New To Ball Pythons- Any Housing Advice Appreciated ;)

[chelsey0209]

Hi all!
So I'm looking into getting a ball python to add to my reptile collection. So far I only have Leopard Geckos so I obviously need to do some research into BP care (which I'm doing in another tab right now lol). I haven't got a snake yet, our local Pet Shop only has one right now and I'm uncomfortable buying animals from them, they sometimes don't care for them the best. There is, however, a reptile expo coming up in a few months that I'm likely going to and I'm thinking that's where I'll likely pick up both a snake and some of my required items (tank, some feeders, etc).

I was basically just wondering if anyone can give me some basic pointers on BP care and how to set up a tank? I can only find so much through research and it's kinda hard to ask a webpage a question haha.
Thanks!

[eatgoodfood]

Welcome to the site, there is a lot of good information right here in the stickies in this forum. Ill help you out.

Care sheet
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...thon-CARESHEET

FAQ's
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...Husbandry-FAQs

Glass Tank setup
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...p-w-pics-*DUW*

Tub setup
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...e-Basics-*DUW*

As for getting a BP at an expo, that is a great idea. As for getting the tank and everything then, I think not such a good idea. You should have all your supplies before hand, and your tank or tub setup and ready to go so you can trouble shoot any issues. That way you bring your bp home to the proper conditions and hes not sitting in a bag or deli cup while you try to figure out how to set everything up and he does't come into any harm if something does not function as you thought it would.

[nimblykimbly]

Here is a page that might help Yeah, I'd definitely go to an expo vs a pet store... at the very least, you are getting your snake from the breeder who you know cared for it and not from a pet store where you might be unsure. Plus, you can ask the breeder questions about your snake, caring for it, and feeding it and get some legit answers. Good luck! I went to my first expo a couple of months ago and LOVED it!

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...s%29-Caresheet

[nimblykimbly]

LOL yes, what eatgoodfood said

[NormanSnake]

You want to go small on the tank. The tank should have 2 snug fitting hides, and a water bowl. Keep it simple, they do not need anything fancy. The tank should be just big enough to fit the hides and water bowl, with very little room elsewhere. Ball pythons can get stressed when given too much space. If you get a larger tank than needed make sure to clutter it up with more hides or foliage. I would highly recommend not getting the tank setup and the snake on the same day. You should have the tank completely set up at least a few days before bringing the snake home so you can make sure your temps and husbandry are spot on. That's about all I have for now. If you have any more specific questions such as heating methods, etc. be sure to ask.

[chelsey0209]

awesome, thanks guys! ill be sure to check out all the links.
and yeah ill for sure get the tank and most things beforehand, i found out that i can order tanks in to my local pet store so i can at least get the one i want now haha.
thanks so much for all the help, its really appreciated!

[itchmynipple]

i cant find any real information on heating.. besides about uth's and some places saying ambient temp matter and some saying all you need is a good uth and thermostat..

i live in ny, currently the household temp is 70 degrees on average. i use a sterlight bin and 2 identical hides It is using, which is a good sign..

i cover about 3/5 of it with a heating pad and a thermostat.

i know ball-pythons rely on under-neath heat alot, but will the ambient temperature be a problem?

some sources including the one provided above on the first link for tubs say you DONT need anything for ambient room temperature if you have a heat pad and your temps are in the 70-75 range..


given during the summer it will surely be higher and these are the colder months of the year

[chelsey0209]

ah okay. so they definitely need a uth? lots of people say leopard geckos need a uth but my house is usually really warm, so i have a heat lamp with red bulb for them to sit under if they need a bit more heat and theyre both thriving. would a BP be okay with that or is a uth the only way to go? just asking as i may sell my geckos and switch entirely over to snakes and if i could use some of the things i already have it'd be awesome haha.
also, what about substrate? what do yous suggest to have in the bottom of the tank?
once again thanks for all the help!