I want to get a ball python but....

[Ojarrell]

Hello, first time here, I wanted to post on this thread because I couldn't find an answer to my question on google.

My parents are divorced and I will not be able to care for it at-most four days because I'll have to go to my dads and the snake will be at my mothers house. I want to know by not being able to care for it in that period of time will it be okay?
Should I be worried about the lights, cage getting too hot along with the water and humidity of the cage.

Thanks for the responds

[crosskira]

If I were you I would wait until you had a more stable living situation. That would be my answer to anyone for any pet unless they had a reliable person that knew the care for the pet and took care/checked on it while you are gone. However, it sounds like your mom isn't going to do that and it would be up to you.

That being said, I am a new bp owner and I check on my snake morning, afternoon, and night. Especially as I've been trying to learn and get things right. If I didn't have the ability to check on him every day I would be incredibly stressed out. Of course there are people who go on short vacations and make sure that the snake has everything during that time but I wouldn't be comfortable doing it weekly because there is always a chance something could go wrong.

However, I'll let some of the more experienced owners answer!

[redshepherd]

If you have them set up correctly, 4 days is do-able, but the risk is from not checking if the thermostat malfunctioned.

I'd do research on them first, before deciding if you want one. Read through these stickied threads on the top, especially the caresheet.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/foru...2-BP-Husbandry

[BigJay]

#1 . If you get the proper equipment such as a Thermostat that regulates heat, NOT TO BE CONFUSED with a thermometer which just measures heat and provides no safety in the occurrence of a malfunction ( which leads to severe burns on your pet) the heating factor would be taken care of.

#2. Depending on your cage/tank/tub your humidity should be fine as long as you have it correct in the first place, maybe add some extra sphagnum moss that has been dampened in the case of a shed cycle when you have switch homes or just in general.

#3. Water sometimes tends to be spilled, knocked over, or even pushed out due to soaking, but if you get a large wide, flat bottomed water bowl thats not too deep then you should be fine. Maybe if your Mom could add water when needed if she doesn't have a fear of snakes that would be good lol.

#4. Possibly feed earlier in the day you plan on going to your Dads house.

Hopefully this has given you some help

[Nellasaur]

#4. Possibly feed earlier in the day you plan on going to your Dads house.

See, I would actually recommend feeding on return from Dad's house. What if OP feeds before leaving and the snake regurges or has an issue otherwise while OP is gone at dad's house?

[BigJay]

Hence the "earlier in the day you plan on leaving".....

[Jhill001]

I always joke that snakes are the best pet in the world because you can literally forget you own them for 2 weeks and they'll be fine, but in reality this isn't actually true although useful if you are feeling like having a vacation for a few days.

The minimums for your individual situation:

1. Get timers for any lights used.
2. Get a quality thermostat for your heating unit.
3. You can get a humidity regulator and automated fogging or misting type system (a good one can be more expensive, since you aren't there all the time I would go with a fogger because it's not likely to flood but make sure its also good)

Outside of water and food these types of things would essentially automate your care for you.

The most important part of the whole equation. Is your mom on board? If she's on board and willing to change the water every day, every other day whatever then honestly I wouldn't be worried about it. Is your mom responsible enough to do this? I know we all love our parents but for example, I trust my mother to care for my snakes if something ever happened to me and actually took the time to show her what to do, I have never even let my dad handle my snakes. I know this is kind of a personal question and you are not obligated to answer in anyway if you don't want to, but it is something to think about.

If she's willing to change water and just check a digital thermometer readout and make sure nothing is flooding out I don't think you'll have much trouble, some people like to act like snakes are some huge mystery and difficult to care for, but these are captive bred animals and are generally very hardy if you can make sure the basics are covered.

Another huge risk to your plans of snake ownership is kind of simple, but not always thought about and also not an easy question to ask yourself. I don't know how old you are other than that you are a minor. Getting a snake is something that can be a 15-30 year commitment. Luckily a healthy ball python isn't too hard to sell but this may not always be the case, as we get older, interests and life paths change. I kept reptiles and amphibians from age 5 all the way until I was in high school, you discover parties, girls, boys what have you. You eventually have other hobbies and interests pulling your time away at a time in your life when time for the first time really starts to become limited. I eventually sold off my entire collection aside from the snake and frog that I had since I was young. Part of this is because of the sheer size of my collection, I had upwards of 20 or so different species of snakes, lizards, turtles and amphibians. I eventually joined the military and sold those two off as well. The overall point I'm trying to make is that my enthusiasm for my hobby wavered as I discovered other things as a young adult, I regret being away from it while off in the service looking back on it and it's not something that ever leaves you but think about this and also try and avoid racking up a large collection very quickly. Be measured and sure with every acquisition including this one. Make sure that this is something you really want. It may not be something you consider as a hobby now, but people get one reptile and it often turns into a large part of your life.

Overall, good luck and if you have any questions on care or just the hobby in general don't hesitate to ask either myself or someone else will be able to help.

[Craiga 01453]

I personally think it's best to wait. Can it be done? Sure, IF your mother is on board to help out...
Are snakes "easy" to care for by comparison to many other pets? Sure. BUT, they are still living animals who DO require at least daily checks to ensure the animal is healthy, the equipment is functioning properly, the husbandry is correct, the water is clean and full, etc...

Since it was touched on up above, I'll throw my two cents into the feeding thing: Yeah, it would be nice to feed the day you leave or the night before, but, the regurge issue is something to think about. Will your mother be on top of that and willing to clean up a stinky, partially digested, regurgitated mouse or rat? The other side of that is if you feed while you are home. Now you lose a lot of your already limited time to handle your pet snake while he/she digests. This, in my opinion, could quite possibly lead to a lack of interest due to such limited interaction with the animal.
They also shed, which will limit your handling time. You may go weeks barely being able to handle your snake.

Now, let's fast forward a bit: What are your plans when you move out? Are you going to college? Most dorms and college housing will not allow pets, especially snakes. Who will care for it then?
If college isn't in your plans, you'll still have this animal for 20+ years. Believe it or not, many landlords won't allow snakes, so finding an apartment to rent will be difficult. Also, most young people can't afford to live on their own and need a roommate. Now you have to think about how many potential roommates you will lose because of the snake.

I'm not trying to talk you out of a snake, just saying it may be best to wait. As somebody mentioned above, a LOT of life happens in the next handful of years of your life. Free time can be hard to come by depending on school, jobs, social life, athletics or other activities/hobbies, etc.... That being said, maybe this is your passion and something that becomes your hobby and you make sure to allow time in your schedule for your hobby. Only you know that, though. I would never try to dissuade somebody from keeping snakes if they are passionate and capable of caring for the animal properly. However, if you are passionate now, you will probably still have that passion in a few years once you are in a place in life where you are settled and able to care for the animal 100% on your own.

Any which way, do your research and learn as much as you can about these amazing animals. If you decide now is a good time to get a snake, make sure you have your setup up and running and dialed in BEFORE bringing your snake home.

Good luck! We're here when/if you have any more questions.