few questions

I have allways been intrested in balls, i think there great but in the past a few things have put me off,i wondered if you could take some time to answer a few of these :)

1.how big do they grow on average
2.i have a dog and my mum and dad are saying if it escapes it could attack or strangle the dog :S i would never forgive myself if something happend.
3.how much for absoplutly everything would they cost on average?
4.what size tank do they need for a full adult?
5.is there any other balls that are cheap enough that have nicer colours lol not that they dont but any other colours?

thanks

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Originally Posted by phillip2

I have allways been intrested in balls, i think there great but in the past a few things have put me off,i wondered if you could take some time to answer a few of these :)

1.how big do they grow on average

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Typically females grow larger than males. A normal size full grown BP can be between 4 and 5 feet (As they get bigger they typically get more girth rather than length)

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2.i have a dog and my mum and dad are saying if it escapes it could attack or strangle the dog :S i would never forgive myself if something happend.

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NOT A CHANCE! Not sure where people get ideas like this but that is absolutely ridiculous. Ball pythons are extremely docile animals and I would be much more worried for the safety of the snake if it came in contact with your dog.

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3.how much for absoplutly everything would they cost on average?

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It depends on what you mean by absolutely everything and what you want to keep them in. There are a few things you must have to practice proper husbandry:
#1 a reliable thermostat - You can get a Ranco on/off type thermostat for $80 from Reptile Basics which would work just fine.
#2 a heat source - The best thing to use typically is an Under Tank Heater (UTH) or heat tape such as flexwatt. Again you can get either one from reptile basics. A good UTH will likely run you around $20-$30 depending on the size of the tank you are trying to heat.
#3 2 good hides - you have to have identical hides on both the hot and the cool side of the tank in order for your snake to properly thermoregulate. It depends on the size of your snake how much these will cost but you can make your own from plastic bowls for $1-$2 each if you wanted.

These are just the absolute basics but overall for the tank, heat, thermostat, substrate and hides it would probably run you around $200-$250.

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4.what size tank do they need for a full adult?

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A full grown adult can live very comfortably in a 2X3 or 2X4 cage like Reptile Basics sells (can you tell I like Reptile Basics lol)

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5.is there any other balls that are cheap enough that have nicer colours lol not that they dont but any other colours?
thanks

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Not sure what you mean by the last questions but if you're looking for a really nice looking, lower cost morph you can't beat a pastel.
Check out New England Reptiles ball python photo gallery for a look at the multiple morphs out there (just remember some of the ones pictured can run into the multi-thousand dollar price range :D)

http://www.newenglandreptile.com/ner...ollection.html

Good luck and be sure to read the caresheets on this site and fully educate yourself first!

Oh sorry here's the link to Reptile Basics:

www.reptilebasics.com the owner Rich is always more than happy to answer questions you might have and they have some of the best quality cages and racks available.

Also :welcome: to BP.net!

Thankyou very much indeed,for once its nice to go a site where when you ask questions i get answers straight away as oppose to READ FAQS ALL CAN BE FOUND THERE :)
so thanks
well yes i do know a bit coz i looked into getting one a while ago but as i say size put me off and feeding mice euw lol.and i have had a gecko so i know all about heating blah lol
by the way im in england so some sites are unfimialir to me lol.
As for handling is it easy to handle a 4 5 foot python lol,and thats another thing, i didnt get a corn snake becuase there so wrigly and i want a pet i can just sit with in a way instead of chasing it round if you get me,do balls gererally just sit in your hand or lap lol.
2.When you say 2x3 you mean feet?
3.whats there average lifespan?thanks

Can live for 20-30 years on average. I have read many places that 48 years is the record, but couldn't say what the source of this data is. One site says that Philadelphia zoo had one live 47 years, while others claims it lived 48.

ooo god dont know if id want one that long lol.

A lot of people underestimate the potential lifespan of a pet reptile. Leopard geckos can also live for up to 20 years--and so can corn snakes.
Always keep lifespan in mind when selecting a pet. Although I may get razzed for suggesting it, if you intend to keep your pet for a long time, but think you may need to eventually sell it, select a female. It's difficult to find a home for an adult male ball python, but it's fairly easy to re-home a female. I would never suggest such a thing for snakes that get larger, but there is no lack of people willing to purchase or adopt an adult female ball python.

thats fine no i agree.
I would like one,can you answer some more questions from middle of the page :D i know im a nuisance.

anyone?

Phillip I'm pretty new in the Hobby myself I recently bought a very nice Pastel Male from 8ball pythons. For the question of cost I paid $315 for the snake shipped to my door, $30for a UTH, $100 for a Thermostat, I used 2 bowls for hides that both costed me under $5, and $150 for a 40 gallon breeder tank. For cost all together I would have to say this is the cheapest pet I've ever had. When I was a kid we bred labs and that was expensive and time consuming they also only live to be about 10 years old on average. I rather an animal I can keep for 20+ years then get attached to and a few years down the road they die. I work on the road and not home as much as I'd like. The great thing about my snake is I can feed him once a week, check his water every time I'm home, refill, adjust temps and etc.

yes i agree,
do you handle yours? and also is he wrigly trying to escape or does he just sit there ?any pics ?

I handle him every day I'm home unless I fed him 24 hours earlier, he's kinda shy when I first get him out and then he doesn't wanta stop moving, very friendly animal too. When I put him back in the tank for the first 20-30 mins he'll try to escape but I make sure the lid is on tight. As for pics I'll post a couple. These pics were taken when he was just finishing shed so don't mind the colors are a lil off.

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f2...0/Snake011.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f2...0/Snake013.jpg

aw lovly
how big is he and can you handle him alone?
i really want one just worreeid about size and if i get him out idont want to be contastly battling him to get him back lol jus want him to sit and stay in my hand lol.

He's 3 and half feet long, 3 years old. I'd trust this guy with a 5 year old kid and be more worried about the Kid doing something to the snake then the snake hurting the kid. I'll say it is kinda a pain in the butt to get him back into the tank but not that bad you'll figure out technique to do it.

Why does he not want to go back in or something lol or just the sheer size?
im really excited 2 get one, whats the most rewarding things you would say of having one?

He loves exploring I'm sure everyone that has one would say the same thing. Most rewarding thing hmmm a good feeder. I love watching that as morbid as it sounds.

no im looking forward to that too and handling lol.
another thing lol you know snakes often in their tanks will be on the floor in branches etc are balls arboeal ? if i had vines and things to climb would it go sit up in a tree thing lol, or would it stay locked in a hide all the time?

anyone?

Hide all the time--that's what ball pythons do. They are not arboreal. They spend their days in rodent burrows and termite mounds, and come out at night. If you watch after dark, you may see him exploring, though.

Ask yourself the following questions:
- Am I willing to responsibly house/feed/care for this snake for the next 20-30 years of my life/be the primary care giver?
- Am I willing to cover all necessary medical bills if needed? (Exotic pet owning can run up hundreds and thousands of dollars if they are not cared for properly. If you do everything necessary to give it a good home, this shouldn't be a problem)
- Am I willing to dedicate time and effort to look after this animal on a day to day basis?
- Am I willing to feed it frozen/live rats/mice?
- Am I willing to handle it on a regular basis?

If you answered no to even one of these questions, do NOT get a ball python. The only reason I'm saying this is because it's a living thing that requires very specific care and attention and unless you're willing to do all this for it, don't put the animal's life/health at risk. I did months of research and saving money before I finally purchased my BP. You want to have all the necessary equipment to house your snake BEFORE you bring it home. Read EVERYTHING there is to know about BPs (this website is a great start). I've had Pandora for just over a month now and in terms of money, I've spent a good $300 (give or take, with some cheap alternatives) to provide all the necessary care for her. I do plan on having her for the next 20-30 years of my life so I know she's in the best hands. I also know all the health risks that can present a problem so I know what to look for ahead of time. I'd start off with a baby because you can get them accustomed to your touch/handling and caring methods. Put A LOT of thought into this before you make up your mind, please. If you do decide to go with a BP, all the best of luck, we're all here to help :)

ps: I have a hyper dog who loves getting her nose into places she shouldn't. When I'm handling/feeding the snake, the dog isn't anywhere near her because she's left outside the room. You have to keep your animals separate but unless your tank isn't secure, you shouldn't worry about your BP getting out

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1.how big do they grow on average.

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4-5 feet.. average adult weight is probably around 2-3kg for females maximum is about 5kg.

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2.i have a dog and my mum and dad are saying if it escapes it could attack or strangle the dog :S i would never forgive myself if something happend.

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They wont bother your dog. if you got an aggressive one by chance it may strike in defense but do no harm. i trust them close to my cat.. maybe if you had a pet rat you would have a problem

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3.how much for absoplutly everything would they cost on average?

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Depending on your setup i would budget at least $400. The expensive part is the thermostat and it is not wise to cheap out on that one..

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4.what size tank do they need for a full adult?

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They don't need alot of height a 2x3x1 would be enough. Many people including myself keep them in rubbermaids..

Well if you are going to get just one then price isnt an issue but when you get into the double digits or even triple as some of us have then they are very expensive. I paid about 400 bucks for everything (tank, uth, substrate, furniture in the tank, t-stat, and snake of course.) you may be able to get off cheaper cus I was ripped off for my first snake but shes my baby so its ok.

yes i am willing to do all those things,if i did have to get rid of it im sure there wont be no demand in 20 years! also is a 5 foot snake handable lol?
if i get a red light what do i need 2 control it as i would like to watch him in night.I think ill get a make as there smaller :colbert:

As for size, I have two males for the same reason. Not planning to breed so that wasn't an issue to begin with. Alice just hit 3 ft and Charger is a tad over 2-1/2 ft.

They are very easy to handle. They are curious and love to explore their environment, but sometimes they just sit on my lap and chill.

When I return them to their cages, they explore everything for a few minutes and then return to their hides. Alice ALWAYS go to his bowl for a big drink of water after being out for a little while. They are indeed active in the evening hours and it's a lot of fun to watch.

As for dogs, everyone I know said the same thing when I got my first snake. I think it was probably because I have pomeranians, one of which is a very petite 4 lbs. Turns out that tiny pom LOVES the snakes. When I get one out, she gets all excited and has to give the snake a few licks. When I place one of them in the box I use while I'm cleaning a tank, she sits next to it the entire time. Once I got a really cute picture of her sitting on top of the box! I always say she's my little snakesitter :)

Cost runs pretty much what everyone here has already said, but well worth it.

As far as lifespan is concerned, I'm almost 44 and, since I consider adopting a pet a lifetime commitment, I'll need to instill my love of animals in my grandson because he might just inherit a few snakes!

You came to the right site for advice. Ball pythons are very beautiful and sweet...you won't be disappointed.

Robbin

thanks,im not sure on a corn or ball,as corns are more attractive and more better feeders etc, but balls can be smaller (males) i just dont know :S
also for a baby is a 24x12x12 good enougfh as i have that
i already have a uth thermostat and stiuff as i had a leopard gecko.

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Originally Posted by phillip2

yes i am willing to do all those things,if i did have to get rid of it im sure there wont be no demand in 20 years! also is a 5 foot snake handable lol?
if i get a red light what do i need 2 control it as i would like to watch him in night.I think ill get a make as there smaller :colbert:

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Hello phillip,

Sorry and no offense, but it does not seem like you are taking this seriously enough.

When you say things like "if i did have to get rid of it im sure there wont be no demand in 20 years"... Thats not very positive thinking and seems like you may not be ready for the responsibility of this kind of animal. Get a kitten.

Ball pythons are recommended by some as "beginner" snakes and by others not. Reason is mainly the fact that the husbandry needs to be on par all the time and another is the fact that are very picky eaters. Mine has finally decided to JUST start eating white mice, the first few times she wouldn't even acknowledge it was there.

Thanks

no i do im just worried as it is such a long time:)
i would be prepared,
what about the tank size as ive asked above ^^^?

That tank size sounds fine for one that's a yearling or a bit older. Mines a 36x12x12 and mine is a bit longer then that aquarium. I believe in giving them some space, but also clutter up the space with fake plants, make they have 2 hides and so on. If they have too much room they can get stressed out and not eat etc.

Just to give you an example of how fast they grow, when I first got mine, the 2 hides I had for her I thought would do great for atleast a year, 3 months later she still likes going in them, but I can always tell which 1 shes in because the hide is lifted off of the ground. yesterday her back was sticking out of the backside of the hide as well.

Thanks

would that tank do for a young one
i am in the uk so might be ddifferent ut after the normal what is the next cheapest morph?
thanks

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Originally Posted by phillip2

would that tank do for a young one
i am in the uk so might be ddifferent ut after the normal what is the next cheapest morph?
thanks

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If you want one with a different pigment to it, I would have to say a pastel. The 1 I just picked up was about $200 I think with delivery.

I have seen them for about $150.00 on some sites though. A normal, depending on the sex (Females are more expensive) can be between $50-$100. Some people will give you deals on them as well if you buy others.

This is him:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c165/mi_k_e/rich3.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c165/mi_k_e/rich2.jpg
And this is my normal:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c165/mi_k_e/004.jpg

They are a little more pricey around where I am because we don't have as many breeders as they do in the states or the UK.

I think that aquarium could work if you can clutter it good.

But I'm not a professional either.

he is cute
is anyone in the north west of the uk as i dont know of any breeders near me just pet shops?
what tthingsw do you reeally enjoy and thrive off of having a ball?