Finally I can have a snake for a pet! BUT need some advice from experts

[cartman89]

Hi! I'm new to the snake world (I have kept bearded dragons though before) and I have mainly kept saltwater fish for my whole life(sharks, eels, puffers, rays, lions, etc). I would like to have a ball python, since my mom would never let me, but since I'm at college now I finally can!!
So I need some advice from you experts. I plan on researching stuff in May since I'm busy with tests. I would probably be getting one near the end of June. But I need some advice such as whats the best food? Frozen mice? Live Mice? What Vitamin supplement and how to give it to them. Temperature (i live in Florida) they should be kept at, etc. So looking forward to all the info !!

[cartman89]

Oh I forgot. There's a reptile show in June hear in Orlando. This is where I got my bearded dragon 12 years ago. ANyways, would this be the place to buy a baby ball python since there will be breeders there? If not where should I buy the snake?

[Greybeard]

Hi and hope the exams go well. Im new to the BP world but here is a great care sheet for you to look at.

http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules/...warticle&id=59

[grim reaper in NY]

One thing that concerns me about the prospect of you taking on the responsibility of a snake is the fact you are in college. All snakes are prone to anxiety and nervousness when their environment and "comfort zone" feels threatened or is changed. If you are away at college staying in a dorm or apartment, I would think twice before investing in a snake such as a Ball Python. During furloughs such as Spring Break, Holiday Break and Summer Recess, chances are you would have to bring the snake with you wherever you went in order to ensure it's safekeeping and welfare. This type of continous movement is extremely stressful for a snake and can induce sickness, loss of appetite and even death. These animals are creatures of routine and when their routine and normal balance of things is disturbed, it affects them in many different ways. My first bit of advice to you is to be completely honest with yourself and make sure that you can provide the care necessary to ensure a long, healthy relationship between you and the snake you choose as a pet. I would also doublecheck with college policies if you are staying in a college dorm or frat house to make sure pets like these are allowed. Many institutions strictly forbid pets of this type to be kept in on campus residential facilities.

[cartman89]

Grim,

I have a my own apartment (not at school). Basically I'm living in the city where my school is. So i'm not worried about time and stuff. And I do have roommates to take care of them when I do go home for no more than 2 weeks. Thanks though

[cartman89]

Now what about vitamins? And does anyone know of breeders in the state of FLorida? There is a reptile show coming in June...I'm assuming this would be my best pet to get one from a breeder? Are breeders the way to go instead of pet stores?

[cartman89]

Oh and another question. ABout regulating heat on both sides... how would I go about making one side in the 80s and the other in the 90s? I'm assuming a heating pad to keep one side in the 80s and a basking lamp to keep the other side in the 90s

[blackcrystal22]

Now what about vitamins? And does anyone know of breeders in the state of FLorida? There is a reptile show coming in June...I'm assuming this would be my best pet to get one from a breeder? Are breeders the way to go instead of pet stores?

Oh and another question. ABout regulating heat on both sides... how would I go about making one side in the 80s and the other in the 90s? I'm assuming a heating pad to keep one side in the 80s and a basking lamp to keep the other side in the 90s

There are a lot of good breeders in Florida, but most breeders will also ship. :] Cruise around a bit, some good bp breeders are;
www.baileyreptiles.com Tim and Monica Bailey
www.8ballpythons.com Adam Wysocki
www.bhbreptiles.com Brian and Lori (I can't spell his last name for the love of me)

Those are some good breeders that are big. There are a lot of small breeders on here though as well. Breeders are always a much better choice than pet stores. Don't get advice from them either.
They do not need any vitamin supplements. However, it is important to get their husbandry as perfect as possible with that care sheet above.
Reptile shows are a good place to see a lot of breeders as well. :]

Basking lamps are useless. If you want one for appearance, get a florescent tube light that doesn't emit heat. Basking lamps suck out humidity and make it terrible in an enclosure.
For a baby ball python, you can get tubs (if your not looking for appearance) or you can get a 10 gallon tank. Then level up to a 20 gallon after 1-2 years. Do not go right to a 20 gallon for a baby, it is too much space and is stressful for the animal.

For heat, one thermostat with a proper UTH on the warm side should regulate temperatures properly if the cage isn't overly large. You'll have to get a couple probe thermometers and hydrometers as well.

For food, I suggest switching to f/t (frozen) or asking the breeder to switch to f/t for you. Unless you plan on breeding your own mice and rats, you will have size issues and it will be very expensive from pet stores. You can purchase frozen in bulk from many online stores and pick any size of rat (I suggest feeding rats starting at a rat pup for a baby bp because they are fuller and have a better size capability for ball pythons).

Good luck!

[cartman89]

Why don't I need a basking light? Then how would I make one side in the 90s??

[jrosen123]

hey,

My advice, as a new ball python owner, is to take advice from people on bp.net, as well as through care sheets, breeders etc.

I will leave the specifics up to the experts here, but with a thermostat and UTH on one side, if you cover part of your top (screen lid) the hot side should be around the 90s

good luck