Newbie questions! Please help

Hey all! So for the last year and a half I’ve been day dreaming of owning a bp, and finally that dream is becoming a reality.
I just had a few questions before I dive head first into this:

1.) adult or baby? As a newbie to snakes, should I go for a baby or get an adult? Which would you recommend for an inexperienced owner

2.) WHERE did y’all Acquire yours? I’ve been looking at several websites (underground reptiles,xyz reptiles, backwater reptiles etc,) but would like opinions

3.) enclosure? What are you using currently(everything you’re using lol even if you feel like you’re over sharing, I’d appreciate all the info) Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I’d like something I could look into.

I swear I’ve done research, lol I just want answers from actual people and not google.
TIA, beautiful people
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Heya! Welcome,

First: Is that a huge tattoo on your chest in your profile pic? If so neat!-What is it of?

Questions:
1) I prefer hatchlings. I think I get to know the snake better as it grows.
2) I get all my snakes at Expos and I visually examine all the reptiles (every species) the breeder has on display-and if ANY of them look 'off' its no deal.
3) I use a combination of tanks, bins, and racks (depending on display vs. quarantine vs. breeding)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lord Sorril

Heya! Welcome,

First: Is that a huge tattoo on your chest in your profile pic? If so neat!-What is it of?

Questions:
1) I prefer hatchlings. I think I get to know the snake better as it grows.
2) I get all my snakes at Expos and I visually examine all the reptiles (every species) the breeder has on display-and if ANY of them look 'off' its no deal.
3) I use a combination of tanks, bins, and racks (depending on display vs. quarantine vs. breeding)

---

Does my profile pic look blurry when you enlarge it? I’ll have to fix that! But it’s a chest piece of an owl and some flowers [emoji847]thank you for your answer! Unfortunately there are no expos in my area! I wish there was[emoji30][emoji30]


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welcome to the forum!!!

1) i started with a hatchling. i will admit it was a bit of a struggle to keep him eating regularly, but my ignorance played a big role in this as i was BRAND NEW to reptiles, let alone a ball python. as long as you know what you're doing, a hatchling is no more of a challenge to care for than an adult. i have 6 ball pythons now which i've all gotten as either babies or juvies, and i haven't had any issues caring for them. my first ball python will be 4 this year and hangs around 900g. he's doing well. :)

2. i've only gotten 1 snake from an expo, and all the rest were shipped to me from reputable breeders. what's important is to do your research on whomever you plan to buy from. there's good breeders and bad breeders, but this hobby is pretty good at weeding out the baddies. you can search the Fauna BOI for reviews on breeders and see who to look to and who to avoid. that website is invaluable to this hobby.

there's also breeders right here on this site selling snakes! one of my recent snakes was purchased from @Deborah, who is a phenomenal asset to this community and an awesome breeder.

3. i promise this advice is going to save you time, money, and headaches: AVOID GLASS ENCLOSURES/AQUARIUMS unless you live somewhere temperate and humid like florida. yes they're pretty, but glass enclosures suuuuuck at maintaining heat and humidity, and require some modification and constant tinkering to keep things level. i've been in the hobby for almost 4 years, and only 2 years ago did i finally ditch glass. i don't miss it!

if you buy a hatchling, your best option – for husbandry and your wallet – is to buy a 12qt (or 6qt) storage tub (with a locking lid!!!) from any home improvement store, and keep your lil one in there until they're ready to move into something bigger. i know it's not the most aesthetically-pleasing option, but young ball pythons do exceptionally well in these lil tubs. you can splurge on that pretty enclosure when the snake is bigger.

when that time comes, look into PVC enclosures. AP Cages is the forum favorite, but there are other options out there. just look out for PVC enclosures: they're fantastic at keeping temps and humidity and are nice to look at!

if you plan on getting more snakes, i'd look into a rack system. again, not a big pretty enclosure, but the snakes do so well in them and it makes keeping multiple snakes a breeeeze. also cheaper than a bunch of PVC enclosures!

i hope this helped some! don't be afraid to ask about anything; we're here to help! :)

EDIT: i have 3 beeps in a 32qt rack system, 2 beeps in quarantine in 32qt stand-alone tubs (with locking lids!) who will be moved into the rack once they graduate from quarantine, and my OG in an AP T8 PVC enclosure (he's spoiled!). i also have a 41qt rack system not currently in use that i will use once my other 5 beeps outgrows the 32qt rack system.

Welcome! I have never purchased online, so unfortunately can't help you there. I'd highly recommend reading the stickies on BP husbandry, everything you need should be in there but feel free to keep asking!

My enclosure for BP: Currently have a 20 gallon long tank, she's about a year old. I use an under tank heater with a thermostat that keeps the temp above the glass no higher than 90. I have the screen wrapped in foil and duct tape ON THE OUTSIDE to keep in heat and humidity (have a 1"x1" cut out on each side for ventilation, and a circle cutout for CHE fixture) . I use a Ceramic Heat Emitter in the middle to keep ambients around 80. I use cypress mulch as substrate, and have 1 hide over the UTH and 1 on the cool side. I use a small water bowl that she drinks from, and a large one under the CHE that brings up humidity. Also have a fogger on a timer that keeps humidity up, saves me from daily misting. I use an accurite indoor/outdoor thermometer that shows humidity (keep it 60-65%, and bump when in shed) as well so I can get temps at both ends.

In the next 6 months or so I plan on upgrading to PVC, will make heating and humidity a lot easier to maintain.

One thing that is important, non negotiable, and pretty much never mentioned by pet stores, ALL HEATING DEVICES NEED TO BE REGULATED WITH A THERMOSTST.

Hope this helps, again, welcome!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

welcome to the forum!!!

1) i started with a hatchling. i will admit it was a bit of a struggle to keep him eating regularly, but my ignorance played a big role in this as i was BRAND NEW to reptiles, let alone a ball python. as long as you know what you're doing, a hatchling is no more of a challenge to care for than an adult. i have 6 ball pythons now which i've all gotten as either babies or juvies, and i haven't had any issues caring for them. my first ball python will be 4 this year and hangs around 900g. he's doing well. :)

2. i've only gotten 1 snake from an expo, and all the rest were shipped to me from reputable breeders. what's important is to do your research on whomever you plan to buy from. there's good breeders and bad breeders, but this hobby is pretty good at weeding out the baddies. you can search the Fauna BOI for reviews on breeders and see who to look to and who to avoid. that website is invaluable to this hobby.

there's also breeders right here on this site selling snakes! one of my recent snakes was purchased from @Deborah, who is a phenomenal asset to this community and an awesome breeder.

3. i promise this advice is going to save you time, money, and headaches: AVOID GLASS ENCLOSURES/AQUARIUMS unless you live somewhere temperate and humid like florida. yes they're pretty, but glass enclosures suuuuuck at maintaining heat and humidity, and require some modification and constant tinkering to keep things level. i've been in the hobby for almost 4 years, and only 2 years ago did i finally ditch glass. i don't miss it!

if you buy a hatchling, your best option – for husbandry and your wallet – is to buy a 12qt (or 6qt) storage tub (with a locking lid!!!) from any home improvement store, and keep your lil one in there until they're ready to move into something bigger. i know it's not the most aesthetically-pleasing option, but young ball pythons do exceptionally well in these lil tubs. you can splurge on that pretty enclosure when the snake is bigger.

when that time comes, look into PVC enclosures. AP Cages is the forum favorite, but there are other options out there. just look out for PVC enclosures: they're fantastic at keeping temps and humidity and are nice to look at!

if you plan on getting more snakes, i'd look into a rack system. again, not a big pretty enclosure, but the snakes do so well in them and it makes keeping multiple snakes a breeeeze. also cheaper than a bunch of PVC enclosures!

i hope this helped some! don't be afraid to ask about anything; we're here to help! :)

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Awesome! Thank you sooooo much for all that info! If I were to go for an adult, what size PVC cage would be best? I’ve read conflicting reports on that lol
Also: how often do you handle your bp for and for how long? My worry is stressing them out!
Thanks again so much


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Also, that gif is adorable lol

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bellad0nna87

Does my profile pic look blurry when you enlarge it?

---

Don't worry, it adds mystery ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bellad0nna87

But it’s a chest piece of an owl and some flowers

---

Owls! Cool! if I lived in Japan I would totally have one as a pet.

No Expos near you huh? That sucks!

I have 9 ball pythons from CV Exotics
I have 3 ball pythons from Mike and Barry at NiceBalz
Note: NiceBalz website is not up to date-they have a lot of good stuff they never seem to list. Weird.
Zero issues with the snakes from both of these *two*, but, I never had my snakes shipped.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Avsha531

Also, that gif is adorable lol

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Omg isn’t it? I’m obsessed with it lol


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lord Sorril

Don't worry, it adds mystery ;)
Owls! Cool! if I lived in Japan I would totally have one as a pet.

No Expos near you huh? That sucks!

I have 9 ball pythons from CV Exotics
I have 3 ball pythons from Mike and Barry at NiceBalz
Note: NiceBalz website is not up to date-they have a lot of good stuff they never seem to list. Weird.
Zero issues with the snakes from both of these *two*, but, I never had my snakes shipped.

---

I had no idea you could have owls as pets in Japan! That’s so awesome! I actually have 2 owl tattoos [emoji177]I love them!
I so wish I could go to an expo for a snake but it looks like I’ll have to have mine shipped


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Welcome to the forum!

1) I would recommend getting one that is a few months old that has already been consistently eating frozen/thawed rats for awhile unless you have a local source for buying cheap live rats, which is still a huge hassle, because it's always difficult to find the proper size prey at all stages of the snakes life. Ball Pythons are notorious for being very picky eaters. For that reason, my personal opinion is they aren't the best choice for a first time snake owner. I would sooner recommend a Blood Python or a Boa (BI) as a first snake...

2) I have seen a lot of complaints and bad reviews about Backwater Reptiles as well as Underground Reptiles...

For example:

https://www.bbb.org/south-east-flori...ch-fl-90038551

I think most people on here would strongly advise against buying from local/chain pet shops as well. I would recommend buying from smaller, private breeders even more than large, popular "name brand" breeders. Their collections are smaller and chances are their animals receive much better, more personalized care. There are a ton of very knowledgeable, reputable, experienced breeders right here on the forum. You shouldn't have any problem finding a quality animal from someone on here...

3) If you want to have a display type enclosure, a glass aquarium should be your last choice. They do not hold heat or humidity well. Starting off with baby snakes is a tricky thing, because they will pretty much need different size enclosures as they grow or you can likely end up facing a lot of feeding problems if their enclosure is too large (especially with Ball Pythons). I highly recommend plastic tubs until they near adult size. They are best for controlling heat and humidity and cheap to replace as your snake grows. If you want to start off with a display type enclosure without having to end up buying all different sizes (which aren't cheap), I would recommend buying/building a 4' x 2' x 12" (if you get a Ball Python) PVC enclosure, such as:

https://apcages.com/collections/terr...8l-x-24w-x-12h

But, I would recommend keeping the snake in an appropriate size tub that is simply placed inside of your decorated display enclosure until it nears adult size in about 2 years. Either way, the most important necessity is a good, reliable thermostat to accurately control temperatures and I highly recommend underbelly heat tape (such as THG) over heat lights...

I hope this helps...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bellad0nna87

Awesome! Thank you sooooo much for all that info! If I were to go for an adult, what size PVC cage would be best? I’ve read conflicting reports on that lol
Also: how often do you handle your bp for and for how long? My worry is stressing them out!
Thanks again so much

---

a 4ft enclosure is plenty for even the biggest beeps, male or female. i don't think i'd be comfortable with anything smaller than 4ft for a female; a male you can probably get away with something a tad smaller, but IMO if you can go bigger, go bigger.

i try to handle everyone at least once or twice a week. some handle it better than others; my CG girl (link to her progression thread) does not like to be handled. she is not defensive or aggressive in any way, nor does she hiss, but her body language says it all. what's important is that you start handling with short sessions, like 5min. twice a week and allow the snake to learn that you're not a threat when you go and pick them up. they'll learn and start to relax around you. you can increase the length of the handling sessions as you both progress and you get better at reading snake body language, but don't handle them for more than like 20min. as that's just not what they want to do lol. my eldest boy is a sweetheart and i could handle him all day if he let me, but it's not about me. :P

1. this is a personal preference and only something you would know after owning a few. i have gotten my BP's in as hatchlings, juvie's and adults. i would recommend for a new keeper an established young juvenile BP - something between between 150-300grams. still small and cute w/ baby colors but should not be a hassle to feed.

2. i have bought various sources - directly from a breeder website, online classifieds, this forum and expo's. regardless of where u buy from - do some research on the seller by checking our the BOI over on Fauna or here on Bp.net’s inquiry or even google. Be sure the seller will take good care of u and the animal.

3. i would recommend a tub or PVC enclosure for a new keeper. These enclosures help the new keeper maintain heat, humidity and overall husbandry a lot better. or u can get a rack setup if u plan on owning more than 1. :)

Good luck on your search and don't forget to post pix of your new pet!

Edit: did u make that super cute gif?

I just got my first BP last week, and she is about 6 months old, definitely not a hatchling but still very young. Since this is my first BP I really wanted to watch her grow up, and I think that's one of the best things about getting a young BP. Hatchlings are for sure a lot less intimidating since they're smaller, and I can say as a first time BP I'm glad my first BP is small. :) So, I would say go with a hatchling.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bellad0nna87

Awesome! Thank you sooooo much for all that info! If I were to go for an adult, what size PVC cage would be best? I’ve read conflicting reports on that lol
Also: how often do you handle your bp for and for how long? My worry is stressing them out!
Thanks again so much


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

---

I personally plan on keeping mine in a 4'x2'x15" as an adult cage, but have heard of plenty of people splitting that with a divider for 2 adults. An adult would be fine in a 3x2 but AP has the 4 footer cheaper than the 3 so might as well get the space. The key with a younger snake though is to make sure that if the cage is large that there's a lot of clutter (branches, hides, plants, etc) so they feel secure.

When I got my baby beep, I left her alone for the first couple weeks to let her settle, besides for feeding and maintenance. For the first few months I would handle her 2-3 times a week for about 5-10 minutes per session (no handling on feeding day or 48 hours after feeding).

Now I usually take her out twice a week for about 15 minutes, though once a month or so i'll bring her to my room and put her on my bed while I watch TV. She'll usually spend a couple minutes exploring the bed and will then curl up next to me and rest her head in my lap. She'll stay like that and chill and even fall asleep for an hour or so, when she starts moving again or looking to hide under blankets and pillows I know its time for her to go back in. However, I would not recommend handling sessions over 15-20 minutes until your snake is used to you, and you learn how to read its behavior and signs of stress

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Aedryan Methyus

Welcome to the forum!

1) I would recommend getting one that is a few months old that has already been consistently eating frozen/thawed rats for awhile unless you have a local source for buying cheap live rats, which is still a huge hassle, because it's always difficult to find the proper size prey at all stages of the snakes life. Ball Pythons are notorious for being very picky eaters. For that reason, my personal opinion is they aren't the best choice for a first time snake owner. I would sooner recommend a Blood Python or a Boa (BI) as a first snake...

2) I have seen a lot of complaints and bad reviews about Backwater Reptiles as well as Underground Reptiles...

For example:

https://www.bbb.org/south-east-flori...ch-fl-90038551

I think most people on here would strongly advise against buying from local/chain pet shops as well. I would recommend buying from smaller, private breeders even more than large, popular "name brand" breeders. Their collections are smaller and chances are their animals receive much better, more personalized care. There are a ton of very knowledgeable, reputable, experienced breeders right here on the forum. You shouldn't have any problem finding a quality animal from someone on here...

3) If you want to have a display type enclosure, a glass aquarium should be your last choice. They do not hold heat or humidity well. Starting off with baby snakes is a tricky thing, because they will pretty much need different size enclosures as they grow or you can likely end up facing a lot of feeding problems if their enclosure is too large (especially with Ball Pythons). I highly recommend plastic tubs until they near adult size. They are best for controlling heat and humidity and cheap to replace as your snake grows. If you want to start off with a display type enclosure without having to end up buying all different sizes (which aren't cheap), I would recommend buying/building a 4' x 2' x 12" (if you get a Ball Python) PVC enclosure, such as:

https://apcages.com/collections/terr...8l-x-24w-x-12h

But, I would recommend keeping the snake in an appropriate size tub that is simply placed inside of your decorated display enclosure until it nears adult size in about 2 years. Either way, the most important necessity is a good, reliable thermostat to accurately control temperatures and I highly recommend underbelly heat tape (such as THG) over heat lights...

I hope this helps...

---

Ok so let me just say thank you so much for your input! Second: I actually was looking at blood pythons before ball pythons and now you’ve reignited that flame for me. I kept seeing people saying they were nippy and nasty, so I got a little turned off. But I do love how chubby they are lol why do you think they make good first time snakes? Is it the eating thing? Bc I’ll be honest that it worries me that BP are super picky.
Thanks again!


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Avsha531

I personally plan on keeping mine in a 4'x2'x15" as an adult cage, but have heard of plenty of people splitting that with a divider for 2 adults. An adult would be fine in a 3x2 but AP has the 4 footer cheaper than the 3 so might as well get the space. The key with a younger snake though is to make sure that if the cage is large that there's a lot of clutter (branches, hides, plants, etc) so they feel secure.

When I got my baby beep, I left her alone for the first couple weeks to let her settle, besides for feeding and maintenance. For the first few months I would handle her 2-3 times a week for about 5-10 minutes per session (no handling on feeding day or 48 hours after feeding).

Now I usually take her out twice a week for about 15 minutes, though once a month or so i'll bring her to my room and put her on my bed while I watch TV. She'll usually spend a couple minutes exploring the bed and will then curl up next to me and rest her head in my lap. She'll stay like that and chill and even fall asleep for an hour or so, when she starts moving again or looking to hide under blankets and pillows I know its time for her to go back in. However, I would not recommend handling sessions over 15-20 minutes until your snake is used to you, and you learn how to read its behavior and signs of stress

---

Ok awesome! Thanks again!


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by bellad0nna87

Hey all! So for the last year and a half I’ve been day dreaming of owning a bp, and finally that dream is becoming a reality.
I just had a few questions before I dive head first into this:

1.) adult or baby? As a newbie to snakes, should I go for a baby or get an adult? Which would you recommend for an inexperienced owner

2.) WHERE did y’all Acquire yours? I’ve been looking at several websites (underground reptiles,xyz reptiles, backwater reptiles etc,) but would like opinions

3.) enclosure? What are you using currently(everything you’re using lol even if you feel like you’re over sharing, I’d appreciate all the info) Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I’d like something I could look into.

I swear I’ve done research, lol I just want answers from actual people and not google.
TIA, beautiful people
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...985f3b1438.jpg


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1. My first snake was a bp. I regret that decision and strongly recommend future newbie snake owners to get a bp as a 2nd or 3rd snake instead, after you have experience with an easy feeder, like colubrids. Bp, imo, are not beginner snakes because of their husbandry requirements and going off feed, which can be weeks or months, and that is extremely worrying and stressful for newbies who don't even know how to thaw f/t prey correctly yet. Kings and corns allow you to make those mistakes and learn, and they are hardy enough to survive and continue to eat well.

But if you MUST have a bp, then I suggest a juvie/adult who is already an established f/t feeder. Hatchlings are small, cute and fun to watch grow, but some breeders would sell hatchling that has not eaten yet (never buy from these people unless you have the experience with working on the picky eaters). They are a little snappy at first and scared easily, because they know they are small and food to predators, meaning if they are stressed by the husbandry or surroundings, they may not eat.

2. I got my bp as a hatchling at an expo. Like I previously mentioned, I do regret that decision and wished I had taken an easier beginner snake first or at least an older established feeder. The breeder I bought it from was a local breeder. XYZ reptiles is local in my area, so is Snakes at Sunset and Underground Reptiles. I would recommend Dynasty Reptiles and Family Reptiles. I had seen their stock at expos and the snakes appear to be in good health, and the breeders were very knowledgeable. I had bought my king from Underground and I shop for weekly feeders there. I only bought the king is because they were the only ones who has an adult, it was a surrender, it was extremely docile and have the best kingsnake temperament. I just love that girl so I could not say no, lol. She was in a large cage with 1 hide, no decor and nothing for stimulation.
Their cages are clean but the negative reviews were not completely false either. It is more of a 50/50 chance if you buy from them online. XYZ reptiles is a little pricey.

3. I use glass tank and tubs. I previously had my bp in a glass tank which went disastrous as he would not eat for 3 weeks, even after the temps, humidity, etc was on point. I switched him to a 6 qt tub and he ate that week. He is still in a tub, now a 16 qt, and grown so big and a voracious eater. Hard to believe he was once on a feeding strike and losing weight. He is shedding in 1 piece in his tub. I live in South FL and unless your tank is outside or no AC is on, you will lose some humidity. The minimum is 50% but sometimes goes to 40%. During shedding, it is annoying to push that humidity up and keeping it up at 70%. In a tub, you don't have to worry about that.

Like I mentioned, as a newbie, you may want to see your snake in a glass tank. You may have to work really, really hard to keep the humidity up and your snake happy in a glass tank. If it is a corn or king, they don't need the humidity as much and likes to explore and be active, so they will do well in glass tanks. That may not be the case, at least temporarily, for your bp if it won't eat no matter what you do.

Edit: There are other pythons that makes good pets and easier to feed than a bp. I have a Children's Python which is like the 'cousin' of the Stimpson and Spotted Pythons. The CP and Spotted are easy to feed, similar husbandry where humidity is not such a big deal, and they are calm once they know you won't ear them. The babies are a little snappy but once they know you won't hurt them, they calm down pretty fast. They stay small and I currently house my CP hatchling in a glass tank, with zero feeding issues.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cheesenugget

1. My first snake was a bp. I regret that decision and strongly recommend future newbie snake owners to get a bp as a 2nd or 3rd snake instead, after you have experience with an easy feeder, like countries. Bp, imo, are not beginner snakes because of their husbandry requirements and going off feed, which can be weeks or months, and that is extremely worrying and stressful for newbies who don't even know how to thaw f/t prey correctly yet. Kings and corns allow you to make those mistakes and learn, and they are hardy enough to survive and continue to eat well.

But if you MUST have a bp, then I suggest a juvie/adult who is already an established f/t feeder. Hatchlings are small, cute and fun to watch grow, but some breeders would sell hatchling that has not eaten yet (never buy from these people unless you have the experience with working on the picky eaters). They are a little snappy at first and scared easily, because they know they are small and food to predators, meaning if they are stressed by the husbandry or surroundings, they may not eat.

2. I got my bp as a hatchling at an expo. Like I previously mentioned, I do regret that decision and wished I had taken an easier beginner snake first or at least an older established feeder. The breeder I bought it from was a local breeder. XYZ reptiles is local in my area, so is Snakes at Sunset and Underground Reptiles. I would recommend Dynasty Reptiles and Family Reptiles. I had seen their stock at expos and the snakes appear to be in good health, and the breeders were very knowledgeable. I had bought my king from Underground and I shop for weekly feeders there. I only bought the king is because they were the only ones who has an adult, it was a surrender, it was extremely docile and have the best kingsnake temperament. I just love that girl so I could not say no, lol. She was in a large cage with 1 hide, no decor and nothing for stimulation.
Their cages are clean but the negative reviews were not completely false either. It is more of a 50/50 chance if you buy from them online. XYZ reptiles is a little pricey.

3. I use glass tank and tubs. I previously had my bp in a glass tank which went disastrous as he would not eat for 3 weeks, even after the temps, humidity, etc was on point. I switched him to a 6 qt tub and he ate that week. He is still in a tub, now a 16 qt, and grown so big and a voracious eater. Hard to believe he was once on a feeding strike and losing weight. He is shedding in 1 piece in his tub. I live in South FL and unless your tank is outside or no AC is on, you will lose some humidity. The minimum is 50% but sometimes goes to 40%. During shedding, it is annoying to push that humidity up and keeping it up at 70%. In a tub, you don't have to worry about that.

Like I mentioned, as a newbie, you may want to see your snake in a glass tank. You may have to work really, really hard to keep the humidity up and your snake happy in a glass tank. If it is a corn or king, they don't need the humidity as much and likes to explore and be active, so they will do well in glass tanks. That may not be the case, at least temporarily, for your bp if it won't eat no matter what you do.

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Thank you! I am leaning more towards getting an adult bp, rather than getting a baby bc of all the reasons you stated. I will be looking into a pvc cage rather than a tank now after all this info! Thanks a bunch !


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ax01

1. this is a personal preference and only something you would know after owning a few. i have gotten my BP's in as hatchlings, juvie's and adults. i would recommend for a new keeper an established young juvenile BP - something between between 150-300grams. still small and cute w/ baby colors but should not be a hassle to feed.

2. i have bought various sources - directly from a breeder website, online classifieds, this forum and expo's. regardless of where u buy from - do some research on the seller by checking our the BOI over on Fauna or here on Bp.net’s inquiry or even google. Be sure the seller will take good care of u and the animal.

3. i would recommend a tub or PVC enclosure for a new keeper. These enclosures help the new keeper maintain heat, humidity and overall husbandry a lot better. or u can get a rack setup if u plan on owning more than 1. :)

Good luck on your search and don't forget to post pix of your new pet!

Edit: did u make that super cute gif?

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Hi! I have another question lol oh and I didn’t make that gif, I got it off Pinterest:)
When you’ve bought your snakes online, do they get shipped to your door or do you have to go to fedex to pick up? I know that’s a weird question I was just curious


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by bellad0nna87

Hi! I have another question lol oh and I didn’t make that gif, I got it off Pinterest:)
When you’ve bought your snakes online, do they get shipped to your door or do you have to go to fedex to pick up? I know that’s a weird question I was just curious

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straight to my door, 1030am the next day on the dot. :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

straight to my door, 1030am the next day on the dot. :)

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Excellent! If it’s not too annoying may I ask where you bought from online? (If you answered this already I’m very sorry there’s just a lot of info coming my way lol)


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by bellad0nna87

Excellent! If it’s not too annoying may I ask where you bought from online? (If you answered this already I’m very sorry there’s just a lot of info coming my way lol

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sure! just so you know: 1.0 refers to one male, and 0.1 refers to one female.

1.0 2014 Albino – Reptiles by Mack
0.1 2016 Coral Glow - Josh Jensen of J-Royals Reptiles
0.1 2017 Super Cinnamon - Bradford Cole
0.1 2017 Pastel Enchi Leopard het Pied - our very own Deborah Stewart of Stewart Reptiles (user @Deborah on here)
1.0 2017 Coral Glow het Pied - Vivid Pythons

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bellad0nna87

Hey all! So for the last year and a half I’ve been day dreaming of owning a bp, and finally that dream is becoming a reality.
I just had a few questions before I dive head first into this:

1.) adult or baby? As a newbie to snakes, should I go for a baby or get an adult? Which would you recommend for an inexperienced owner

2.) WHERE did y’all Acquire yours? I’ve been looking at several websites (underground reptiles,xyz reptiles, backwater reptiles etc,) but would like opinions

3.) enclosure? What are you using currently(everything you’re using lol even if you feel like you’re over sharing, I’d appreciate all the info) Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I’d like something I could look into.

I swear I’ve done research, lol I just want answers from actual people and not google.
TIA, beautiful people
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...985f3b1438.jpg


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Welcome!!! I honestly don't think you can go wrong with a BP as a first snake IF....you do your homework FIRST and have your enclosure set up BEFORE bringing the snake home.
Their size, relatevely simple husbandry and docile temperament make them a very popular choice for new keepers, for good reason. They are a fantastic species.

Now to answer your questions...

1) I personally would go for a juvenile that is well established and eating regularly. If you plan to feed F/T (frozen/thawed) it is definitely best to get a snake that is already well established eating F/T.
Juveniles are typically easy to handle and you can watch your pet grow while establishing trust between the two of you.

2) I've gotten all mine from local breeders, expos and reptile specialty stores (NOT chain big box pet stores). I personally like to "meet" any animals I buy and get a feel for their temperament.
That being said, I know PLENTY of people who have theirs shipped and get great animals. Just be sure to research the breeders ahead of time. Morphmarket.com is a great place to shop. Fauna classifieds is a great place to research the breeders. I personally wouldn't order from the three you've listed, but only based on hearsay and no personal experience.

3) I have used glass enclosures for years with no issues. They are a little more work, but still easy to maintain. Once they're set up it's just daily checks on equipment and maintenance.
I do, however, plan to switch to PVC at some point in the future, but primarily because they are stackable and even easier than glass. I'll be able to simplify things and keep more animals without having tanks all over the house. My snake room is at capacity now that my newest is out of quarantine and in the room.

Feel free to ask any questions you may have, best to be prepared!!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bellad0nna87

When you’ve bought your snakes online, do they get shipped to your door or do you have to go to fedex to pick up? I know that’s a weird question I was just curious

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personally i go pickup my snakes at the FedEx hub itself, first thing in the morning at 8am right when they open. i don't wanna wait a few extra hours for it to be delivered. part of that is b/c i'm impatient and part of it is i think the snake would be more comfortable to get outta the warehouse, truck and box as soon as possible lol. but i did take delivery once - to my office!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

sure! just so you know: 1.0 refers to one male, and 0.1 refers to one female.

1.0 2014 Albino – Reptiles by Mack
0.1 2016 Coral Glow - Josh Jensen of J-Royals Reptiles
0.1 2017 Super Cinnamon - Bradford Cole
0.1 2017 Pastel Enchi Leopard het Pied - our very own Deborah Stewart of Stewart Reptiles (user @Deborah on here)
1.0 2017 Coral Glow het Pied - Vivid Pythons

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Ahhh thanks so much! This is V helpful!


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

Welcome!!! I honestly don't think you can go wrong with a BP as a first snake IF....you do your homework FIRST and have your enclosure set up BEFORE bringing the snake home.
Their size, relatevely simple husbandry and docile temperament make them a very popular choice for new keepers, for good reason. They are a fantastic species.

Now to answer your questions...

1) I personally would go for a juvenile that is well established and eating regularly. If you plan to feed F/T (frozen/thawed) it is definitely best to get a snake that is already well established eating F/T.
Juveniles are typically easy to handle and you can watch your pet grow while establishing trust between the two of you.

2) I've gotten all mine from local breeders, expos and reptile specialty stores (NOT chain big box pet stores). I personally like to "meet" any animals I buy and get a feel for their temperament.
That being said, I know PLENTY of people who have theirs shipped and get great animals. Just be sure to research the breeders ahead of time. Morphmarket.com is a great place to shop. Fauna classifieds is a great place to research the breeders. I personally wouldn't order from the three you've listed, but only based on hearsay and no personal experience.

3) I have used glass enclosures for years with no issues. They are a little more work, but still easy to maintain. Once they're set up it's just daily checks on equipment and maintenance.
I do, however, plan to switch to PVC at some point in the future, but primarily because they are stackable and even easier than glass. I'll be able to simplify things and keep more animals without having tanks all over the house. My snake room is at capacity now that my newest is out of quarantine and in the room.

Feel free to ask any questions you may have, best to be prepared!!!

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Thank you a million times! I’m for sure going to get either an adult or juvenile for the reasons you listed!
I’m glad to know Rhee three websites I listed aren’t the greatest bc I want a nice healthy snake [emoji847][emoji847]


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ax01

personally i go pickup my snakes at the FedEx hub itself, first thing in the morning at 8am right when they open. i don't wanna wait a few extra hours for it to be delivered. part of that is b/c i'm impatient and part of it is i think the snake would be more comfortable to get outta the warehouse, truck and box as soon as possible lol. but i did take delivery once - to my office!

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That makes sense! I’ll have to see where my local fedex is located(i just moved to philly recently so still figuring it out!)


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Welcome!!

Everyone has pretty much covered everything but I wanted to chime in and say that I recommend a PVC enclosure over glass. About a month ago my Animal Plastics T10 finally came and I am incredibly pleased with it! It holds in humidity extremely well and the temps fluctuate way less. Plus I have more peace of mind having sliding glass doors with a lock rather than the screen top with a hatch that my old 20 GAL had. Ultimately though it just depends on your preferences and what works best for you and your snake.

Also, I respectfully disagree about having to "work up" to a ball python. In my opinion it makes no sense to spend time, money, and effort on a snake that you aren't passionate about just for the sake of getting experience. If you want a ball python- get a ball python!! As long as you do PLENTY of research (read all the stickies, ask important questions before the snake arrives, have the enclosure completely setup and ready to go, etc) you will do fine! I got my ball python last year after having ZERO reptile experience but I had done months and months of heavy research so I haven't had any issues with her. In my experience they are a pretty easy species to keep.

You're definitely off to a great start so far! This forum is a valuable source of information so don't hesitate to ask if you have more questions :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kira

Welcome!!


Also, I respectfully disagree about having to "work up" to a ball python. In my opinion it makes no sense to spend time, money, and effort on a snake that you aren't passionate about just for the sake of getting experience. If you want a ball python- get a ball python!! As long as you do PLENTY of research (read all the stickies, ask important questions before the snake arrives, have the enclosure completely setup and ready to go, etc) you will do fine! I got my ball python last year after having ZERO reptile experience but I had done months and months of heavy research so I haven't had any issues with her. In my experience they are a pretty easy species to keep.

You're definitely off to a great start so far! This forum is a valuable source of information so don't hesitate to ask if you have more questions :)

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I couldn't agree more!!! Very well said, Kira. :gj:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bellad0nna87

Ok so let me just say thank you so much for your input! Second: I actually was looking at blood pythons before ball pythons and now you’ve reignited that flame for me. I kept seeing people saying they were nippy and nasty, so I got a little turned off. But I do love how chubby they are lol why do you think they make good first time snakes? Is it the eating thing? Bc I’ll be honest that it worries me that BP are super picky.
Thanks again!


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Bloods are definitely voracious eaters! However, a couple of mine that had been eating frozen/thawed perfectly fine suddenly decided to start refusing to eat f/t, just like my Ball Pythons. So, I finally gave in and just started feeding them live. Some Bloods can be a little nippy and put on quite a show as babies (just like any other species), but most of them settle down within a month or two of regular handling. Honestly, I would highly recommend a Boa (BI) as a first pet snake. Between Ball Pythons, Bloods and Boas, I would say Boas are hands down the easiest to care for, the best eaters and the most fun to handle. In my opinion, Boas are perfectly fine in larger enclosures as babies, too.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kira

Welcome!!

Everyone has pretty much covered everything but I wanted to chime in and say that I recommend a PVC enclosure over glass. About a month ago my Animal Plastics T10 finally came and I am incredibly pleased with it! It holds in humidity extremely well and the temps fluctuate way less. Plus I have more peace of mind having sliding glass doors with a lock rather than the screen top with a hatch that my old 20 GAL had. Ultimately though it just depends on your preferences and what works best for you and your snake.

Also, I respectfully disagree about having to "work up" to a ball python. In my opinion it makes no sense to spend time, money, and effort on a snake that you aren't passionate about just for the sake of getting experience. If you want a ball python- get a ball python!! As long as you do PLENTY of research (read all the stickies, ask important questions before the snake arrives, have the enclosure completely setup and ready to go, etc) you will do fine! I got my ball python last year after having ZERO reptile experience but I had done months and months of heavy research so I haven't had any issues with her. In my experience they are a pretty easy species to keep.

You're definitely off to a great start so far! This forum is a valuable source of information so don't hesitate to ask if you have more questions :)

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Thank you for your input! I’m definitely still learning and what not, and am so excited I joined this forum!
Thank you for the warm welcome and all this info [emoji56]


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kira

Welcome!!

Everyone has pretty much covered everything but I wanted to chime in and say that I recommend a PVC enclosure over glass. About a month ago my Animal Plastics T10 finally came and I am incredibly pleased with it! It holds in humidity extremely well and the temps fluctuate way less. Plus I have more peace of mind having sliding glass doors with a lock rather than the screen top with a hatch that my old 20 GAL had. Ultimately though it just depends on your preferences and what works best for you and your snake.

Also, I respectfully disagree about having to "work up" to a ball python. In my opinion it makes no sense to spend time, money, and effort on a snake that you aren't passionate about just for the sake of getting experience. If you want a ball python- get a ball python!! As long as you do PLENTY of research (read all the stickies, ask important questions before the snake arrives, have the enclosure completely setup and ready to go, etc) you will do fine! I got my ball python last year after having ZERO reptile experience but I had done months and months of heavy research so I haven't had any issues with her. In my experience they are a pretty easy species to keep.

You're definitely off to a great start so far! This forum is a valuable source of information so don't hesitate to ask if you have more questions :)

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Perfectly said Kira!

The key is research. I don’t mean a few hours on google, I mean dedicating months in advance and learning from multiple sources. You have to take time to make sure you are really absorbing the information you’re getting and analyzing it because you will find conflicting information. Lucky for you op, you found the best place to learn and our community is more than happy to help :)

I also agree that a ball python doesn’t need to be “worked up” to. It’s not s retic or burm folks lol. You just have to be smart, use your common sense and NOT cut corners! Really take your time on the research waaay ahead of time and don’t rush into getting your bp when you WANT it but when you are READY and confident. Pet ownership in general shouldn’t be something you should leave to “learn on the fly” or “wing it” as you go. This include any “beginner friendly” pets.

Personally I feel it’s unfair to get a snake you don’t even want for the sake of experience. That’s 15-20 years of commitment you’ll still have to be dedicated to and if it’s a species you’re not even passionate about, it may be difficult to give it your all when it’s really just there to give you your snake points. Sometimes the number of snakes won’t always means you have the appropriate experience or knowledge to take proper care of an animal.

OP, if a bp is the snake you want, then go for it! Just make sure you nail down that research and be patient! You’d be surprised how straight forward it actually is!

If it’s any comfort, like Kira, my ball python Tapioca is my first snake, no reptile experience prior and spent 10 month researching and learning as much as I could. Took my time on getting everything ready and soaked up every possible information I could find.

My ball python experience has been an absolute dream with zero problems! Seriously Tapioca has been absolutely incredible and he’s the biggest pig ever! I have this forum to thank for my success as I wouldn’t be as well prepared as I was if not for these wonderful members! Kira and Craig are one of the many members that helped me on my journey :p

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bellad0nna87

Ok so let me just say thank you so much for your input! Second: I actually was looking at blood pythons before ball pythons and now you’ve reignited that flame for me. I kept seeing people saying they were nippy and nasty, so I got a little turned off. But I do love how chubby they are lol why do you think they make good first time snakes? Is it the eating thing? Bc I’ll be honest that it worries me that BP are super picky.
Thanks again!


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Now I'm gonna throw a curve ball your way. I've been lucky I guess, but haven't ever had a picky eater...until now. And he's my Borneo Short Tail Python (often referred to as Borneo Blood Pythons). So, as for picky eaters, BPs are notorious picky eaters, but even species that are typically great eaters have exceptions to the rule. Still, I absolutely LOVE him and am an advocate for bloods/STPs. I will say this, be prepared for a STRONG snake. Those beefy adults have some impressive power. They handle differently than any other species I've handled too.
Anyway...

Honestly, get the snake YOU want! If you rely on feedback from us, your head will be spinning and you'll get dizzy reading everybody's opinions.


There's an expo coming up in July in Philly. http://www.eastcoastreptilesuperexpos.com

I would go check that out and handle some different BP, bloods, etc... you'll most likely find an animal that just "speaks to you". You'll know if one just feels like the one.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Aedryan Methyus

Bloods are definitely voracious eaters! However, a couple of mine that had been eating frozen/thawed perfectly fine suddenly decided to start refusing to eat f/t, just like my Ball Pythons. So, I finally gave in and just started feeding them live. Some Bloods can be a little nippy and put on quite a show as babies (just like any other species), but most of them settle down within a month or two of regular handling. Honestly, I would highly recommend a Boa (BI) as a first pet snake. Between Ball Pythons, Bloods and Boas, I would say Boas are hands down the easiest to care for, the best eaters and the most fun to handle. In my opinion, Boas are perfectly fine in larger enclosures as babies, too.

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What type of boa would you recommend I look into? And as for blood pythons, you’ve now got me day dreaming about them lol I was just going for the BP bc I love their size and how docile they can be. But I know they stress out easily so that’s the only downside. Again thanks!


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

Now I'm gonna throw a curve ball your way. I've been lucky I guess, but haven't ever had a picky eater...until now. And he's my Borneo Short Tail Python (often referred to as Borneo Blood Pythons). So, as for picky eaters, BPs are notorious picky eaters, but even species that are typically great eaters have exceptions to the rule. Still, I absolutely LOVE him and am an advocate for bloods/STPs. I will say this, be prepared for a STRONG snake. Those beefy adults have some impressive power. They handle differently than any other species I've handled too.
Anyway...

Honestly, get the snake YOU want! If you rely on feedback from us, your head will be spinning and you'll get dizzy reading everybody's opinions.


There's an expo coming up in July in Philly. http://www.eastcoastreptilesuperexpos.com

I would go check that out and handle some different BP, bloods, etc... you'll most likely find an animal that just "speaks to you". You'll know if one just feels like the one.

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Wow thank you thank you! I’m totally going to that expo then!
My head is definitely spinning right now with all this information and I have a lot to think about but also a lot to go off from. So glad I joined!


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Forgot to add. I got my bp from Garrick Demeyer/Royal Constrictor Design’s! Totally a breeder you can buy with confidence.

also welcome!!!

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Originally Posted by MissterDog

Forgot to add. I got my bp from Garrick Demeyer/Royal Constrictor Design’s! Totally a breeder you can buy with confidence.also welcome!!!

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This is fact. Garrick has a stellar reputation. If I ever do buy from a breeder and have it shipped, his animals would be at the top of my list. Deborah at Stewart Reptiles would be another. She's fantastic and a HUGE asset to this forum and hobby

I highly recommend you get the snake you want from a breeder that specializes in the morph you want and who feeds them on what you want to feed that as in frozen thawed rodents. Age doesn't really matter what matters is finding a proper breeder to sell you a healthy snake. Avoid petsmart or petco or even expos where people are just reselling snakes. A reputable online breeder will get you something you want that is healthy and not a problem to care for.

Ask here for breeders but avoid resellers like backwater reptiles as they are just flippers and did not breed the snake. Buy your snake from the same person that hatched it.

I got mine 8 years ago from a local breeder where I was living.

I highly recommend a PVC enclosure for when it is an adult and most likely a tub for a juvenile. Glass just won't cut it and you will end up getting frustrated unless you are lucky enough to live in a sub tropical part of the country.

One thing is you need to at least tell the country you are in. Outside the USA the supplies for enclosures and even rodents gets limited.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bellad0nna87

What type of boa would you recommend I look into? And as for blood pythons, you’ve now got me day dreaming about them lol I was just going for the BP bc I love their size and how docile they can be. But I know they stress out easily so that’s the only downside. Again thanks!


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I would recommend a Boa Imperator (BI) as a first Boa over a Redtail. Redtails tend to get quite a bit larger. If you want a Boa that will likely stay within the 5' - 6' range I would get a male BI. If you don't mind something that will likely max out around 6' - 8' then get a female BI. Boas grow extremely slow, so they won't start to max out until around 4 - 5 years old. Genetics of course come down to your personal preference and budget. I wouldn't see a problem with starting a baby Boa right off in a 4' x 2' x 18" PVC enclosure. If you got a male BI that would most likely last him for his whole life, especially if you added a shelf, which would increase the inner floor space. A female might require a 6' x 2' x 18" years down the road. As far as Bloods, I started all of mine right off in 28 qt. tub racks. Technically, smaller is more widely recommended, but I consumed the excess space with a hide, a large water bowl and crumpled up newspaper and it worked out perfectly fine. All of them have been fine in 28 qt. tubs until about 3 years of age. Now, they are about to be moved into a 41 qt. rack and sometime within the next 2 years they will most likely need to all be moved into individual 4' x 2' x 12" PVC enclosures as they max out in size.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SDA

I highly recommend you get the snake you want from a breeder that specializes in the morph you want and who feeds them on what you want to feed that as in frozen thawed rodents. Age doesn't really matter what matters is finding a proper breeder to sell you a healthy snake. Avoid petsmart or petco or even expos where people are just reselling snakes. A reputable online breeder will get you something you want that is healthy and not a problem to care for.

Ask here for breeders but avoid resellers like backwater reptiles as they are just flippers and did not breed the snake. Buy your snake from the same person that hatched it.

I got mine 8 years ago from a local breeder where I was living.

I highly recommend a PVC enclosure for when it is an adult and most likely a tub for a juvenile. Glass just won't cut it and you will end up getting frustrated unless you are lucky enough to live in a sub tropical part of the country.

One thing is you need to at least tell the country you are in. Outside the USA the supplies for enclosures and even rodents gets limited.

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Thank you so much for your response that was super helpful!! Everyone’s been so awesome!


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by bellad0nna87

Hey all! So for the last year and a half I’ve been day dreaming of owning a bp, and finally that dream is becoming a reality.
I just had a few questions before I dive head first into this:

1.) adult or baby? As a newbie to snakes, should I go for a baby or get an adult? Which would you recommend for an inexperienced owner

2.) WHERE did y’all Acquire yours? I’ve been looking at several websites (underground reptiles,xyz reptiles, backwater reptiles etc,) but would like opinions

3.) enclosure? What are you using currently(everything you’re using lol even if you feel like you’re over sharing, I’d appreciate all the info) Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I’d like something I could look into.

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I'll play. :)

1) I like getting well established young snakes so, if I decide to breed them, I already know their feeding history/ weight/ growth rates and can make an educated guess as to how they will deal with recovering the weight lost through egg laying etc. For a pet however then it just adds certaintly of how old they are and gives you more years to keep them. :oops:

2)Though my first was a shop bought hatchling not even eating on her own on 4/8/1994 - she's still sitting behind me. :D I have bought a few online and some from breeders. I would research any breeder on fauna to check their reputation - paying more from a better breeder is the best investment you can make. Generally in the quality of the look of the snake and in getting extra support if there turns out to be any problem.

3) Home made racks. They really are as easy to build as bookcases and you have total control to make sure it fits the space you have.


del

I have another question lol if I get the T8 from AP, and get the divider to split it in half, would that be ok for a yearling to chill in until they get bigger, in which case the divider would be removed? TIA y’all. You’ve all been so helpful!!!


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by bellad0nna87

I have another question lol if I get the T8 from AP, and get the divider to split it in half, would that be ok for a yearling to chill in until they get bigger, in which case the divider would be removed? TIA y’all. You’ve all been so helpful!!!


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It sure will

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

It sure will

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Thanks babe! About to buy it this week! Also maybe you can help me: the herpstat- which one? There are so many! Sorry if you don’t know the answer to that. My head is spinning with all this info


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by bellad0nna87

Thanks babe! About to buy it this week! Also maybe you can help me: the herpstat- which one? There are so many! Sorry if you don’t know the answer to that. My head is spinning with all this info


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My pleasure.

As for herpstats, I haven't made the jump yet, but will be when I upgrade, which now looks like it'll be before winter. So I won't be any help there.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

My pleasure.

As for herpstats, I haven't made the jump yet, but will be when I upgrade, which now looks like it'll be before winter. So I won't be any help there.

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Ahh ok thank you!


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by bellad0nna87

I have another question lol if I get the T8 from AP, and get the divider to split it in half, would that be ok for a yearling to chill in until they get bigger, in which case the divider would be removed? TIA y’all. You’ve all been so helpful!!!


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This is how I started my hatchling out and he's still only using half his cage with plenty of wiggle room. Been working great for me but it's worth pointing out some potential hiccups you may run into and how to address it, mainly with heat gradients. Also make sure you provide plenty of clutter and shelter.

Hopefully you don't mind if I c/p some of my previous posts on other threads going into more detail about it. Hope it helps! <3

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MissterDog

Looks like you went with a similar path I did at first. I'm also using a divider with a rhp, and like you, the rhp pretty much takes most of the entire ceiling space, making a horizontal thermal gradient somewhat difficult.


I later decided to add a UTH for belly heat so I could dial down the rhp for the ambient only instead of trying to make a hot spot. Prior to that my rhp was making the ambient temp too warm for my liking just to get the surface temps I wanted. The rock furnishings would sometimes be as high as 94 which made me uneasy. Generally you don't want any surface your bp can touch hotter than 92. For warm ambient under the rhp I think it's better to have it reduced to 84-86. Cool ambient is totally fine.


If it helps, this is how I started off. Mine is a T12 with a divider.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...7aso6_1280.jpg


I had my rhp set to a higher heat to try and get the inside of the hide to at least 88 (surface was 92), but at the cost of the ambient being somewhere between 88-90 which honestly I thought was TOO hot, especially for a hatching who prefer slightly cooler warm temps.


Here is Tapioca's current set up now with a UTH.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...77aso1_540.jpg


3 hides now, primary matching hot and cold ones are on the bottom this time with his 'spare' on the top of the ledge.


The thermostat probe I placed higher, about 6 inches below the rhp to better control my warm ambient and keep it away from where it could be climbed or peed on, which I was worried about causing temp spikes. My bp HAS tried to climb towards the probe before so better to keep it out of reach as possible.

My warm ambient is now 84-85 with the top of the hide on the ledge being at a nice 88-89. His rock furnishes are no hotter than 89-90, which I feel much safer about. You can also adjust the power % output on your herpstat if you are concerned about temps spiking a bit when the rhp swings at full power. Hope this helps

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by MissterDog

Personally I've always been a fan of the UTH + RHP combo. Been working fantastic for me and many others who have gone a similar route. I just like being able to control the hotspot without compromising ambient temps.

When I used only a RHP I found my warm ambient temps were getting way too warm for my liking just to get the hot spot I wanted. Especially since I was starting with a 24 x 24 cage (a divided T12) which really didn't give me much room for a good horizontal heat gradient with just the RHP. The RHP itself was practically as big the top cage half so you can get an idea how things get a bit complicated.

Adding a UTH gave me more flexibility keep everything better balanced, and as pointed out earlier it's good to have a back up on hand. Plus you cant go wrong with a Herpstat 2 :p

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As for Herpstats I find the Herpstat 2 is the best universal choice since you never know when you may need to regulate more than one heat source.

Also do yourself a favor and get a T10! The extra few inches of height make a huge difference for access and cleaning ease. Also keep in mind interior height is a bit shorter than the measurements listed by roughly 2 inches.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MissterDog

This is how I started my hatchling out and he's still only using half his cage with plenty of wiggle room. Been working great for me but it's worth pointing out some potential hiccups you may run into and how to address it, mainly with heat gradients. Also make sure you provide plenty of clutter and shelter.

Hopefully you don't mind if I c/p some of my previous posts on other threads going into more detail about it. Hope it helps! <3







As for Herpstats I find the Herpstat 2 is the best universal choice since you never know when you may need to regulate more than one heat source.

Also do yourself a favor and get a T10! The extra fee inches of height make a huge different for access and cleaning ease. Also keep in mind interior dimensions are a bit shorter than the measurements listed by roughly 2 inches.

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Thank you soooooo much, love!!! This is going to help me so much bc I’m still a little confused about heating the enclosure and what not. Xo


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by bellad0nna87

Thank you soooooo much, love!!! This is going to help me so much bc I’m still a little confused about heating the enclosure and what not. Xo


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You're very welcome! <3

It just takes some fine tuning to see what works for you and your set up but you'll definitely get it! I recommend to make sure your cage is up and running for atleast a week to ensure temps are stable and on point before putting your noodle baby in.

Good luck and have fun op! You got this! :)