New guy here!!

[Juan89]

So iv been peekin around the forum for past few days after I held a baby ball python. You guys do seem to know your stuff so thought id join. First off I do not own a Ball Python....yet i fell in love with the baby female I held, and as much as I wanted to take her home then and there I want to do a lot of research before I do so I can provide her with the best home possible. So here I am, any words of advice on ownership, how big of a tank/terrarium should I purchase (im also great with my hands so advice on building one would be cool too) what materials do they like/avoid and well just looking to learn more about the species and ownership and responsabilities that come with them. Also if you can reccomend some good reads id more than gladly look into them. Iv been reading about the basics of them online/forums for the past few days but without asking theres only so much you can learn right! So anywho heres where I turn it over to you guys oh and im from the s. side burbs in chicago so also any reptile breeders/shops reccomendations would be appreaciated. Thanks for reading! And thanks for responding!

[MootWorm]

Welcome! and congrats on your excellent decision to get a ball!
Here's some things I've picked up so far on my short venture into the herp world.

First off, get very familiar with the care sheets! Make a list of everything you'll need to get a good setup running, and do a dry run to make sure temp and humidity is dialed in before coming home with your new guy or gal.

A word on your housing:
I know I was opposed to the idea of a rack when I first got my ball, but now I can't wait til I save up enough to get mine up and running. Mostly so I can fill it with more snakes That said, be careful, because few people are able to stop at just one ball python!

A rack or even a standalone tub is way more economical than going through countless terrariums and tanks. It's also much easier to maintain.

I'm definitely kicking myself now when I think of how much money I've spent on reptile 'junk' that I don't really need. Definitely skip the aquarium that many pet shops recommend. Get a $10 tub at Walmart, or if you want something more aesthetic, go for a quality PVC setup.

Also,be prepared to make mistakes And for your ball to be very forgiving. Luckily there are awesome people on this forum to help out with just about any problem you may encounter

[alykoz]

I definitely recommend going to wal mart or target and just get a sterilite container that is semi-see through (abouttt 3 feet long by 1 foot high) and drill holes in it as opposed to getting a tank. there are much less problems with temp and humidity, it's way cheaper, plus you can still kinda see in if you need to. and I always put a towel over mine after she eats so she can have some nice alone time lol.
I was afraid I had been handling my girl too much after I got her because I just couldn't help it! but now I am noticing her getting more comfortable with me. so my advice is to just build a relationship with your new snakey and respect them
snakes are smarter than people give them credit for. that goes for most animals ;b

[Juan89]

Hey guys thanks for he feedback, i had read a little about the containers,n read that the snakes react well to those over the glass tanks. my thing is how do youkeep the environment at the right temp n humidity for them, because dont they also require a heating element and im not sure how much heat them containers could take. If theres a thread here maybe showing setups or somethin id appreciate a push in that direction

[Drake Moonslayer]

Welcome to the forums and to the enjoyment of ball pythons.

MootWorm is correct in the fact that BPs are addictive and you most likley will not stop at just one. There are always tons of people on this site that are extremley helpful with any questions you have on the care and maintnance of the snakes.

I have switched to tubs and racks because they do not take up as much room as the tanks do, they are easier to maintain and the snakes do better in them.

This is one of the best tub set ups I have seen. It gives a good step by step look at how to set everything up.

Vypyrz Tub Set-Up, The Basics...*DUW*

[Juan89]

That just completely answered my question on the tub issue thanks Drake Moonslayer! Any of you guys know any good breeders or pet shops in the s. chicagoland area that might be worth a visit? Iv heard good things about Chicago Reptile House

[Juan89]

Also, what about general demeanor, i know it varies with their personality. As with us, but what have your guys experience been. Specially if i buy a baby as i plan to. I have read that they are generally docile

[DPBallPythons]

Also, what about general demeanor, i know it varies with their personality. As with us, but what have your guys experience been. Specially if i buy a baby as i plan to. I have read that they are generally docile

Ball pythons tend to be docile, calm and a great python for beginners and experienced people. In my opinion they are a way better starter snake than, for example corn snakes, because they are easier to handle. I can not even imagine switching over to any other species of snakes. Plus there are soooo many different color mutations and patterns. One warning though: they are addictive (and you better believe it!!)

If you have more questions, don't even hesitate to ask us on bp.net. We (or atleast I) love to answer questions as best as we/I can.

[AIngram]

I have to agree completely! They are super addictive! I just got my first ball a few weeks ago. I totally thought one would be enough. WRONG I already have a second and currently working on the hubby to get a third. Plan ahead for the addiction! LOL

[Juan89]

Thanks for the replies! You guys are awesome! I will have plenty of questions as im new to the world of repltile companions haha what big precautions should be taken with them, specially when they are young?