New to the Python Side of Herps

[grim reaper in NY]

I currently own 2 Bearded Dragons, 2 Iguanas and a Leopard Gecko. I have been wnating to obtain a ball python though for quite some time and would like to get some input from the more experienced python owners here in regards of what to look for and so forth.
I will admit, I am a bit skiddish about getting a python simply ebcause I saw a Burmese Python turn on it's owner several years ago. The snake was destroyed and the owner got a pair of boots from the snake's skin. I do not want a snake that will turn on it's owner and prove to be impossible to handle or become a danger to my wife and myself.
Any and all input, thoughts, ideas. etc., would be greatly appreciated.

[DrEwTiMe]

Welcome to the forums!

Well first off Burmese python's get much much larger then a full grown BP will ever get to. They max out at about 4 feet long and are really layed back snakes. They don't mind movement too much and don't mind being held. If handled when they are young they will be more then used to it in a short period of time.

Couple things to know:
1.Be sure to read the FAQ about what you will need to get your snake setup if you havn't already and be sure to test your setup before you actually get the snake in there to work out any kinks.
2. Make sure to feed in a seperate container and never handle your snake after feed(wait about 1-2 days after feeding to begin handling again). Also make sure that you don't touch any prey items before reaching into your tank as the scent will still be on your hands and could cause the snake to strike thinging you are offering food.

**Be sure to read the setup stickies cause there is a lot of stuff that goes into making your BP's home one that is safe and acceptable for them to live healthy. Particulary read up on what you will need for the heating aspect of the setup.

[btrout56]

Ball pythons in my experience make a great first snake. Sometimes they go into a fasting mode and will not eat for a few months but is quite normal. I have never heard of a ball python turning on its owner so I think you are safe there...lol. also ball pythons only get to be 5' or so.

[JeffJ]

Welcome to the forums!

Well first off Burmese python's get much much larger then a full grown BP will ever get to. They max out at about 4 feet long and are really layed back snakes. They don't mind movement too much and don't mind being held. If handled when they are young they will be more then used to it in a short period of time.

Couple things to know:
1.Be sure to read the FAQ about what you will need to get your snake setup if you havn't already and be sure to test your setup before you actually get the snake in there to work out any kinks.
2. Make sure to feed in a seperate container and never handle your snake after feed(wait about 1-2 days after feeding to begin handling again). Also make sure that you don't touch any prey items before reaching into your tank as the scent will still be on your hands and could cause the snake to strike thinging you are offering food.

**Be sure to read the setup stickies cause there is a lot of stuff that goes into making your BP's home one that is safe and acceptable for them to live healthy. Particulary read up on what you will need for the heating aspect of the setup.

feeding in a separate container is not necessary at all. but can be done no issues.

[Nate]

Well, you've come to the right place and I think Ball Pythons are a great hobby to get involved with.

A burm or any other snake of that size will certainly be a handful and should only be in the hands of an experienced keeper. Even then, there is still a good chance of harmful bites.

Ball Python bites are nothing to be scared of. Everyone eventually joins the bite club with a smile on their face and a thought of "oh, that wasn't so bad"

Ask questions and read the care sheets. There's no shame in ignorance around here - we've all had to start somewhere and we all have had questions.

Best of luck to you - let us know when you pick up your ball python

[grim reaper in NY]

I appreciate the input so far. I've actually had some individuals contatc me wanting to know if i would adopt their snakes due to their inability to properly care for them or simply losing interest in them altogether. I hate it when people don't think things through and jump into something as time consuming as this and then want out after a few short weeks or months. It's not fair to the snakes and it makes it even more diffiuclt if they have been neglected to get them back under control again. I guess this is another reason I'm leary...

[DrEwTiMe]

feeding in a separate container is not necessary at all. but can be done no issues.

I stopped doing that a while ago as well. But there are some schools of thought that say to not associate your hand going into as a possible meal. Its said that could make the BP's more likely to strike since the may think that you going to clean something or take them out could be perceived as meal time

[Kaorte]

I stopped doing that a while ago as well. But there are some schools of thought that say to not associate your hand going into as a possible meal. Its said that could make the BP's more likely to strike since the may think that you going to clean something or take them out could be perceived as meal time

The association is a myth.

[JeffJ]

The association is a myth.

+1 i haven't been bitten yet.

[llovelace]