BP Questions

[Byrdie]

Hello i have been researching snakes for a few months now and I wanted to ask a few questions before i made a purchase of a snake.

1.) Why a Ball Python?

2.) I have heard buying from a pet store is a no no because they might not eat why is that?
3.) also what is the price to pay for a "Normal" Ball Python i have seen them range form 45-100$
4.) I have seen tanks from the size of 30 gallons to 55 gallons however the only tank i have available is a 300 gallon tank is that too large or does it really matter?
5.) Also some people swear by real plants and some swear by fake plants what are the pros and cons of real and fake?


Thank you for reading this and taking the time to answer

[anatess]

Hello i have been researching snakes for a few months now and I wanted to ask a few questions before i made a purchase of a snake.

1.) Why a Ball Python?

They generally exhibit a reluctance to strike unless extremely stressed or think you are food.

They are hardy - that means, they don't easily belly-up and die when their husbandry is less than perfect.

They are big (4 feet long average as an adult) but not giant.

They come in a myriad of colors.

2.) I have heard buying from a pet store is a no no because they might not eat why is that?
3.) also what is the price to pay for a "Normal" Ball Python i have seen them range form 45-100$
4.) I have seen tanks from the size of 30 gallons to 55 gallons however the only tank i have available is a 300 gallon tank is that too large or does it really matter?
5.) Also some people swear by real plants and some swear by fake plants what are the pros and cons of real and fake?


Thank you for reading this and taking the time to answer

2.) I wouldn't say buying a ball python from a big box pet store is a no-no. Generally, big box pet store snakes are captive hatched and are raised in a stressful environment. Therefore, they can be very finicky. But, if you know what you're looking for, there are good snakes in the pet stores too.

But, for newbies, you can't go wrong with getting the snake from a reputable ball python breeder. They usually sell only snakes that are well-adjusted, healthy, and eating.

3.) You can get one for $35 plus the cost of shipping.

4.) Yes it matters very much and 300 is waaaay too large. You can get a small plastic container if you buy a baby snake and get bigger containers as the snake grows until you go to the 30L tank size which is as big as you'll ever need.

5.) Real plants may carry fertilizers and pesticides that are harmful to your snake. Fake plants may have sharp wire that can hurt a snake. For any plant real or fake, the snake can crush it. So, as long as you know what to look for in plants - real or fake - it's okay to use it.

[rexrem]

1.) Why a Ball Python?

I also asked myself this before I got hooked with them and this is why...

-They are very docile, this was important to me because I also want my 4 year old to handle my snakes with supervision. I agree when people say they are the labradors of the snake world.

-They are laid back and move slowly when handled. They can just stay on your lap and chill. I have a corn snake that moves a lot when handled. Some say they are boring but if your the type that wants to relax when handling your snake, ball pythons are for you.

-Their size is perfect for me. I find corn snakes too small and I don't like giant snakes because they need big enclosures.

-They are just beautiful. Even the normals are awesome.

I think if you give a ball python a good environment, you won't have a hard time feeding them. It's normal for them to go off feed when they reach sexual maturity and it's breeding season but hatchlings and juveniles should eat well.
My 4 month old pastel went on strike and did not eat for a month. The heat was perfect, she had hides on her tub and I even offered her live food eventhough she was eating frozen thawed rats before that. Then I found the culprit, I moved her to a bigger tub and she was stressed out. She felt move secure in the 16 qt tub then in the 32 qt. When I moved her back to a smaller tub. She ate frozen thawed like nothing happend.

Just give them the proper environment and care and you'll soon find out why ball pythons are great pets!

[PitOnTheProwl]

My answers regardless of others LOL

1.) Why a Ball Python?

I do/did not like any type of snake up until a couple of months ago. We were on our vacation (first week in october 2010) from work and the wife and I stopped in a small pet store just to look. Well she found a banana king that she fell in love with and wanted. So we got it andthe ball started rolling. I still dont like snakes!! I have come to realize it is the speed they move. We went in to buy some mice for Nibbles and they had 5 balls from a local breeder. Well they talked me into holding one. It sounds crazy but this little girl gave me some funny feeling. Kind of like my Staffordshire (Marley) did before I lost her to cancer. I was calm and relaxed and couldnt believe it (I know compairing dogs to snakes shows how screwed in the head I am)

2.) I have heard buying from a pet store is a no no because they might not eat why is that?

I think it really depends on the store. There are some that are leaps and bounds better than others. Example: (Petsmart just because its a BIG name) you can go into 3 or 4 different stores and find one good one and the other three will only give their animals minimal requirements. So it kind of help to really look around. I like "Mom & Pop" shops because they dont have millions of dollars backing them and you get to deal with the owners face to face. I would rather pay a little more to get the one on one and have someone that really listens.

3.) also what is the price to pay for a "Normal" Ball Python i have seen them range form 45-100$

The shop we got our two first normals were $25 each, I have seen them as low as $20. Try to find a breeder in your area, they will almost always have normals.

4.) I have seen tanks from the size of 30 gallons to 55 gallons however the only tank i have available is a 300 gallon tank is that too large or does it really matter?

A 300 is HUGE but I think it could be doable depending on your funding? Its gonna take A LOT to clutter it up so your snake has plenty of areas to feel secure. Plus it will take even more to be able to maintain your humidity and temps. For what your are going to spend on UTHs and lighting, you could probably get a 20 long and everything a lot cheaper than it would cost to set yours up. Most here are going to try and push you into tubs, I would rather have more area for my snakes to move AND something my wife can look at and say "That is pretty"

5.) Also some people swear by real plants and some swear by fake plants what are the pros and cons of real and fake?

Ball are heavy bodied animals and they will crush even fake plants. I am sure the live plats would help A LOT with keeping up the humidity if you decide to set up the big tank. I just dont know how well the plants would last with the snakes on them Also, as stated, chemicals in the plants could cause problems with your snakes.

Good luck on what ever you choose.

[Byrdie]

Well thank you all for the answers

Well it looks as though ill be getting a Ball Python (for myself as a Christmas present).
I will be using the 300 Gallon Tank (LOTS of clutter)
I have 3 UV lamps already so heating shouldn't be a problem (Used to Own a Beardie)
As for plants i still haven't decided admittedly Fake plants are easier to care for and easier to clean up after and the thought of my snake dying because of a plant kinda scares me i mean of all the things to kill a snake the plant does it >.<
and as for food i know they only eat every 7-10 days lets say a baby bp how much and of what do i feed it? I'm assuming Pinkies but just one or multiples?

And thank you for answering again im just the type to do my research before i commit lol god it was almost 10 months before i bought my Beardie(RIP Geezer)

[Byrdie]

I will be using the 300 Gallon Tank (LOTS of clutter)

Correction i am going to use a 150 gallon Tank i sold a few years ago he said it was just sitting so he is giving it back to me(sold it to him for 300) lol perfect investment if you ask me.

[Emilio]

Correction i am going to use a 150 gallon Tank i sold a few years ago he said it was just sitting so he is giving it back to me(sold it to him for 300) lol perfect investment if you ask me.

A tank that size is good for a 10 foot burm not a ball python. A BP thrives in small secure areas, in Africa they hide in termite mounds very tight spaces a tub or 10 gallon tank would be a wiser choice to start off.

Hope this helps good luck picking up your first ball python they are great your gonna love them.

[Byrdie]

A tank that size is good for a 10 foot burm not a ball python. A BP thrives in small secure areas, in Africa they hide in termite mounds very tight spaces a tub or 10 gallon tank would be a wiser choice to start off.

Hope this helps good luck picking up your first ball python they are great your gonna love them.

So i have heard but its either a 300 gallon or a 150 and I'm going to use a lot of clutter i have a quite a few of the basics UV light hideaways food source so on and so forth. in the next few days or so I'm going to be picking up the plants and the bedding and have the tank set up long before the snake actually gets to me (so excited) but i think i might have to get one from a breeder because i don't really trust petco

[Byrdie]

Just an Update for those wondering i have a 150 Gallon Tank BUT! i have it closed off so the snake can't really get to the other side of the tank as well as a tub for him to grow up in i also have a nice bag of moss and a container already cut and melted to be smooth i have 2 store bought hides one plastic the other wood a nice watering dish and some Paper towel from Lowes the shop towel kind for substrate ...uhh temp gauge a humidity gauge found a store a few miles away that sells F/T and live mice / rats i have 2 heaters in my room although only one runs at a time....annnd a zoomed heating pad and a bunch of clutter...am i missing anything before i make my purchase?

p.s. The 150 / 75 gallon is only temporary i might have a 30gal before i make the purchase depending on the prices at petsmart / petco

[PitOnTheProwl]

sound like you are on the right track