Why Are Ball Pythons Beginner Species?

[kc261]

I'll start off by mentioning that I've seen people say that BPs are not good beginner snakes, so that is part of your answer right there. It is a matter of opinion.

I agree with what has been said so far. BPs have a great temperament, which makes them good for beginners. They also are pretty hardy. If it takes a newbie a little while to figure out how to set up their enclosure properly, the BP is unlikely to suffer any long term ill effects. We've all seen stories of some BP that was rescued after having lived for years with no heat, no humidity, etc.

Although it does require some effort, getting a proper environment set up for a BP is not hard. Also, it does not cost a lot of money. As Rich (Spaniard) pointed out, the bigger difficulty may be in sorting through all the incorrect info to find the good advice, rather than actually caring for the BP. Anyone that is willing to put in the effort and a little $$ can properly care for a BP.

Some of the more advanced species may be dangerous if not handled correctly. They may require food other than easy to obtain rodents. They may require more $$ to set up an enclosure. They may be much less forgiving of improper temps and humidity.

BPs definitely aren't the easiest snakes out there, either. But I still think they are fine for beginners. MANY people on this forum had a BP as their first snake, and were quite successful with it.

You raise an issue that not everyone will put in the little extra effort. This is true, but it is true with every species, even cats & dogs. It is a sad fact that we have to deal with that in this hobby and in all cases of animal ownership, there will always be those few who neglect and/or abuse their animals. If we started saying that animals that require a little effort to take care of them properly should not be beginner species, then pretty soon PETA would have their way and no one will own any animals at all.

[DutchHerp]

Hence my point... most newbies don't know/care for this.

Never said all newbies, most newbies. Not stereotyping here.

There will always be people that don't invest enough time or knowledge into keeping a live animal. Does that make the animal any harder or easier to keep healthy and happy, not IMO. Its all about the time and energy people are willing to put into it. Saying that all newbies don't have a clue is pretty much a stereotype like any other.

Trust me, I'm well aware that there are people like that. I'm getting the feeling you guys don't get what I mean.

Why are Ball Pythons beginner species if there are so many variables that should be taken into account to have a healthy, stress-free animal?

[SlitherinSisters]

I definitely hear where your coming from!!! As a beginner not long ago I found BPs to be extremely hard to care for and get everything exactly right! I agree with those who say the temperament and size is the only reason they are classified as beginner snakes.

[DutchHerp]

When I'm helping friends get over their fear of snakes, I don't give them a cornsnake. That would be honestly stupid of me.

They're not as easy to handle, and to be honest, I've had more 'hungry' colubrids try to eat my hand then ball pythons. They move faster, while balls are easy for the beginner to hold. How hard is it to hold a snake rolled up into a tight ball and isn't moving compared to a skinnier fast and slithery cornsnake?

Eh, my BPs are never in a ball when I'm handling them... it's a sign of stress, I'm sure you're well aware of that.

[Nate]

Based on what you've owned and through your own personal knowledge - create a list that you would suggest to new owners... Where are ball pythons on this list?

Ball Pythons are not hard to care for, IMO... granted - they are the only Snake i've ever owned, so my experience is limited.

I did own some crested geckos. They were a lot harder to care for than ball pythons.

My bp's set up is minimal and I've got monster feeders that still make me jump every time I feed them.

People want a snake that will get big, but not too big. Ball pythons are perfect for that. Their full grown size is an appeal to a lot of people.

I'm sure they are a little more challenging than corn snakes - but I don't see that as a reason to say they're NOT good beginner snakes. I don't think it's essential that you START with something like a corn snake. I started with BP's, like a lot of people did, and don't regret it.

The best way to learn is through first hand experience. Yes - at one time I was one of these kids that had a tank with a heat pad and didn't know what I was doing. That's why I found a forum like BP.net and started asking questions. There is NOTHING wrong with that.

[Spaniard]

Because some people don't want a colubrid to start out with, and if you don't want a colubrid what choices are you left with?

My point is that anything could be a beginner species given the proper amount of time, research, effort and money.

[blackcrystal22]

Eh, my BPs are never in a ball when I'm handling them... it's a sign of stress, I'm sure you're well aware of that.

Not necessarily.
I don't think ball pythons ball up because of stress at all. Hence their name 'ball pythons' they will ball up when they are frightened or concerned about their surroundings.
I would be concerned if an animal 100x my size picked me up and tried to play with me too. A perfectly stress free snake can ball up because it is afraid of the owner. I personally only have 2/6 that will frequently ball up, but it really depends on the snake. All are in the same set-up, temps, and eat each week like clockwork.

[DutchHerp]

Based on what you've owned and through your own personal knowledge - create a list that you would suggest to new owners... Where are ball pythons on this list?

Ball Pythons are not hard to care for, IMO... granted - they are the only Snake i've ever owned, so my experience is limited.

I did own some crested geckos. They were a lot harder to care for than ball pythons.

My bp's set up is minimal and I've got monster feeders that still make me jump every time I feed them.

People want a snake that will get big, but not too big. Ball pythons are perfect for that. Their full grown size is an appeal to a lot of people.

I'm sure they are a little more challenging than corn snakes - but I don't see that as a reason to say they're NOT good beginner snakes. I don't think it's essential that you START with something like a corn snake. I started with BP's, like a lot of people did, and don't regret it.

The best way to learn is through first hand experience. Yes - at one time I was one of these kids that had a tank with a heat pad and didn't know what I was doing. That's why I found a forum like BP.net and started asking questions. There is NOTHING wrong with that.

I do disagree. I'm still pretty pissed at my sister for not knowing what the hell she was doing, but my first snake, my cheynei, got a lot of money put into him.

Because some people don't want a colubrid to start out with, and if you don't want a colubrid what choices are you left with?

My point is that anything could be a beginner species given the proper amount of time, research, effort and money.

My point is that beginner snakes should not need to have all that much time, research, effort, and money put into it.

[ChristinaP]

Hence my point... most newbies don't know/care for this.

If they're really truely responsible pet owners, they will

[kc261]

Most colubrids in the pet trade have great attitudes.

Although this statement is more or less true, it is not true in the same way it is for BPs. Most BPs have excellent temperament from the second they hatch until they die. I've even seen plenty of people talking about taking a mother off her eggs and she only hissed.

Most colubrids are spastic as hatchlings, which can make them a little difficult to handle by the time you consider how delicate the little things are. They may bite and/or musk. They rattle their tails, which to some is quite intimidating.