My Intro.

Well I have been on this forum for a while know, Few months and finally I got a job at the local arena and ball park, I am only 16 so cant get that good of a job but I like it I will be working in the consession stands makeing $8.25 an hour. So the first couple pay checks are going to be equimpent for a snake. I have always wanted one since I was little know that I am older I am going to get one. Before I even think about buying a snake I am going to make sure I have all the right equiment, I am going to set up the equiment and let it sit for a 1-2 weeks to make sure everything is right. So hopefully in a month or 2 I will have a snake to show you guys. There is my little intro :D.

I hope I am doing this right? I have been reading alot. Should I wait longer to make sure all the equiment is working? I have been doing alot of research thanks. Mike

That's awesome man! of course you're doing it right. :)

Sounds like you're doing it perfectly!!! If you need any help don't hesitate to email me adam@8ballpythons.com.

Good job!

-adam

Sounds like your on the up and up to me.. :D

Welcome..

Ok thanks, I dont want to get a snake and not have everything ready and have stuff not working. but I cant wait.

:welcome: to the forum

hehehe.... somebody researching first??? that almost never happens!!! lol... i'm guilty of impulse snake buying.... :rolleyes: oops! oh well! my babies are well taken care of thanks to the advice from people on this site! listen to them and u'll be a great snake daddy!

welcome to the forums...

if you have any questions about set ups, ball pythons, or anything, don't hesitate to ask.

one thing i would mention as a suggestion.... look online for reptile supplies before going to petco or petsmart. ask for pictures of people setups, or how they have things set up. you can save a lot of money by using little tips and tricks that experienced keepers and collectors use.

and most of all... HAVE FUN!

welcome!!

Welcome to the wonderful world of snakes!
Just a friendly suggestion when it comes times to get your snake. Start researching now for reputable breeders. This time of year your average normals are more than a fair price. And you won't end up with a possibly sick or mite infested pet store snake where no one can even give you the truth if they are eating or not. Many of the breeders here even ship if you find something you like. And I hear tell that some of them will give ya great T-shirt with your healthy snake purchase!

Sounds to me like you'll fit in around here just fine!! :clap: Welcome aboard! :handshake

Yes I did my research, I have seen some of the herp cages people have on here. I think I am going to go with a tub encloser, I was going to go for glass but I read it is hard to keep the humidty right. Yes I also am going to go with a breeder, One of the breeders from here on this site, I dont want a snake that is unhealthy and sick. The ones at the pet shops arent well taken care of. I am going to use flex watt tape, Is there better heating supplys to use? I also am going to use the Helix DBS1000 Proportional Thermostat from reptile basics. Going to use a digital thermometer from walmart that everyone suggest. If there are better stuff you use, Please tell me I am going to save up and buy the best I can for the snake I get.

:welcome: Aboard!!! Sounds like you're heading in the right direction!!! :gj:


Since you're doing the research and setting up soon, and willing to let it sit a few weeks to stabilize, you're doing great.

Tubs are easier to establish, maintain and clean. *I have both tanks and tubs* The flexwatt is a good UTH, and since you're getting the acurite and a t-stat, that's the huge chunk of your expenses.

Oh, and BTW....when U get your setup ready and your baby.....WE WANT PICTURES!!! :P :P :P ;)


Glad to have you!

:sunny: RuLyn

Yes I will post pictures, Know I am looking for a good breeder from this forum that I can buy a snake from.

Awesome Job!!! :rockon:

Hey at 16 that's not a bad wage at all and sounds like a great, fun job...congrats on getting the job! It's wonderful that you are planning this out so well. You'll save yourself a lot of stress, wasted money and worry and your future snake will be much happier and healthier because you've cared enough to start out being a responsible owner. Good for you!

Adam's an amazing resource here, don't hesitate to contact him or ask him questions. He's got a passion for these snakes that's wonderful to see and a knowledge base that's pretty amazing. Reptile Basics (owner's name is Rich) is a great supplier and will pre-wire your flexwatt so it's basically plug and play. They'll also advise you on what you need for the size tub you are setting up and the temp of the run it sits in, tstats, etc. For a nice 07 hatchling you won't want to be going with a huge tub at first anyways.

If you need a bit of a "shopping list" of start up supplies just ask and we'll happily help you make it up with a view to something that works beautifully for ball pythons but won't break your wallet either. Stay away from those chain pet stores. Their snakes are not very good and most of their supplies are way overpriced and quite honestly, in the case of say dial thermometer - crappy quality, in the case of heat rocks - deadly to your snake. They also tend to give you either outdated or just plain wrong husbandry information.

Welcome to BPNet! :)

Ok Thanks, Know I have a quick question on the flex watt tape, Does it like tape to the bottom of the tub? If so then is it removable so I can put it onto a bigger tub when the snake gets bigger or do I have to buy more?

Thanks Mike

Mike--I think you've duly impressed us all with your forethought and willingness to spend what needs to be spent in order to give your future baby an awesome home! I know I'm impressed!

If you're looking for a breeder Adam (8Ball Pythons) who posted earlier in your thread, is a breeder many on this site swear by for excellent service and animals :)

Yes, you ean either tape it underneath or lay it underneath the tub works great. What is your room temp like? you might need another for the cool/ambient side.

I am not very sure but I would geuss around 60-70 I would say.

Depending on what your tub will be sitting on you can just tape the flexwatt down to it with the special tape they sell for this (alumium tape I think it's called...I suck at these details lol...but Reptile Basics sells the stuff). Then your tub just sits on top of the flexwatt which is controlled by a rheostat or tstat (tstat is better). Your only concern really is what the flex sits on. If it was a wood dresser for instance I'd likely put a spare melamine shelf (like from a bookcase) on top to protect the wood finish. Melamine is used to construct snake racks so it's perfectly safe with flexwatt that's properly controlled. Then when your baby graduated up to another tub size, just set the new tub down on the flex, adjust and check temps and you are all set. With a small baby tub you shouldn't need to worry about dual flexwatt...it's a small space to warm up really and you do want a proper temp gradient end to end for the snake to utilize.

Ok, I will do that. Thanks for the reply frankykeno. If anyone has any more suggestion Please tell me.