gender differences?

[Cortana]

Hi all- I have been lurking for a while now. I am in the process of setting up a 20 gal. low tank for a much anticipated BP. This will be my first snake, and I think I have read everything on the internet I can find about BP's!
I am leaning towards getting a male, because I understand they will generally be smaller as adults than females. Are there any other differences? in temperment or otherwise?
I will post a pic of my setup once it is complete, but here's what I have so far:
20 gal reptile tank w/ sliding screen lid.
UTH
ceramic 60 watt heat lamp
Ranco termostat
digital temp/humidity sensor- will put on warm side
digital temp sensor for cool side (i figure humidity should be the same on both sides?)
I plan on using newspaper for floor, and the flower pot bases or a small clay pot for hides. I will probably also throw in a piece of driftwood or similar. still need to find some type of water dish- maybe a small ceramic dog dish.
anything I am missing?

Once that is all set up with correct temps and humidity I can finally start looking for my very own BP!!

Thanks for any advise!

[Nate]

Looks like you're on the right track!

If you want a proven male, buy from a reputable breeder, not petco. they don't know squizat.

[_BoidFinatic_]

Sounds good. I use 50 watt day bulbs and 40 watt night bulbs on my 20gallon longs, so the 60watt CHE with a thermostat will give you a good range if it get a bit chilly in the room.

[Cortana]

thanks, I really want to get everything right! I doubt I will ever breed him, but no, I will not be getting him/her at petco!

[Nate]

thanks, I really want to get everything right! I doubt I will ever breed him, but no, I will not be getting him/her at petco!

lol i wouldn't say that. the first snake i bought with no intentions on breeding has evolved into 5 snakes...these boogers are addictive.

[Cortana]

That brings up another question. What are everyone's feelings about reptile/exotic pet stores? Are their animals generally more healthy than Petco's? Do they (sometimes)get their snakes from breeders? There is one in town here I may go to, and i will ask them where the snakes come from. There are a few breeders withing 3-4 hours drive that I will probably be looking into.

[jglass38]

Hi all- I have been lurking for a while now. I am in the process of setting up a 20 gal. low tank for a much anticipated BP. This will be my first snake, and I think I have read everything on the internet I can find about BP's!
I am leaning towards getting a male, because I understand they will generally be smaller as adults than females. Are there any other differences? in temperment or otherwise?
I will post a pic of my setup once it is complete, but here's what I have so far:
20 gal reptile tank w/ sliding screen lid.
UTH
ceramic 60 watt heat lamp
Ranco termostat
digital temp/humidity sensor- will put on warm side
digital temp sensor for cool side (i figure humidity should be the same on both sides?)
I plan on using newspaper for floor, and the flower pot bases or a small clay pot for hides. I will probably also throw in a piece of driftwood or similar. still need to find some type of water dish- maybe a small ceramic dog dish.
anything I am missing?

Once that is all set up with correct temps and humidity I can finally start looking for my very own BP!!

Thanks for any advise!

Looks pretty good. One question I would have is, what is the temp of the room where you will be keeping the enclosure? If its regular room temperature, odds are a UTH set to 92-94 on the hot side will give you the 82-84 you are looking for on the cool side. Heat lamps tend to just dry out the enclosure (which that screen top is already going to do too much of for you). Good luck!

[cassandra]

Don't let the tub people talk you out of your tank. =) You *can* do a glass vivarium, but you must keep in mind they are more work and require regular monitoring, etc. If that's not the way you wanna go or you have a really hard keeping the husbandry spot on with a glass tank, keep in mind many people do go to tubs.

Have a look at this thread for two walk throughs of setting up a glass viv: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=32800

[jglass38]

Don't let the tub people talk you out of your tank. =)

You make it sound so dirty...

[JLC]

That brings up another question. What are everyone's feelings about reptile/exotic pet stores? Are their animals generally more healthy than Petco's? Do they (sometimes)get their snakes from breeders? There is one in town here I may go to, and i will ask them where the snakes come from. There are a few breeders withing 3-4 hours drive that I will probably be looking into.

It really depends on the individual store. I've heard stories and seen for myself that some "specialty" stores are not any better than horrible pet stores. But there are individual stores out there where the owners truly care about the animals they sell. You just have to be ready to carefully examine any store you want to do business with.