Alright, so I've thought of a few more questions.
How hard are they really to take care of?
- it depends. if you have a healthy, well adjusted animal it should be alright. they do have humidity, temperature and security requirements that MUST be met in order for them to thrive. they can be kept in glass tanks or plastic containers (think sweater box). there are two stickes in this forum for each i think and they have GREAT information.
How often do they have to eat, and where can I get food for him?
juvies and yearlings eat every 5-7 days, adults once every seven days. these animals can and do go off feed, generally because it is something husbandry related -- ie, the temps are off, humidy is off or they dont feel secure. balls can take live or frozen thawed (F/T), in the form of mice or rats. some snakes ONLY eat rats, some ONLY eat mice, some dont mind switching. if your snake only eats mice, by the time its fully grown it may be taking 2-3 mice at a time, that is the main reason i think most people switch to rats. a ball should never have to take anything larger than a small or medium rat. large and extra larges are not necessary for the species as they dont get that big and a food item that large could cause serious problems.
I was reading on another topic about a python escaping, does this happen often? Or does it depend more on the cage?
if you secure your tank/cage/box everything should be fine. this does not mean weighting the tank lid down with rocks. snakes are made of muscle. they're incredibly strong for their size. they need something they can not push off. i have a tank with a sliding, locking lid MADE for reptiles. fish tanks with screen lids are not something i'd recommend unless you figure out a way to MAKE SURE they stay locked in their boxes until -you- decide to let them come out, not the other way around.
My mom also seems to think that owning a snake could be dangerous. Is this true?
owning any animal can be "dangerous" i have owned dogs, cats, rodents and now a snake. i get more "omg, what if it bites you" comments about the snake than about any other animal i've ever had. combined. they have mouthes, they have teeth, there is ALWAYS the possibility they may bite. but balls tend to be very relaxed and docile and reluctant to bite. that was one of the reasons i chose to get one. their teeth are small and wont leave much more than a pinprick. if you're bitten? don't jerk away, the animal will figure it out. put it away (the snake) and wash the bite. you'll be fine. as for other dangers... its simple things. don't kiss snakes or other reptiles, don't put large snakes around your neck, etc.
I know I must sound like a total noob, but I'm just trying to gather as much info as I can to present a better argument.. Thanks for your guys help. xD
Originally Posted by ellie.the.strange
Alright, so I've thought of a few more questions.
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