Full Grown Ball Python in 20 gallon?

[Sonny1318]

Should of clarified 20 long for a male in my first post. To each his own. FYI In Kevin’s (Of NERD) books, he states some pretty similar stuff. Like I said old school. I’m pretty sure your top breeders aren’t excactly giving them much more floor space. Also pretty sure most people on here with larger (retics) don’t have tanks long enough for the snakes to stretch out in fully.

[Sonny1318]

At a minimum the snake should be able to stretch out its body fully in the enclosure so I would use that as a baseline for determining what size is appropriate once the BP is full grown.

Maybe, but what about people with giant constrictors? And breeders?

[Sunnieskys]

20L is to small. I moved Odyn into his 40. 20 l and the hides (bean farm) were only 2 in from the front of the glass, and with all the plants and water dish it was a nightmare. Everything was cramped including him.

[Bogertophis]

Maybe, but what about people with giant constrictors? And breeders?

As far as being able to stretch out...I know that when I had a special permit (re some hots) from CA Fish & Game, their stipulations included a formula (the details I
cannot recall exactly now but it's probably quite searchable) that had to do with the length & width of the enclosure compared to the length of the occupant. It wasn't
strictly that the length equaled the length of the snake, but it was far larger than what many if not most breeders provide: I thought it was quite fair, and they were
pleased with the housing that I provided (very large glass tanks with secure tops I made which couldn't be pushed off) per the required inspection. I'm pretty sure that
at least some other states have similar regulations, fyi. It's not something they go looking for, but if you're in violation of another thing, it's the sort of thing that adds to
whatever you're in trouble for. Happy to say F & G was always very nice to me, but that's what happens when you reach out to them first...it's different if they have to
respond to a complaint about what you're doing.

[vrp98]

Thank you!

[vrp98]

You are definitely right. I see what you are saying. I definitely will have a serious talk with him about it. I mean, I have been researching ball pythons for months. Him? A week or two. Thank you for the advice!

[vrp98]

I don't think I will have to upgrade tubs for awhile once I get my ball python. I have a 25 qt sterilite tub. That will give me time to convince my dad about tubs. To clarify, my tub has lots of "decorations" in it. Two hides, water bowl, leaves, branch, wooden log, corkscrew wood. I have the majority of my supplies already. Just need cleaner (any suggestions? I was looking at F10SC), herpstat 1, a scale, substrate, and of course the ball python.

Another thing that kinda makes me upset - my dad wants me to get a bp from pet store because it's "cheaper." No way am I letting that happen. I look at quality of life, and I can tell you those pet store animals weren't bred from that.

[MR Snakes]

I want to know more about snake lady at work and what spell she has over Dad? Tell Dad you're an adult and can determine what is best for your snek. You'll ask him if you need something. But someone putting up the money to care for a snake should do so then butt out. Just my $.02.

[55fingers]

Another thing that kinda makes me upset - my dad wants me to get a bp from pet store because it's "cheaper." No way am I letting that happen. I look at quality of life, and I can tell you those pet store animals weren't bred from that.

I definetly don't recommend getting one from the pet store. They often have stuck shed, R.I, mites, or won't eat. They aren't kept in ideal enclosures so they get stressed and go off feed and I've heard a lot of pet stores tend to just force/assist feed instead of trying to actually fix the problem. Much better to get a quality animal from a reputable breeder. Reptile expos are nice cause you can hold the snake and ask a lot of questions about the animal and how the breeder keeps their snakes. But some people rather order from morph market etc. Think you're gonna go for a morph or a normal?

[vrp98]

When I was 12, I bought a hamster from a pet store. He lived for three months. Ever since then, I promised myself I would never buy an animal from a pet store. I learned my lesson. I completely agree with what you are saying. Plus, according to the employees, the ball pythons there are really pissy.

- - - Updated - - -

Also, I really want a pastel ball python.