First Time BP Owner, Advice Welcome

[Motley]

Or rather, soon to be. I plan on picking up my first ball python in September at a nearby reptile exhibition, as many reputable breeders from the area have nice offers there. This will be my first reptile pet, and I would love some advice to make sure he's as happy as possible. Here's some quick information to get started.

- Planning on getting a male.

- I want to keep him in a plastic tub, at least until he's fully grown, as a PVC enclosure is beyond my budget at this time. However, I don't have a rack system, so I'd love some information concerning the safety of lids (such as if you can keep one on, best means of securing them if so, etc).

- I intend on getting two identical hide boxes (the simple black rectangular ones) and a water dish he can't easily tip, as well as either a newspaper or newspaper and aspen substrate. Unsure if I need anything else in a little tub? Besides the heating pad and all that.

- I do have a seasoned herp owner friend to help me set up the heating pad and other required wiring once ready, so that shouldn't be an issue, but recommended brands would be lovely.

My partner and I are both excited for the little guy, and I really want to avoid any mistakes that might stress or even harm him. Thanks for your time!

[BCS]

Which reptile expo are you planning on going to?

They will have pretty much everything you need.

As for a tub set up, the lid should lock around all four sides. Using something heavy to hold it down sometimes isn't the most secure way, although I have done it successfully, I would not recommend it as a permanent fix. I am not sure how else you would do it though. Maybe someone else has a better way?

Do not forget that you need a thermostat with that heat pad. I would recommend heat tape instead. it is way cheaper and less prone to bending the electrical components which is a huge fire hazard with heat pads. If you really want a heat pad though, they are all basically the same and pretty much any brand will do the job.

If you are getting a really young BP, fill the tub. Make it crowded to give your BP some more security, even if you have hide boxes. This will help out with feeding and taming. Also, the reptile expo will be your best place to stock up on frozen thaw feeders. Usually they will be on sale, plus they are their to help you find the best size for your BP while you have the snake in your hands.

That is all I can think about now.

[hazzaram]

I keep mine in locking tubs but I find the middles kind of weak so I use luggage straps from the dollar store for extra security.

[bcr229]

I keep mine in locking tubs but I find the middles kind of weak so I use luggage straps from the dollar store for extra security.

I see those advertised as "latch boxes" here in the US, they're probably the same in Canada. If you can find a 34-quart tub that will suffice for many years, maybe even the life of your little guy, or until you save up for a PVC enclosure. Just clutter up the inside so he feels secure.

I like the luggage strap idea, though any strap that can't slip or stretch will work.

[redshepherd]

You'll need a hygrometer inside the tub- you can get an Acurite hygrometer at any old Walmart or amazon for $10.

[Motley]

The reptile expo is the one in Toronto, Canada. I think it's just called the Reptile Breeder's Expo up here.

Heat tape sounds great! I hadn't done much research into it but I'll definitely check it out. Same with those luggage straps.

A question: When it's safe to handle the little guy (after he's settled in and a day and a bit after he's eaten and all that) is it okay to lift the hides to pick him up, or will that make him mistrustful of them?

[kriegsmom]

I've never done anything else but here's how I do it:

I keep my ball python in an 34qt sterilite bin (latches on the short ends) with 5 holes on each side (here, it keeps at about 65% humidity aka perfect sheds every time). He can stay in this for a while longer. He still isn't even close to outgrowing it. If you get a hatchling, I recommend a 28qt.
I don't use anything to keep pressure in the center (mainly because he is still young).

I use 2 medium hides (keep in mind that my ball is a lot bigger than he was when he was a hatchling so, i recommend 2 smalls) from amazon (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o01_s00)
And this bowl (heavy and and he cant tip it) also from amazon (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o00_s01)

I've never used heat tape so, I can't advise you on that. But, I use zoo med heat pads (the kind you see at petco/petsmart) with a thermostat from amazon (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o00_s00)

As far as lifting the hides, a ball python will spend almost all their time in one hide or the other. So, lifting the hides will be almost necessary. As long as you stroke him before you lift him, he should be fine. Give him a couple of days before you feed him (2-3) and then feed him. Wait a day or two then start enjoying your new pet!

Sorry if this really dragged on. I just wish someone told me all this when I first got my python. Have fun!

[Motley]

Thanks for the helpful links and advice @kriegsmom! I was looking at the small versions of those black hides for him definitely, as I found a canadian run store that carries them and others for really decent prices. And I don't mind answers dragging on, since I wanted this thread to basically be 'things I'd wish I'd known' so I can avoid mistakes as much as possible. : )

[anicatgirl]

I lift my hides after I stroke my girl so I don't scare the crap out of her. Umm. Heat pads go on outside (on your list it looks like you say inside, just making sure ) Thermometer and hydrometer, digital preferably; you can put the probe on your hotspot (under bedding) and run the cord to the outside display. You don't NEED anything else in there, some like to climb, most don't. It depends if you're getting a clear tub or not if the aesthetic bits would even show for you to see. If you DO get a clear one you might need to cover some (I covered 3) of the sides to keep the little one from getting too anxious or stressed by seeing the big world. Seriously, read, and read more. This forum is pretty educational and it can at least help to show you what not to do.

[stickyalvinroll]

You're thinking about it too much.
Heat pads plug in with a thermometer to control temp.
Lid if you don't it's strong put some books on it
Melt some holes on the sides of the tub
Newspaper works good