)

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Funny story!

There was a time where my husband and I were planning to, and "Misster dog" was actually the name we were going to give her. But we realized our living conditions/lifestyle were not ideal for a dog, especially a German shepherd. We could have made it work but it wouldn't have been fair to the dog at all. So sadly we had to be honest with ourselves and decided to wait on the dog, (man I still have a TON of books lol) which lead to the kitties and betta fish. And now (or soon I hope!) ball python(s????) :D

There are already too many morphs I've fallen in love with so I guess we'll see how long I can resist! Lol And here I thought my Pokémon days were slowing down.

Ok here goes i cant do my own blog but i really want answers.I put my new male ball python inside the same tank as my female ball python until we get a tank for it tomorrow and my female started sliding around the tank and wagging her tail while blood came out ���� shes only a baby please dont say its because she ready to breed cant post a pic but there about a little bit bigger than a hatchling...she so small and havent seen her do this before anybody can help?

why on earth would you put them together? you sound like you already know that was a bad idea, and yet...

do you know basic husbandry?? you do not bring an animal home that does not have a place there. that's common sense. on top of that, you should have done your own research on the LIVES you are now responsible for. YOU should have done your homework before taking care of an animal you have no knowledge about. why should WE spend our time teaching you everything you should ALREADY know, and give information that is VERY READILY available???

separate the snakes IMMEDIATELY. you are just asking for trouble. what is the enclosure like??

could someone post the sticky thread caresheet and enclosure guide? i'm on mobile.

you need to be more specific on "blood came out" for any help...

Please refer to these stickies.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...ius)-Caresheet
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...-With-Pictures!
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...e-Basics-*DUW*

Even if it's temporary I'm going to echo what has already been said and what will continue to be said, NEVER house ball pythons together. You're only stressing them out and risking their health. May I ask why you didn't have a set up available for your male prior to bringing him home? You're taking a HUGE gamble and I can only hope the odds are in your favor until you fix this immediately.

Edit: Darn the pictures for the glass set up are down :( Anyone know if they can be brought back up?

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Originally Posted by MissterDog

Edit: Darn the pictures for the glass set up are down :( Anyone know if they can be brought back up?

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pics show up on Tapatalk. i wonder if this is related to the issue our admin was working on earlier...

thank you for posting links.