Getting my fist BP soon a few questions.

[Bunnygirl]

Hello,
I am new here. I grew up with two boa's, and I love snakes but my family doesn't so I just now have the chance to get another. i really love ball pythons so i have decided that They will be the first snake I will get. I have thre other reptiles (going on 5) I currently have a Gargoyle Gecko, a Leopard Gecko, and a schnider's skink. I am getting a panther chameleon in a month or two, and a BP hopefully at the upcoming manchester, NH reptile expo. I just have a few questions about them.
1) If i get a baby what size tank should it start out in? I was told 10Gal is that correct?
2) Is a 20L okay for a full grown male?
3) is there a differance in temperment between male & female?
That is pretty much it. Ohh sorry one more.. 4) This snake is not being kept at my house it is going to be at a good friends house, and then hopefully I can get it to my house, but It can stay with the friend as long as needed (so no worries about it being homeless) How often is handleing needed to become friendly. Is going to see it every to every other weekend okay?
Thanks!

[omnibus2]

1) 10g is good for a baby, but a tub is even better.
2) I'm too lazy to calculate liters to gallons, sorry
3) No; females simply grow larger than males
4) Well once it is eating and is used to it's cage, at least a month or so, then handle it a couple times a week, and increase it to a few times a week

[seeya205]

I am assuming you mean a 20 gallon long which is okay depending on the size of snake, for adult I would recommend a 30 gallon! Balls are usually nice without handling but I would say at least every two weeks you should handle it but not within 48 hours of a feed! Babies do well in a 10 gallona nd can stay in it for 6 months to a year! Males are alittle nicer because females have the babies so they are a little more defencive but both are really nice when handled! Rarely to they bite and I have never been bit in my experience! Welcome to ball ownership!

[Bunnygirl]

Thanks for all the help, yes I did mean a 20 gallon long tank. that sinfor is relly helpful

[trott]

10 g is good for a hatch. 20 might be good for an adult depends on how big it gets. Don't handle it at all for the first 2-3 weeks to get settled.(but offer food). Important if you use a tank to cover 3 sides with something dark. They're shy and don't like the "fishbowl" affect.
After the first couple of weeks you can handle them as they usually are pretty tame but don't handle as much and as long at first , slowly build to frequently.(except 48hrs after a meal or during a shed because they cant see). They'll get used to you.
I've never noticed a diference in temperment between sexes but females get bigger and thicker.

[Kaorte]

I will just state my opinion as well, the more the better right?

1. a 10g is perfect for a hatchling
2. a 20g will be fine for any snake under 2,500grams.
3. I haven't noticed a difference
4. As others have said, leave your new baby alone a week after bringing him/her home. I would begin handling a few times a week for 10-15 minutes. Just make sure not to handle for 2 days after feeding. They don't really "enjoy" being taken out and held they just tolerate it. If you are taking care of your baby the right way then there should be no problems with a timid or aggressive snake.

[Danish newb]

I will just state my opinion as well, the more the better right?

1. a 10g is perfect for a hatchling
2. a 20g will be fine for any snake under 2,500grams.
3. I haven't noticed a difference
4. As others have said, leave your new baby alone a week after bringing him/her home. I would begin handling a few times a week for 10-15 minutes. Just make sure not to handle for 2 days after feeding. They don't really "enjoy" being taken out and held they just tolerate it. If you are taking care of your baby the right way then there should be no problems with a timid or aggressive snake.

Its really nessesary to wait 2 days after eating before handling?
I got told that 1 days waiting time was more than enough!

[Kaorte]

Its really nessesary to wait 2 days after eating before handling?
I got told that 1 days waiting time was more than enough!

I say 2 just to be safe. If you have a bigger snake and feed then a rat then I would say 2. If you are feeding a hooper to a hatchling, then one.

I just feel safer with 2 days.

[Vypyrz]

Its really nessesary to wait 2 days after eating before handling?
I got told that 1 days waiting time was more than enough!

It's best to wait 48 hours, but if you have to move them before that due to cleaning up messes,etc, then just move them gently and try to support as much of their body as possible...

Rob