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New, Son wants a BP
So my oldest son wants a BP, he just turned 18, starts community college in 2 weeks and still lives at home.
I'm okay with him getting one.
Was looking online and want to know if anyone purchased one from this website and if they are reputable NC Reptiles.
Also, I've read about reason not to get one from Pet Store's like PetSmart which make sense.
I also wanted to know what is required for the basic setup for a BP. PetSmart does have the following: Deluxe Snake Kit
Or is it better to just purchase items seperately.
Thanks.
Joe
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That's a horrible kit for the ball python, a nocturnal snake that needs high humidity. It is best in something without a screen top, unless he wants to be putting wet rags on top and while this works for some people, it is not for me as I do not like the smell of that.
A lot of people put them in tubs, or you can buy a vivarium (I believe that is the type without a screen top but not sure).
Anyway, basic set up is under tank heater with thermostat (to prevent burns), bedding of choice, and two identical hides (one for the warm side one for the cool side). I like mine in tubs for the cost and humidity. Just melt some holes in with a sodering iron or drill them in carefully, not too many. The tub size can increase with age and size. I use paper towels, but a lot of people like shredded aspen or newspaper etc etc. And a water dish. The hide should be able to fit them so that they can touch 3 sides (not TIGHTLY but tight enough).
No heat lamp is needed. Light stresses them out if its too bright, and they prefer belly heat as they don't ever bask in the sun.
I probably left something out, but that is why it's a forum
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Registered User
Re: New, Son wants a BP
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...s%29-Caresheet
Read through the care sheet it will help answer tons of new owner questions.
I would not by from petsmart or any places like that they usually dont take good care of their animals and mark prices up way to much. someone else should be able to chime in on that site you looking at.
I would not get that snake kit you dont need heat lamps, basic set up will be a tub or tank with a uth ran to a thermostat a substrate like aspen, newspaper, etc. a water dish and two hides
Last edited by dirdad; 08-01-2011 at 07:28 PM.
0.1 Normal
0.1 Yellow belly
0.1 Viper boa
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Yes, read the caresheet dirdad posted.
A tank setup is not all bad. You would need to cover the screen top with wax paper or foil and carefully seal it down to help hold in humidity. I also use cypress mulch as substrate which also holds humidity better than paper towels or aspen. And I mist every 2-3 days normally and every day when Ella goes into shed. It's marginally more work than a tub, but I like having her vivarium visible all the time. Do NOT get the snake habitats sold by PetSmart etc. Waste of money. The Critter-Cages they sell though are good. Ella is a fully grown adult female 44" long and about 1200 grams. She resides nicely in the 40 gal breeder size Critter Cage.
The Ultratherm UTH from Reptile Basics is a good choice. Place that at one end and plug into a thermostat (you can find a good one at Reptile Basics too). Keep the hot spot at 90-92 and ambient temp should be about 80. An Accurite thermometer from Walmart for $12 is how many of us measure those temps. It shows the ambient temp and has a probe to measure the hotspot and it also measures humidity.
Here is a pic of Ella's set up to give you an idea what I do. I use wax paper sealed around the edges of the lid to cover the screen. There is a 1/2 inch gap along the back side for ventilation....
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Re: New, Son wants a BP
Hello, and to BP.net...
"Cry, Havoc! And let slip the dogs of war..."
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Re: New, Son wants a BP
to BP.net.
1.0 Normal Ball Python (Slinky)
 RIP-2004 0.1 Samoyed/Collie (Tippy) 15.5 Years Old.
 RIP-2017 0.1 Labrador Retriever (Bitsy) 13.5 Years Old.
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Registered User
Ball Python named Mr. Stubbs, Snow Corn named Pinky 52 1/4" at last shed
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Re: New, Son wants a BP
Welcome to BP.net Any more questions you may have please feel free to ask!!
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