My dad said YES!!

So, my dad has said yes and i'm so excited, he'll pay me for cleaning the house(he will not buy me a ball python, I have to earn the money). My mom has already said yes! So, looks like i'm getting a ball python soon!!
So, I just have a quick question that i've forgot to ask. Will a 10 gallon tank do for a baby Ball Python and what length of the snake will I have to change the tank at?

Thank you!
Any advice will be appreciated! :D
(I'm sorry I know I post pretty dumb question, sorry.)

It will do for a baby, but only for a while. It is best to get a twenty gallon as soon as possible. Where do you plan on getting your BP?

Congrats on convincing your dad, and I'm glad he's making you earn it.

If I were you I would study the basic husbandry stickies and go from there. Just study the basics and start getting your equipment set up and properly dialed in. I know you're excited, but make sure you have all of your equipment properly set up and dialed in BEFORE bringing your snake home. It will save you lots of potential headaches, and be better for your new pet.

Keep us posted!!

Congrats!!! I think that's a very reasonable compromise your parents decided to do. Just be sure you have all your resources and set up ready before getting your snake.

edit: darn it Craig you beat me to it lol. But you said it better :p

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kit

It will do for a baby, but only for a while. It is best to get a twenty gallon as soon as possible. Where do you plan on getting your BP?

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Thank you and I am not sure yet. Do you have any suggestions? :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

Congrats on convincing your dad, and I'm glad he's making you earn it.

If I were you I would study the basic husbandry stickies and go from there. Just study the basics and start getting your equipment set up and properly dialed in. I know you're excited, but make sure you have all of your equipment properly set up and dialed in BEFORE bringing your snake home. It will save you lots of potential headaches, and be better for your new pet.

Keep us posted!!

---

Haha, thank you (but my mom did all the work) and it's reasonable, but I am trying to get a job also and thank you for the advice and replying.

I sure will. :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MissterDog

Congrats!!! I think that's a very reasonable compromise your parents decided to do. Just be sure you have all your resources and set up ready before getting your snake.

edit: darn it Craig you beat me to it lol. But you said it better :p

---

Thank you and I do agree it's very reasonable! :)
Thank you for the advice and replying. :D

If you can go to a local reptile show to see the different snakes in person - that would be best.

If not, order online from a reputable breeder. Stay away from pet stores - that is a terrible place to purchase your snake from.

Congrats and best of luck to you.

Congrats to you!

10 gal will work for a little bit, try to avoid the snake starter kits at Petsmart/Petco, they're over-priced and not so good.

Check your local Craiglist, at least my area has a ton of cheap vivs and many young BPs available.

For a first snake I would avoid a hatchling/baby & get something just a little older (~6-months) with routine handling & several meals taken - your call though...

Make a checklist: viv, UTH, other heat source, acurite thermometers, temperature gun, etc. Most of that stuff is inexpensive, I would plan to spend the most on a decent thermostat like a Herpstat

Quote:

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Originally Posted by vikingr

Congrats to you!

10 gal will work for a little bit, try to avoid the snake starter kits at Petsmart/Petco, they're over-priced and not so good.

Check your local Craiglist, at least my area has a ton of cheap vivs and many young BPs available.

For a first snake I would avoid a hatchling/baby & get something just a little older (~6-months) with routine handling & several meals taken - your call though...

Make a checklist: viv, UTH, other heat source, acurite thermometers, temperature gun, etc. Most of that stuff is inexpensive, I would plan to spend the most on a decent thermostat like a Herpstat

---

Seconding Herpstats. By far the best investment you'll make op and it will save you more money in the long run.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by L.West

If you can go to a local reptile show to see the different snakes in person - that would be best.

If not, order online from a reputable breeder. Stay away from pet stores - that is a terrible place to purchase your snake from.

Congrats and best of luck to you.

---

Basically exactly what they said:D
Again best of luck and be sure to update us! Congratulations!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by L.West

If you can go to a local reptile show to see the different snakes in person - that would be best.

If not, order online from a reputable breeder. Stay away from pet stores - that is a terrible place to purchase your snake from.

Congrats and best of luck to you.

---

There is one in Jacksonville, I am hoping to make it to that one in September. And understood.
Thank you for the advice and replying. :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by vikingr

Congrats to you!

10 gal will work for a little bit, try to avoid the snake starter kits at Petsmart/Petco, they're over-priced and not so good.

Check your local Craiglist, at least my area has a ton of cheap vivs and many young BPs available.

For a first snake I would avoid a hatchling/baby & get something just a little older (~6-months) with routine handling & several meals taken - your call though...

Make a checklist: viv, UTH, other heat source, acurite thermometers, temperature gun, etc. Most of that stuff is inexpensive, I would plan to spend the most on a decent thermostat like a Herpstat

---

I will probably useing a tub at first anyways so I don't know why I asked. lol

Okay, understood.

Depends, sorry.

And will do.

Thank you for the advice and replying. :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MissterDog

Seconding Herpstats. By far the best investment you'll make op and it will save you more money in the long run.

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Thank you. :D

- - - Updated - - -

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kit

Basically exactly what they said:D
Again best of luck and be sure to update us! Congratulations!

---

Thank and sure will! :D

how exciting!!! keep us posted! :banana:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ZuesTheBallPython

There is one in Jacksonville, I am hoping to make it to that one in September. And understood.
Thank you for the advice and replying. :D

---

Jacksonville Florida? If so there is a really good one here called Extreme Exotics, I am a frequent customer there and its where I got my boy from. They have some really cool snakes available, there is also one called House of Reptiles but I wouldn't recommend that one, the store itself isn't super nice and anyways they don't sell very many ball pythons, the other one is just a much nicer place

Update:
Just kidding, I just looked at your location [emoji28]

UPDATE 2:
Just thought about it and its not actually that far away when I look it up XD Im an air head! My advice still stands!

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If I were you, I would just house the BP in a tub for most of its life until you have the money to buy a PVC cage. Way better than a tank.

So exciting! Do you know what patterns you're interested in?

Sent from my SM-G920R4 using Tapatalk

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BluuWolf

Jacksonville Florida? If so there is a really good one here called Extreme Exotics, I am a frequent customer there and its where I got my boy from. They have some really cool snakes available, there is also one called House of Reptiles but I wouldn't recommend that one, the store itself isn't super nice and anyways they don't sell very many ball pythons, the other one is just a much nicer place

Update:
Just kidding, I just looked at your location [emoji28]

UPDATE 2:
Just thought about it and its not actually that far away when I look it up XD Im an air head! My advice still stands!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

---

Yes, Jacksonville, Florida. Thank you for the advice. If I can I will try to go to extreme exotics. :) So far, sounds like a good place. Thank you.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Quote:

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Originally Posted by danielwilu2525

If I were you, I would just house the BP in a tub for most of its life until you have the money to buy a PVC cage. Way better than a tank.

---

Oh okay, thank you for the advice. :)


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by donnadudette2003

So exciting! Do you know what patterns you're interested in?

Sent from my SM-G920R4 using Tapatalk

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Um, I would like an Albino Ball Python but I'm thinking of just getting a Normal. :)


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by ZuesTheBallPython

Yes, Jacksonville, Florida. Thank you for the advice. If I can I will try to go to extreme exotics. :) So far, sounds like a good place. Thank you.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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Alright :P Also just to keep in mind, if you do have something specific in mind like a certain morph or gender and they don't have it just ask them about it and they will call a breeder for you and see if any are available to bring in for you. Neither places here that I listed carry normals super often, although they do from time to time, so if you wanted one you could ask and they would send one yo the store for you to pick up. Just some advice, they did it for me


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by BluuWolf

Alright :P Also just to keep in mind, if you do have something specific in mind like a certain morph or gender and they don't have it just ask them about it and they will call a breeder for you and see if any are available to bring in for you. Neither places here that I listed carry normals super often, although they do from time to time, so if you wanted one you could ask and they would send one yo the store for you to pick up. Just some advice, they did it for me


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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Alright, thank you, I will keep that in mind!


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by MissterDog

Seconding Herpstats. By far the best investment you'll make op and it will save you more money in the long run.

---

Come on MissterDog!! Do you know how many times this kid will have to clean the house to be able to buy a Herpstats? :rofl:
A Vivarium Electronics VE-100 will be easier to buy:
http://www.reptilebasics.com/thermostats

Kid, congratulations. Don't buy a 41qt tub yet if you're planning on buying a baby ball python. Start in a 6qt or a little bigger with 2 hides.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RickyNY

Come on MissterDog!! Do you know how many times this kid will have to clean the house to be able to buy a Herpstats? :rofl:
A Vivarium Electronics VE-100 will be easier to buy:
http://www.reptilebasics.com/thermostats

Kid, congratulations. Don't buy a 41qt tub yet if you're planning on buying a baby ball python. Start in a 6qt or a little bigger with 2 hides.

---

Tryna get a job too. Lol

But anyways thank you and will do.


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Skip the tank and go with a tub setup... Just make sure it has enough floor space for the size of snake you want and that your UTH covers about 1/3 of the bottom. I would also suggust getting some binder/bulldog clips or luggage straps to help secure the tub lid (just in case).

A hydrofarm thermostat (on-off type) will work as well if you can't afford the more expensive proportional ones... I started with a hydrofarm and it still works well (I have since gotten several herpstats and LOVE them). There is also a good thermometer/hygrometer combo sold on amazon by accurite (think it is an indoor outdoor thermometer) that will measure your ambient temp, your hot spot, and your humidity in one unit. These are great.

Another thing to look at is feeder cost and what type of feeders you will be using (live, f/t, etc.). I HIGHLY suggest f/t, especially for a new snake owner. That said, BPs can be very picky, so make sure that you get with a good breeder who can tell you if the animal will take f/t. I purchased my first several snakes online and the breeders were all willing to try offering the snake a f/t rodent for me to ensure that they would feed on f/t before they shipped the snake to me. Not all breeders will do this, but you can ask how good of a feeder the animal is, what they typically feed, etc.

When I got my first snakes (I purchased online but picked up at a show) I purchased f/t feeders at the show..I calculated how many and what size I needed for several months worth. I now buy f/t feeders in bulk (6 months worth at a time) online from big cheese or perfect prey. Feeders can be pricey, so keep in mind that you will have to calculate that and make plans ahead of time. If you do want to buy at the show, I would plan on buying feeders there too and bring cash to do so (and a cooler). They run out of sizes fast, so you would need to hit them up first or very soon after buying your snake.

If you plan on buying at the show, see if you can find a vendor list online. You can then search those vendors on Google, here, and on the BOI forum on fauna classifieds to see what their reputation is. It is also good to buy from an actual breeder vs. a store or re-seller because you can get more detailed info from the person who bred the snake.

If you don't buy at the show (that's not a bad thing)...get business cards from breeders you like. Ask if they attend the show often or if they offer shipping, etc. Begin able to see / talk to them in person is great, even if you will have to wait and purchase from them online.

Lastly, if you are interested in buying from a breeder, but am unsure about them, feel free to post here on the inquiries forum to ask if anyone has purchased from them before and what their experiences were.

If you are working on a budget then you can go this route...

Step 1 - Buy this 32qt LOCKING Clear Sterilite
Step 2 - Use a soldering gun or 3/16" drill bit to make ventilation holes (make enough to keep humidity at 50-60%)

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...1_17551706.jpg
Step 3 - Purchase this ( I use this on my Quarantine and it works great - awesome budget Tstat)

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...1AJzlOgapL.jpg

Step 4 - Purchase this or similar (6x8 or similar should be adequate for a hot spot in a 32Qt)
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...1gmFCh7hXL.jpg
Step 4 - Any type of coco will be fine

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...9%2F%24_58.JPG

And finally this -

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...kL._SY355_.jpg
And if you go to the Dollar Tree to their pet supply section, they carry ceramic dog bowls. 1$ for that and you have an awesome Herp setup that benefits the snake and you.

Hides can be made from Dollar tree plastic bowls so you can honestly do all of this for about 75.00.

Terrariums aren't worth the effort and you can still see your snake getting around in here...


Just some options...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by artgecko

Skip the tank and go with a tub setup... Just make sure it has enough floor space for the size of snake you want and that your UTH covers about 1/3 of the bottom. I would also suggust getting some binder/bulldog clips or luggage straps to help secure the tub lid (just in case).

A hydrofarm thermostat (on-off type) will work as well if you can't afford the more expensive proportional ones... I started with a hydrofarm and it still works well (I have since gotten several herpstats and LOVE them). There is also a good thermometer/hygrometer combo sold on amazon by accurite (think it is an indoor outdoor thermometer) that will measure your ambient temp, your hot spot, and your humidity in one unit. These are great.

Another thing to look at is feeder cost and what type of feeders you will be using (live, f/t, etc.). I HIGHLY suggest f/t, especially for a new snake owner. That said, BPs can be very picky, so make sure that you get with a good breeder who can tell you if the animal will take f/t. I purchased my first several snakes online and the breeders were all willing to try offering the snake a f/t rodent for me to ensure that they would feed on f/t before they shipped the snake to me. Not all breeders will do this, but you can ask how good of a feeder the animal is, what they typically feed, etc.

When I got my first snakes (I purchased online but picked up at a show) I purchased f/t feeders at the show..I calculated how many and what size I needed for several months worth. I now buy f/t feeders in bulk (6 months worth at a time) online from big cheese or perfect prey. Feeders can be pricey, so keep in mind that you will have to calculate that and make plans ahead of time. If you do want to buy at the show, I would plan on buying feeders there too and bring cash to do so (and a cooler). They run out of sizes fast, so you would need to hit them up first or very soon after buying your snake.

If you plan on buying at the show, see if you can find a vendor list online. You can then search those vendors on Google, here, and on the BOI forum on fauna classifieds to see what their reputation is. It is also good to buy from an actual breeder vs. a store or re-seller because you can get more detailed info from the person who bred the snake.

If you don't buy at the show (that's not a bad thing)...get business cards from breeders you like. Ask if they attend the show often or if they offer shipping, etc. Begin able to see / talk to them in person is great, even if you will have to wait and purchase from them online.

Lastly, if you are interested in buying from a breeder, but am unsure about them, feel free to post here on the inquiries forum to ask if anyone has purchased from them before and what their experiences were.

---

Wow, that's a lot. lol. Thanks for the information! :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ElliotNess

If you are working on a budget then you can go this route...

Step 1 - Buy this 32qt LOCKING Clear Sterilite
Step 2 - Use a soldering gun or 3/16" drill bit to make ventilation holes (make enough to keep humidity at 50-60%)

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...1_17551706.jpg
Step 3 - Purchase this ( I use this on my Quarantine and it works great - awesome budget Tstat)

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...1AJzlOgapL.jpg

Step 4 - Purchase this or similar (6x8 or similar should be adequate for a hot spot in a 32Qt)
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...1gmFCh7hXL.jpg
Step 4 - Any type of coco will be fine

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...9%2F%24_58.JPG

And finally this -

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...kL._SY355_.jpg
And if you go to the Dollar Tree to their pet supply section, they carry ceramic dog bowls. 1$ for that and you have an awesome Herp setup that benefits the snake and you.

Hides can be made from Dollar tree plastic bowls so you can honestly do all of this for about 75.00.

Terrariums aren't worth the effort and you can still see your snake getting around in here...


Just some options...

---

Thank you. :)

Congrats and I like your parents thinking.

I agree to also do a tub and then save up for a more decorative enclosure and skip a tank. Just read over the million "my snake won't eat" posts and see that they're 95% kept in tanks.

Already lots of good info on skipping pet stores but I also wanted to point out to not be afraid to purchase or adopt an older snake. They have a really long life span and established snakes are more forgiving of over handling and husbandry errors. Getting from a baby has almost nothing to do with how friendly it will be either. I have adults I purchased as an adult breeder that were probably never handled besides to have their tub cleaned and they're just as laid back as others I've hatched. They tend to have their set personality from the time the hatch so just ask who you get it from how the snake is. Seems like hatchlings that constantly ball up will continue to be a bit more shy as adults and ones that are more curious will continue to deal with handling and not stress as much about out of enclosure adventures as adults. Of course that's not set in stone but for a pet I wouldn't want a super shy one. Good luck!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by HannahLou

Congrats and I like your parents thinking.

I agree to also do a tub and then save up for a more decorative enclosure and skip a tank. Just read over the million "my snake won't eat" posts and see that they're 95% kept in tanks.

Already lots of good info on skipping pet stores but I also wanted to point out to not be afraid to purchase or adopt an older snake. They have a really long life span and established snakes are more forgiving of over handling and husbandry errors. Getting from a baby has almost nothing to do with how friendly it will be either. I have adults I purchased as an adult breeder that were probably never handled besides to have their tub cleaned and they're just as laid back as others I've hatched. They tend to have their set personality from the time the hatch so just ask who you get it from how the snake is. Seems like hatchlings that constantly ball up will continue to be a bit more shy as adults and ones that are more curious will continue to deal with handling and not stress as much about out of enclosure adventures as adults. Of course that's not set in stone but for a pet I wouldn't want a super shy one. Good luck!

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Thank you for the reply and advice. :)

I wish you were closer to me...

I will soon have some hatchlings and I would like to give them away for free to enthusiastic and willing to learn new Ball Python owners :)
But that would be a drive for you..

I used to live in Savannah for a long time, which wasn't far from you at all!

Good luck with your new baby, it sure is exciting :)