New here

[Nate]

Hi! I have been doing TONS of reading on here, but this is my first post. I do not own a ball python, yet.

Welcome

I want to do all the proper research and have everything setup before the purchase.

Very smart idea. You've come to the right place

One of the things that suprises me the most is that, if I understand correctly, they like smaller tanks?

Yep. Mine are actually in tubs, and a lot of breeders do it that way too. They like small and secure.

This is complety oppisite of what I am used to. I currently own a uromastyx and with them, the bigger the better! I am new to owning reptiles, but am quickly becoming a lover. The uro is my first. I have had her for a little over a year now. She was a gift from a family member for my son, and I made the mistake of waiting till something was wrong to get the internet and start doing the proper research. But I have learned from my mistakes and She is thriving. I want to make sure that I have everything perfect before I purchase a ball. I knew for some time that I wanted a snake of some sort, and have been doing tons of research. I fell in love with ball pythons. I think they are beautilful!
Another thing that i am having a hard time with is; I am from Iowa and I am having a hard time finding a breader. I DO NOT want to get one from a pet store, from my experince they know NOTHING, and I don't want to support them! I also am not sure I am comfortable with the thought of shipping. Any suggestions? Approx how much do they cost?
And am I correct in understanding that they should only be feed every couple of days??
I am open to any advice that you have to offer, and greatly appericate the help!! I want to do this right.
Thanks, Cass

Browse the classifieds section here, there are plenty of hobbyist breeders that will sell you a very healthy baby ball. Shipping would cost about $50, but it would totally be worth it to pick one up from a fellow hobbyist

Make sure you check out the Caresheet on Ball Pythons, too.