Getting my first BP. Habitat questions.

Hi Everyone -

I'm getting my first ball python soon. It is really for my kids and from what I have read it is a good starter snake. I'm experienced with reptiles having owned bearded dragons, geckos and other lizards. This is my first snake though. All of my old equipment is gone so i'm looking for a new setup. Do you think this is a good starter for a juvenile?

https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcos...er-kit-2731747

What else would I need? Any other starter kit recommendations? Piecing things together seems to be a lot more expensive.

Thanks in advance!

If it's for your kids, don't get a ball python. They like to be hidden away and left alone almost 100% of the time. Kind of a myth that ball pythons are good beginner snakes.

Get a cornsnake. Much more social and forgiving with husbandry.

King snakes are good too

For kids....

King snakes can be very high strung and bitey, not a good choice for someone who is not confident handling snakes.

For clarification, my kids don't live with me so they won't be around it all the time. I'm going to handle it a couple of times a week to keep it tame. Corn snakes seem too be a little too wild to just sit there and hold them. Thoughts?

They tame down rather quickly just as kings do. My king is tame and sweet and he is only 6mo old. He isn't squirmy like corns are in the beginning. The more you handle the calmer they become. Either one is good. They both will eat all day long if you let them. Especially corns lol. I feed two pinkies and they still are ready for more.

A couple times a week is definitely enough to stress a ball python, and when they get stressed out they don't eat. My ball python gets handled maybe once a week.

Corns calm down with age and handling. If you're worried about squirmyness, maybe think about adopting a sub adult or even an adult corn snake? It's mostly the hatchlings and young ones that are prone to being squirmy and timid.

Op don't listen to anyone that says ball pythons aren't for beginners any snake is a beginner snake if you do your research and maintain proper husbandry also I handle mine way more than a couple times a week no stress no aggression no feeding strikes and sometimes I'm drunk when I handle him!

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So back to the original topic, what do you think of the habitat?

They can be. However, first time snake owners are more likely to make mistakes in snake care, which can be very bad for ball pythons. A corn snake or or king snake isn't going to get a respiratory infection if their temps and humidity is wrong for a few hours or days, a ball python will.

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Originally Posted by burnt941

So back to the original topic, what do you think of the habitat?

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Its perfect for a cornsnake. I don't really know much about kingsnakes, by I'm guessing it looks good for them too?? That tank has enough space for a cornsnake for its entire life. If you went with ball python, you would eventually have to upgrade.

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Originally Posted by burnt941

So back to the original topic, what do you think of the habitat?

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for a BP no. It doesn't have really anything you need. For a corn or King it's pretty ok. Take out those temp gauges. You still need to regulate your heat. So you will still be replacing stuff that kit comes wuth. I would research snakes then take it,e to build the habitat to the snake you choose.

There aren't really any good kits out there for ball pythons, that I've found at least. Normally you'll end up only using a few things in them and having to replace or just not use the rest. I can make a bit of a basic list of things you will need but I am on my phone so I can't provide links, sorry.

For the enclosure a 20 gallon will do just fine for a juvenile but as it gets older you will most likely want to upgrade to a 40 especially if you get a girl. I would look on Craig's list for some of I were you. That's where I got all of my tanks, both of my 20 gallons were only 20 bucks each. You could also go with tubs if you don't care about athstetics, they are cheaper and are easier to keep all the temps and humidity in the right place. I dont have the deminsions you would need for them however sense I don't use them myself just yet.

For what sources you can use lots of thing like Radiant Heat Panels or CHE or hear lamps. I personally use heat lamps with a dimmer. The dimmer or rheostat or thermostat is very important for you to be able to control the heat source. The dimmer or rheostat is plugged into the lamp or other heat source and you use it to control the intensity of the bulb. Also make sure you get a infared or night bulb, the bright light from the daylight bukd will stress out the ball python. You can also us a heat pad or UTH for belly heat on the hot side but it HAS to regulated by a thermoSTAT not a thermometer and a dimmer won't cut it on this. They commonly malfunction and can burn and kill you snake. You can just use a heat lamp but your humidity will take a hit.

Next you'll need two identical appropriately sized hides, one for the hot and one for the cold side. Ball pythons like to feel secure so they need hides that are snug around them. Reptile Basics sells some real good cheap ones. Then you'll need a water bowl big enough for them to get in and soak if they want, and then some fake plants and leaves and such to clutter up the cage so they feel more secure. For substrate I would go for some sort of coco husk or fiber like expert, reptibark, or reptile prime for humidity and probably some moss as well also for humidity.

I think that covered the basics but I'm sure someone will add or correct me if I missed something or I'll think of it eventually. A ball python can be a good first snake as long as you put in the research and the time and effort into getting its husbandry correct before the animal comes home. Also make sure you don't get a hatchling, get a juvenile or sub adult that you can handle and know will be chill with handling.

Research is the key to success here, you've made a good first step coming here. This is a great place to learn. Read through the stickies and don't be scared to ask questions. Just make sure you obtain the knowledge before the animal comes home. I hope this helps!

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Ha guy above me got you covered and typed on his phone faster than i could. But check out Amazon and Craigslist for equipment as your best bet, also as previously mentioned make sure your light comes with a dimmer ability.

Yes it does get much more expensive aside from the price of the snake, the equipment, and continuing care of an animal that can live for 30 years! haha i believe it is more than worth it but you need to be sure you are dedicated to the health and prosperity of also.

There are much cheaper alternatives to housing that id love to suggest, if you could share a little more info so i could get really specific for you.
For starters you can pick up 20-50 gallon tanks in better or worse condition on your local classifieds or craigslist. You can also find used heating or other reptile equipment that way but for new the best option is probably Amazon. you can order basic to pretty advanced equipment at close to if not the lowest possible price. including, thermometers, heat pads, lights, etc. If im not mistaken there is also heat tape and such which seems to be the preferred method of heating by breeders.
A single lamp or heatpad paired with a thermostat, depending on your locality and the general conditions of the room your snake will be living in will be more than enough to provide the conditions necessary providing you check with the proper measuring instruments to maintain that.

ceramic heating is also a viable option
https://www.amazon.com/Zilla-Reptile...snake+heat+pad

https://www.amazon.com/Thermostat-Re...ake+thermostat

https://www.amazon.com/Zacro-Reptile...+heating&psc=1

What area are you located and how are you planning to purchase the snake? online or locally at a pet store?
A youngling or a subadult snake?
And you are familiar with the temperature and humidity requirements for balls?

Ball pythons can be great starter snakes, most are very friendly and do enjoy being handled to different extents, of course as always most problems pertain to husbandry, I've never seen any trouble with my snakes personally (all ball pythons) a buddy of mine did have a snake that was very tentative to eat and another friend had a snake that regurged a regular size mouse once 24 hours after eating, but continued to eat normally at the next offering just longer than a week later.

In regards to the habitat, MAKE SURE YOU BUY A THERMOSTAT I don't see any included in the kit and for some reason, thermostats, your most vital piece of equipment (seriously do not skip out on this) are hardly included in any kits at all. Any heat source you use must be regulated or you risk burning your snake. ANY snake.

If you're on a budget I recommend this one to start with.
https://www.amazon.com/MTPRTC-Contro...art+thermostat

But keep in mind Jumpstart is a goodtemporary thermostat to start with until you can upgrade to a more reliable model with a longer lifespan and more saftey features such as a Herpstat (best brand imo).
http://www.spyderrobotics.com/index....=index&cPath=1

Or a Vivarium Electronics

http://www.reptilebasics.com/thermostats

Edit: Look at everyone else beating me to the punch about thermostats because I type too slow :P

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Originally Posted by BluuWolf

A ball python can be a good first snake as long as you put in the research and the time and effort into getting its husbandry correct before the animal comes home. Also make sure you don't get a hatchling, get a juvenile or sub adult that you can handle and know will be chill with handling.

Research is the key to success here, you've made a good first step coming here. This is a great place to learn. Read through the stickies and don't be scared to ask questions. Just make sure you obtain the knowledge before the animal comes home. I hope this helps!

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Seconding that ball pythons can be a good WELL RESEARCHED first snake, but you have to really dedicate your time to that research (and I mean months worth or more), and make sure you really digest all the info. Don't dive in, pace yourself and really take your time learning about their husbandry needs. Don't take short cuts and don't rely on improvising as you go. You generally don't want to learn husbandry by trail and error with any snake, but with ball pythons it's doubly so. Just make sure, as mentioned before, you have your set up ready and running for at least a week BEFORE you bring your snake home (this is to make sure your temps and humidity are stable), whichever species it may be.

This forum is the absolute best place to get all your info :)

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Originally Posted by omglolchrisss

Op don't listen to anyone that says ball pythons aren't for beginners any snake is a beginner snake if you do your research and maintain proper husbandry also I handle mine way more than a couple times a week no stress no aggression no feeding strikes and sometimes I'm drunk when I handle him!

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Hmmm... is this your first BP too??? AND that is VERY GOOD advice to handle any snake while your drunk!!! :colbert:

I think the rest here was simply trying to comment that for a child (under 13 yrs old), BP would not be a good snake to start with. As a child your reflexes are not established and they don't pay attention to the snakes body language and could get hurt quickly. Yes, I agree, BP don't do much when handling and some stay in their curled up position but for a reason.

These snakes get stressed out very easy which is not fair for the snake just because YOU want to handle it....

But with that being said, it is a good idea to know when and when not to handle your BP or any snake for that matter. In most cases you shouldn't handle before feeding (some may vary), 24-48 hrs after feeding and going into and during shed.
I love all of my reptiles dearly and the temptation to handle them 24/7 is there, but i also give them the respect they deserve and dont stress them out over unnecessary situations, which in return makes a happier snake. :sweeet:

All of this being said, ball pythons won't drop dead if your husbandry is off by a small margin for a short time. Yes, you should do your research before even considering buying one, but they aren't very delicate snakes.

Handling should be kept to a minimum while the snake is adjusting to it's new home, but I have friends who take their adult bp out for a couple hours on some days. I personally only have two days a week to handle my baby bp, (I have to wait two day after feeding, then I handle him, then I have to wait the day before feeding again) so I handle him then. I of course put him back when he begins giving me the "Ma! Put me back!" signals lol.


I would definitely not buy any starter kits. Period. You will end up spending more money replacing the low quality equipment, and some of the things commonly seen in kits are dangerous to snakes. Side note: They lie when they say, "snakes are inexpensive to care for" If you want a bp, then you will end up spending more money than you think!

The kit you linked excluded some things, and had a couple things that aren't the best for ball pythons. For starters, the thermometer is analog and stick-on. If you don't know already,never put anything sticky in with a snake! There are several horror stories on this forum involving snakes and tape. This is why you should find a digital thermometer, it will actually be accurate and it won't be a danger to your noodle.

The second thing is that the bedding that is included is apsen. Aspen is notorious for not keeping humidity, which your bp will need, 50-70% to be exact. Most people on this forum use Reptichip, coconut substrate, or orchid bark. Speaking of humidity, the kit you linkeddoesn't have a hydrometer. This means you won't be able to monitor the humidity, which is something you will definitely need to do!!

Another thing I notice is that the kit doesn't seem to include an under tank heater. This in combination with some sort of ambient heating (ex. a ceramic heat emitter) is crucial. When they eat, snakes need belly heat to digest their food. Without this belly heat, the snake might not be able to digest it's meal, resulting in a damaging regurg.

This brings me to my last point. The kit doesn't include a thermostat. Thermostats are one of the most important pieces of equipment you can own. MissterDog mentioned the JumpStart thermostat, which is what I use.

If after all this you still want a bp, then I would say you should do as much research as you can, study this forum, and have fun preparing for your new beep!

New posts just reminded me of this and you mentioned you wanted to handle twice a week. I would advise against handling when you first bring your bp home.

Keep in mind ball pythons need an adjustment period which means no handling for a minimum of one week and until it has eaten for you at least once.

HOWEVER it is best and HIGHLY recommended for first time snake owners to wait until your bp has eaten 3 consecutive meals without refusal. This is to make sure your snake has fully acclimated to their new environment and to ensure your husbandry is on point. Remember you have to be patient with ball pythons.

There has been a more in depth discussion about the acclimation process in this thread here, if you'd like to take a look.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...me-a-new-snake

I'd skip out on the tank setup also if your new to BP's, i've only been into the "hobby" for a few months, had i known how hard it can be to regulate temps and humidity through the entire aquarium, i'd skipped out on it from the start. 2-3 weeks of having an aquarium and i was done with it. Broke down and ordered a small rack system, with a quality tstat. Its overall better this way for both me and my snakes, less stress, less worrying and constant checking of temps. Already added 2 additional snakes within a month, harder to do with an aquarium, ordered a 2nd rack system and planning on more purchases of BP's already(just waiting on new rack to be built and arrive now).

You'll probably want another anyways like everyone else lol