Am I ready for a Ball Python?

[ReclusiveDemon]

Hey there, everybody. My name's Max, I'm going to be sixteen in October, and I'm having thoughts of getting another Snake.

I already own a Corn Snake named Jasper. I love him/her (Sadly, I don't know Jasper's gender), but recently, I've been feeling passionate for Reptiles. I want to keep them when I'm on my own. I'll admit, this seems a bit impulsive to me, but Reptiles do fascinate me. I handle Jasper alot, and he's never bitten me. He's around two feet long, and I've had him for about a year and a half. I've never measured him accurately, but I'll say he's two feet long at least.

I'm getting a craving to keep another snake. One thing I don't like is that Jasper will always try to slither away from me. He just goes in some direction. Apparently, Ball Pythons are more chilled out. They also more impressive size-wise. But, if I do go through with it, I'll probably end up with more than double the work I had prior. Can I make it work?

I think I'm capable of doing the work involved, but is it worth the trouble? Should I just be patient and wait until later in life to get another scaly pet? I feel unsure. I want somebody Else's input, and that may give me an idea of what to do. Thanks for replying.

[Skittles1101]

I think that if you read up on their care, are able to care for them, and plan ahead I think it'd be a good idea. You seem mature for your age, and ball pythons are pretty much as awesome as they get

[ReclusiveDemon]

Thank you. I'm hesitant because I feel like I could be doing more for my Corn Snake, and if I went and got ANOTHER snake, I think it'd be a little unfair to the pet I have now.

Plus, my house is short on space. I share a room with my brother, so it's cramped and its messy as it is. My parents (mostly my dad's fault) impulsively got another cat a couple weeks ago, but another snake is out of the question at this moment.

[Skittles1101]

Well for the moment then work on your corn snake and give him/her the best life you can, and when the time comes and you think your ready for another snake then look into your options

[LeviBP]

You sound ready! BP's do require a tiny bit more husbandry than corns, but are by no means difficult. Be sure to read the caresheet, get everything together a day or two before your purchase, and you should be good to go!
Keep in mind BP's are a more picky than corns - so try not to get frustrated when they skip a few meals.

[ReclusiveDemon]

Are they more susceptible to health problems? I haven't had a problem with Jasper, and I pray it stays that way, but are Ball Pythons more likely to get sick? Just curious because I was browsing some of the threads where people had sick snakes. I'd be grieving if my pet was sick.

[Quacking-Terror]

Hi Max.

From my limited experience, I don't think ball pythons are more susceptible to illness. However, they do require more attention be paid to proper husbandry, and problems with that can lead to health issues. Too much moisture in the enclosure can lead to scale rot and (I believe) respiratory infections. Wildly fluctuating temperatures can also harm them.

Like others have said, between now and the time you feel you are ready and have the room for another snake, read the caresheet, ask questions, and do your research! Talk to the people you might be buying a snake from as well. You will be more comfortable making a purchase, especially if it's online, if you've established some form of dialogue with the seller.

[Foschi Exotic Serpents]

Moisture shouldn't cause RI but a snake that lays on a wet surface can get scale rot. Of course, you can have 90% humidity without there being surface moisture..

BPs require a much higher initial investment than corns. You would have to price everything and be sure you had the enclosure set up and ready to go before getting one.

Enclosure: tank or plastic tub.
Heat: under tank heater large enough to cover half to 2/3 one side of the bottom.
Thermostat to control the under tank heater.
Thermometer/hygrometer to measure temperature and humidity.
2 hide boxes that are small and tight fitting.

Once you have all that, then you're ready for a BP.

Read the care sheet on this site for all the details.

A 32 qt sterelite tub with licking lid is small and perfect for housing a male BP it's entire life. Unless it turns out to be one of the few males that gets as big as females. Room is less of an issue with BPs as you may think. They spend most of their lives in a rodent burrow or termite mound in the wild. They are seclusive and do much better and eat better in a smaller environment.

[Quacking-Terror]

Thanks for the clarification

[mommanessy247]

Talk to the people you might be buying a snake from as well. You will be more comfortable making a purchase, especially if it's online, if you've established some form of dialogue with the seller.

x's 10! i agree! building a good foundation/ communicative relationship with your seller will give you a good informational asset.

the best advice given on this thread though, is know what you need and get it all set up & running BEFORE bringing a new snake home.
also i dont know the adult length of corns but i'm almost positive they stay on the very small side am i right? bp's can get up to 4 1/2 - 5 ft, so you really need to know for sure that you can provide an adequate home for something of that size? granted these snakes like somewhat cramped spaces but even still i'm sure they'd need a home a bit bigger then that for a corn.