Alright so I own a ball python already and my uncle owns a 3 year old RTB that's absolutely awesome! Its turned me so instead of getting another ball I'm going to get a RTB, I'm getting ready to set up the tank here in the next week or so and just want to make sure I've got all my facts/temps/set up info right before I Go buying.


1- Temps need to be about 76-78 for cool and 90-92 for the warm side correct? Is that belly heat or ambient or both? I'll be controlling the temps with a 500r thermostat, and using a UTH.

2- RTB's prefer an aspen bedding to newspaper bedding.

3- Humidity needs to be about 60% to 70%.

4- RTB's don't get nervous in large cages, so its not nearly as important that I start with a 6 quart tub and work my way up as it grows. I was thinking about getting a 32 qt tub to start with. Will that work?

A few questions... Are they nocturnal? Also I've read that feeding schedules aren't the same as for BP's and unlike BP's they can get obese so they don't need to be fed as fast. Once a week up until they are a year old and then every other week after the year mark, can anybody explain this any better, or verify that what I said above is accurate.

Does the 10%-15% rule for weight to feeder weight also apply to rtbs?

There is a disease that boas get, where can I get some more info on that? Is there anything specific I need to know about quarantine for this disease?

And finally, it was suggested I not get an adult off Craigs list so that I Can watch it grow and learn its body language before the snake is huge... So I Was wondering anybody know of any breeders with rtbs for sale. Any suggestions would be much appreciated!