New to the Snake World!

[Insomniadreams]

Hello all! This thread is intended to allow me to gather all my necessary resources prior to the future purchase/ownership of my Ball Python. I've done plenty of research, and handled one at a pet store the other day. These guys are really cool and I'm looking forward to owning one! Before I go out and spend money on over-priced and unnecessary things, I wanted to post and get info/links from all you guys and gals who are experienced in owning a snake.

So first and foremost, I want to get the biggest bang for my buck. I am a college student and not made of money, but I do wish to invest in this venture of snake ownership. I want good quality items that will last the life of my snake, but wont break the bank.

So with that sentiment out of the way, I want to purchase and create the environment before I get my lil Python. Correct me if I'm wrong but the necessities are as follows:

A 30 gallon glass terrarium (that size will last till adulthood right?)
Two heat sources from the top of the cage
A heating pad below the cage
Digital thermometer/hygrometer
Two hides (one on cool side/one on hot side)
Water bowl
Substrate

I'd like your input on what you have and what you have used; what works what doesn't etc. If you guys could provide me links on specific products that work well I'd appreciate that.

Also, anything that I may be missing, or will aid me in the care of my BP. Thanks for your help everyone!!

[Rob]

Glad you're doing your homework. Two things that jumped out at me is one you need a thermostat to regulate your belly heat. That's not an option, you will burn your snake.
Two, I wouldn't suggest anything with a screen top like they sell at pet shops. They are not ideal for keeping snakes, you will drive yourself up a wall trying to keep humidity. Go online check out something like animal plastics, vision, maybe even a small rack (never know when you will add on) a simple tub set up isn't a bad idea either until you find the enclosure you really want.


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[EL-Ziggy]

Welcome to the forum and your new addiction In. Good job on doing your research too. It'll save you time, money and some stress. You're on the right track with your supplies and enclosure. A 30g tank is long and tall enough but a little narrow imo. I don't think you'll need 2 overhead heat sources. If you're using a tank I'd use a red heat heat bulb or a ceramic heat emitter as the overhead heat source and a uth for belly heat. I prefer Ultratherm uths. The one item I didn't see on your equipment list was a thermostat. To me that's one of the most essential tools you'll need for your setup. If you're on a budget the hydrofarm themostats are reliable and modestly priced. You can upgrade to a higher end Herpstat or Vivarium Electronics unit when the budget allows. Best wishes with your new critter and keep us posted on your progress.

http://www.amazon.com/MTPRTC-ETL-Cer...arm+thermostat

http://www.reptilebasics.com/ultratherm-heat-pads

[spikell75]

Welcome .. you'll find it hard to stick with one ..hehe I started out with glass uth,red bulb,cypress substrate.. etc. My hardest part was humidity will drive you batty. My suggest it to go with single plastic tote with uth, thermostat, hide water bowl.. save up for a nice pvc enclosere or rack system
Lots of sub forums on here to find everything you need.. enjoy your new snake 🐍

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[DennisM]

just in case your homework missed these pages. very useful to the BP newcomer.

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

[TheSquigglyExplorer]

Two, I wouldn't suggest anything with a screen top like they sell at pet shops. They are not ideal for keeping snakes, you will drive yourself up a wall trying to keep humidity.

Hi, Insomniadreams! I'm still suuuper new myself but just wanted to reiterate what Rob said. My girl's tank has a screened lid and I've done everything from paper towels to tinfoil and I am STILL struggling with humidity. Definitely go with one of the suggested tanks, it'll save you a lot of frustration. Best of luck<3

[Yodawagon]

Your set up will just create problems. Many have done just what you're talking about. They always end up on here looking for help. This is what I would recommend.

-good quality thermostat, check out herpstat and vivarium electronics.

- digital hygrometer/thermometer

-plastic storage tub for a cage.

-ultratherm heat pad

[EL-Ziggy]

I live in the Southeast and I guess we don't have the humidity issues that are so prevelant with other keepers. All of my snakes are in PVC enclosures now with the exception of one who's in a QT tub. Before they went into their PVC enclosures most (4 of 7) were in 40g tanks. My ambient humidity stays in the 40-60% range and has even dropped in the low 30% range in the winter. I've never had a bad shed or RI with any of my 7 snakes. When my snakes are going into shed I either mist their enclosures or offer a moist hide. My point is glass tanks with screen tops can work just fine if set up properly and if the snake is well hydrated. I also believe humidity "requirements " are sometimes overstated for many snakes.

[Kiryu]

Don't listen to big chain pet stores, they always upsell. Searching through forums or even investing in a care manual are good ideas. If you want a pretty display/setup I suggest one of the fully enclosed front opening tanks, they have small holes for ventilation and hold humidity way better than screen lids. If you want an 'economy' or cheaper set up, ball pythons do really well in plastic tub setups, and rack systems come in handy especially if you decide to get more. Thermostat is a must, I suggest not going cheap either, herpstat is what I use, I suggest shopping around see what you like.

[bcr229]

Tub, such as a Sterilite latchbox, with secure lid that can't be easily pushed up from the inside by your snake. Available at WalMart, Target, Lowes, Home Depot, etc. for under $20.
Under-tank heat pad
Thermostat to control the UTH
Digital Thermometer/Hygrometer (Accu-Rite at WalMart is $8)
Undumpable water bowl (dollar stores have melamine ones for... $1)
Hides (if you're a poor college student, the plastic containers for Ramen meals work great for baby snakes)
Newspaper for substrate