I think I'm ready

Well, the time has finally come, I just put a deposit on a Ball Python from a breeder. I'm so excited. I have all cage necessities. Can anyone tell me if I have forgotten anything? Here's my list.....

Sterlite (12qt) with air holes (done with sodering iron)
Two identical hides (plastic planter bottoms w/ entrance holes)
water bowl
UTH
Thermostat (coming soon from Big Apple Herp)
I will use newspaper for bottom/bedding
Acurite digital thermometer/hygrometer (from Wal-Mart)

Well, that's it....I do need to get some thing to keep the lid on though. I heard of people using binder clips but, I can only find really small ones at Target/Wal-Mart. I have yet to check at Staples. What size do you use for this? Is there anything else you can use? Sorry that I can't show you a picture. Currently, I'm waiting for my snake to feed before he gets shipped out so, I will have everything set (temp. wise) for when he gets here. I'm waiting on the T-stat to arrive.
Thanks for reading (I know you get a lot of these) but, you guys are always so helpful.

Sounds like you've got everything you need! Be sure to set it up when the t-stat arrives...just like you plan on having it with the snake, waterbowl and all. Track the temps and humidity to see if you need to adjust anything before putting the snake in it.


As for securing the lid...I use those binder clips. You'll surely find a variety of sizes at any office supply store. Medium or large have both worked fine on mine. In a pinch, you could use heavy books on top.

Woo! I'll agree with Judy - sounds like you are ready. =)

Be sure to post some pics when your baby arrives!

Congrads! I bet you are super excited :D


For fast and easy reference I might also suggest a simple Ball Python care book.

Sounds good! If you have an type of office supply store nearby they usually have the larger binder clips.

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Originally Posted by cueball

Congrads! I bet you are super excited :D


For fast and easy reference I might also suggest a simple Ball Python care book.

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I have "The Ball Python Manual" but, plan to purchase a new one on-line next payday. I want to get one that describes breeding and genetics more in-depth.

I am very excited, and will definitely post pictures ASAP. That first two weeks will be hard to stay away though! LOL.

We love new members that did all the necessary prep work and research before bringing home their new friend!! :grouphug:


For what it's worth, I use the smallest binder clips on my 15 quart tubs. I have two on each long side and one on each short side.

Can't wait to see the pictures!

You might want to get a scale and tape measure for keeping up with the growth of your snake. I also have a spiral notebook with pen for charting, water spray bottle (I haven't used much since switching to tubs), a bottle of hand sanitizer, and a roll of paper towels in my snake area.
Sounds to me like you have everything you need, these are just a few items that I ended up getting as well.

It be great if the breeder probed it for you too. Assuming that he is an expert at it.;) Good Luck with your BP and post pictures him/her.

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Originally Posted by JLC

As for securing the lid...I use those binder clips. You'll surely find a variety of sizes at any office supply store. Medium or large have both worked fine on mine. In a pinch, you could use heavy books on top.

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Or you could be a goober like me and use bricks in a pinch..lol

Congrats!! :)

Awesome! Can't wait to see pics. :D

If you wanna join the "Anal Snake Stats Club", feel free! To help you on this long and glorious road, I'd suggest the following:

Snake Measurer - It's a free download available here and that helps you digitize and measure your snake. Way easier and a bit more accurate than trying to convince a snake to lay in a straight line next to a measuring tape!

some form of herp software: There are a couple of camps of thought on this in the "Anal Club"; some folks like Degei, others like FreeHerp. I started with FreeHerp and now use Degei. For the life of me, I can't find FreeHerp on line anymore now - anyone got a link?

Degei is available here as a shareware version, and can be upgraded for $20 I believe.

I love Degei as I can record everything and print out nifty reports;
my vet about fell out of her chair when I brought in the report when I took my snake in recently. =)

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But recording important stats (feedings, sheds, size increase, any problems) in a notebook is just as good. The important thing is to keep at least a record. =)

Thanks for all the helpful hints. I do know that I am getting a male. I also do keep a journal (notebook) of snake info for my corn but, thanks for the computer sites, it sounds like a great program. I'll have pictures up as soon as he comes in.

"The Complete Ball Python" by Kevin McCurly, is a great book that overviews all aspects of breeding ball pythons.

Its available at NERD's website...he'll even sign it for you if you order it from them!