New Member....

Hey all, i'm a new member to your forums (been lurking for the past few months). I've been going back and forth on what kind of snake I wanted to get for my first and finally have decided to go with a Ball Python. I've read a ton of posts here along with your posted care sheets and how to setup a glass tank for my new ball. Anyway my timeframe is as follows i'm going tomorrow to N.E.R.D. to get everything I need with the hopes of having my setup ready by the weekend to go pickup my new family member. My question is anything specific I need to pickup (beside the usual tank, heaters, thermo, substrate ect...) and also what should I look for when picking out my snake (eyes, mouth, coloration and so on). Thanks for any help and I look forward to beeing a long time member, pics will come next weekend when I have her.

Hello and HI! :D I'm sure if your going to NERD to get your new baby, they will steer you in the right direction in every area! Pick out what YOU like, believe me, that's the hardest-and best part!!!! :P Wish they were local here... your lucky! Can't wait to see pix!

Hey Enve, welcome to the site.

You are two steps ahead of the game already. One you found this site and two you're buying from a great breeder! You sound like you already know what you need and I am sure you're going to leave with a healthy snake. Kara (KLG) is just an awesome person to deal with and she posts here all the time. If it's possible you should try and see if you can hook up with her for a few minutes when looking through the snakes. Also, if you ever get the chance you should arrange to take the NERD tour. The stuff behind those walls are amazing to say the least. :O

You sound like you cant go wrong, they will make sure you have everything you need before you walk out the door with the snake. If you live close enough to NERD and it's not too far out of the way. It would be a much more "ideal" situation to have your snakes enclosure setup and running properly before introducing your snake to the cage. That might not be possible for you but it's a thought. I set mine up two weeks before bringing the snake home to make sure things were dialed in right. I am glad too because the first couple days I defineatly had some "wrinkles" that had to be ironed out.

Keep us posted and take some pics.

Just noticed you already planned on setting your tank up first, disregard that part of my post ;)

If you're going to N.E.R.D. I'm sure any snake you leave will be healthy so no worries there. I agree with BostonMack though, if you can get your cage all set up and running a few days ahead of time before you get your snake, that'd help you out alot. Other then that I'd say just go to N.E.R.D. and try and leave in a reasonable amount of time ;)


Welcome to Bp.net!

Thanks for the posts! I wasn't sure about NERD (Been there twice to browse and saw there table at the NE Reptile Show the past 2 times i've gone) but after seeing the posts I feel really comfortable about going there. My plan is to get the tank setup tomorrow night and let it run till Sunday, if all goes well with my temps and humidity i'll be picking up Sunday. Again thanks for the welcome and feedback!!

Welcome aboard! :handshake

That first snake is SUCH an exciting thing!! :carrot: (Well...so is the second...and the third....and the fourth....etc...LOL...but the first really is special!) And you simply can't go wrong by shopping at NERD and Zoo Creatures!! They'll set you up with a beautiful snake that is healthy and eating well! All you have to do is figure out which one you like best!

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Originally Posted by Enve

Thanks for the posts! I wasn't sure about NERD (Been there twice to browse and saw there table at the NE Reptile Show the past 2 times i've gone) but after seeing the posts I feel really comfortable about going there. My plan is to get the tank setup tomorrow night and let it run till Sunday, if all goes well with my temps and humidity i'll be picking up Sunday. Again thanks for the welcome and feedback!!

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Enve,
NERD is one of (if not THE) foremost bp breeder in the nation. Kevin and Kara are what all of us wannabes aspire to be! You will NOT be sorry dealing with them! Best of luck with your new snake!

Steve

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hoo-t

Enve,
NERD is one of (if not THE) foremost bp breeder in the nation. Kevin and Kara are what all of us wannabes aspire to be! You will NOT be sorry dealing with them! Best of luck with your new snake!

Steve

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Well then, I guess i'll be in good hands :D

Welcome to BPNet! You couldn't find a better place to get your first BP and lucky you for living close to NERD/Zoo Creatures. Can't wait to see pics of the snake you choose from Kara and Kevin's pretty babies. :)

Welcome to the site. You'll find your the envy of quite a few of us, since you are local to NERD. They are the BEST. Truly wonderful people.

I'd just recommend you getting used to what you like best about bps... spots, reduced pattern, something funky. Just make sure to take some pictures before your week of no handling. ;)

Well I got my setup last night and will be setting it up 2night. I got a starter kit which came with just about everything except a Thermostat which I got seperately. I'm curious about a couple things though.....


1. They said just 1 heating pad is fine for now (10gal starter)
2. No need for a ceramic heat light
3. Only 1 hide
4. Thermometer with no leads (just ambiant temp). I did pick up a different model that does indoor/outdoor (use one side for hot and one for cool) and humidity.

Does that all sound ok for now? I will be going into a 20L or bigger if needed once the snake gets a little bigger.

I'll be taking plenty of pics once I pick her up!

Welcome to the site. Remember to post pics.:D

Your so lucky you live close to NERD!!!!1 :D

As long as the room isn't cool, the heating should be okay. I would go for two dark hides. (no half logs!) You may also want to consider covering up 3 sides of the tank as well to help the snake feel more secure.

They gave me 1 large hide, ill change it to 2 smaller ones and cover up the sides of the tank. Thanks for the help!