I'll be getting a BP this spring, my first snake ever and for awhile I was torn between a corn and a ball. What swayed me over to the ball was one of the videos on youtube (I read a lot of forum posts comparing the two for a first snake (including forum posts here) and watching youtube videos describing the differences). Snakebytes did a really good in depth video for first time snake owners on what they considered to be great first snakes - corn snake, ball python, boa constrictor. The boa got too big for me to feel comfortable for a first snake so it was between the corn and the ball...which is what it was from the start. Anyways, when he said that a ball will just sit and chill with you while you watch a movie, that had me sold.

So, since then I have been navigating my mind from corns to balls. I enjoy habitats, not just tanks so that's something to keep in mind when answering my questions.

I also want to put in that I am also a fish keeper (both fresh and salt/reef) so I understand the importance of reading, asking questions and patience before actually getting the animal. I wanted to note this because one of the pros to a corn is that they were easier to setup habitat wise and since a ball required higher humidity levels that it may not be best for a beginner.

Anyways, onto the questions. Keep in mind most, if not everything, isn't set in stone.

Cage - was looking at the 36x18x24 cage for the corn and still kept that as an option for the ball but decided to scrap that idea. I am now looking at a PVC cage from Animal Plastics, I am between a T5 and a T10. My concern is the height on the T10 - I do want to include a branch or two for climbing, is the height on this cage too restricting? Also on the T5/T10 cage, I was looking at the swinging doors (as that's how the exo terra worked), does it matter swinging vs sliding in a secure as possible aspect?

Heating - So with the T5/T10 cage in mind I'd want to get the Flexwatt, however in the guide on this forum it mentioned to have thin substrate/paper towels if you want to use this option. Now seeing as I want a habitat, I'd want to have a good inch or so of substrate...would the snake still feel the Flexwatt on it's belly (as I'd want belly heat to help with digestion). I would think I'd need to get radiant heat on the side of the Flexwatt as I doubt the Flexwatt itself would heat the cage on the hot side high enough with the amount of substrate I want to add - does that sound correct? If so, what features on the Animal Plastic site is adding radiant heat? The White Fluorescent Fixture is just a light right? I'd want a light anyways.

Hides - I don't have the specific hides picked out and when I do my shopping I will be posting asking for feedback. But the plan is to have 3 (with a lot of ground clutter) 1 hot, 1 cool and 1 for the humid hide. Question is, where should the humid hide by located? (cool, hot, middle) also anything but moss to be put in it?

Vet - I hope I don't get a RI with my snake buddy, but obviously these things happen. I found a vet that does exotics that's pretty close. It's not MY vet that I use as I have dogs and cats, so my question is do most of you guys contact the vet prior to any issue to fill out new customer paperwork so if there is an issue you can just make an appointment? Other question is, what do you transport the snake in?

That's all I have for now - Thanks all!