More BP questions!

[Munizfire]

hey guys/gals!

here I am again, asking noob questions before I get my BP. Just want to know all I can before getting it.

Some of these questions were already asked by me on other threads, but never got an answer, so I'm gonna try again.

1- How long will a 10 gallon Glass tank will last (in terms of his/her growth)?

2- I have heard most people use 2 identical hides... Is it wrong if I use 2 identical ones (one on the cool side the other one on the hot side) and a 'cool-looking' one in the middle?

3- If feeding ontop of certain substrates is a concern and a reason not to get it (due to fear of the snake ingesting substrate), why not put the food in a"plate" of some kind until they eat? then you wait for the BP to get out of the plate and remove it?

4- Still can't decide whether to get a male or a female

5- I have read that it is a good idea to keep sharp (think more of rough, not blade or rock sharp) surfaces inside their enclosure, to help with the shed, but im scared that it might damage their 'skin' if they pass through there a lot.

6- I went to a pet store last week and asked an employee to let me handle a BP that caught my eye. She told me that she would prefer not to, since it was always striking at people (employees and customers), but I said sure... Once she tried to pick it up, the snake was striking at her, but she managed to get it, and it curled up in a ball, but once I grabbed it, the BP was super friendly with me, kept running around my arm, and wrapping itself in my wrists. By the way, this happened twice (2 different days with 2 different employees) (I know this sounds a little stupid/childish) but is there a chance the snake likes me, or was it pure coincidence? I know this sounds like a made-up story, but it isn't. the only 2 things that kept me from buying it were that It costed $100 (for a regular that they even didn't know if it was a Male or Female), and that I told a forumite that I would buy from him (at 40 bucks)

7- whats the deal with the ASFs? are they like treats? or just rats that will prolly boost my snake's appetite?

I think thats all for now.
Again sorry for the questions that might pop up a lot, and please excuse my noobnes, but I really want to get everything straight before I buy it


THANKS!

[Kymberli]

1- How long will a 10 gallon Glass tank will last (in terms of his/her growth)? Have you looked into tubs? They're fantastic! A ten gallon tank should be fine for the first year, I believe, but someone may correct me. It really depends on the size of the snake and how quickly it is gaining weight. Some grow slowly, therefore would be fine in a smaller enclosure longer than one growing quickly.

2- I have heard most people use 2 identical hides... Is it wrong if I use 2 identical ones (one on the cool side the other one on the hot side) and a 'cool-looking' one in the middle? I'm sure that would be fine, but if you notice him/her favoring the "cool-looking" hide, you might want to purchase another one of those and use those as the two hides. Sometimes BPs favor one hide to another, which is why most agree that identical hides are best. This way the BP does not stay in their favorite hide and "forget" to thermoregulate.

3- If feeding ontop of certain substrates is a concern and a reason not to get it (due to fear of the snake ingesting substrate), why not put the food in a"plate" of some kind until they eat? then you wait for the BP to get out of the plate and remove it? Most tend not to stay in one specific area when eating. For example, my Albino Milk Snake likes to drag his food across the entire tub before eating it. If I put one small plate in there, he'd be off of it in a second. Also, I've had my BPs drag their rats into their water bowls, which is why I typically remove the water bowls during feeding time.

4- Still can't decide whether to get a male or a female That's completely up to you! Females do tend to be more expensive and get slightly larger than males.

5- I have read that it is a good idea to keep sharp (think more of rough, not blade or rock sharp) surfaces inside their enclosure, to help with the shed, but im scared that it might damage their 'skin' if they pass through there a lot. My BPs are kept in tubs on paper towels with smooth plastic hides, no rough areas to rub on. They each shed perfectly in one piece with no trouble. Many agree rough surfaces are good for shedding, but I believe as long as the humidity is kept up properly they'll shed fine either way.

6- I went to a pet store last week and asked an employee to let me handle a BP that caught my eye. She told me that she would prefer not to, since it was always striking at people (employees and customers), but I said sure... Once she tried to pick it up, the snake was striking at her, but she managed to get it, and it curled up in a ball, but once I grabbed it, the BP was super friendly with me, kept running around my arm, and wrapping itself in my wrists. By the way, this happened twice (2 different days with 2 different employees) (I know this sounds a little stupid/childish) but is there a chance the snake likes me, or was it pure coincidence? I know this sounds like a made-up story, but it isn't. the only 2 things that kept me from buying it were that It costed $100 (for a regular that they even didn't know if it was a Male or Female), and that I told a forumite that I would buy from him (at 40 bucks) Please do not buy a snake from a pet store. They're typically ill-kept and overpriced. This subject is debatable, but I don't believe snakes are capable of affection. Their brains simply aren't complex enough. They thrive off of instinct and that's it.

7- whats the deal with the ASFs? are they like treats? or just rats that will prolly boost my snake's appetite? ASFs are native to Africa, where BPs are also native. It seems that picky eaters tend to accept ASFs more readily than regular rats and mice. They tend to be harder to come across when purchasing, but are a great tool to get a picky eater to start eating again. Some BPs even refuse to eat anything but ASFs

Anyone, feel free to correct me on anything if I'm wrong.

[Daybreaker]

I'll try to help you out:

1) I don't have too much experience with tanks and BPs, but have you thought about a tub? When I first got my BP I put her in a 20 gallon long (she was roughly 300 ish grams) and she wouldn't eat and was always very stressed ( had a hard time with temps and humidity) but once I moved her to a tub, overnight (literally) her whole demeaner changed and she was much more comfortable. She ate consistantly and was much more relaxed. Just something to consider in the future if you have a hard time with the tank.

2) I personally wouldn't think an extra hide in the middle would hurt, but your BP might perfer that over the other two other identical hides and might not want to thermoregulate.

3) If feeding F/T or P/K putting it on top of a paper plate would be a good idea if you have aspen or similar bedding. Again a suggestion: you could always use paper towels for substrate, that way there's no worry of ingestion and clean up is super easy (IMO easier than aspen bedding: you will be able to see messes and possible mites easier as well)

4) Totally your choice! Females will usually get a tad larger than males.

5) I have one BP with a "driftwood" log thing in the tub for shedding purposes and haven't had any problems with her rubbing scales off or causing any harm to her (though she might not even use this when she sheds). My other BP I have nothing in her tub besides her hides, a water bowl, thermometer, and some fake plants and her sheds have been 100% perfect. If you're worried I would suggest not putting anything sharp in there and see how her/his next shed is.

6) I would think coincidence, but from personal experience snakes can sense nervousness/fear from people. I can go right in a pick up any of my snakes and they're happy and relaxed, because I'm not tensed or nervous around them. Now if someone else comes in who's obviously uneasy around them they will tense and also be unnerved. Perhaps since you were comfortable around it it sensed that and didn't strike out while it did at other people who were seen as threats.

7) ASFs (African Soft Furred) are usually used for picky eaters who won't touch other feeders. Most BPs love the little buggers and will usually get stuck on them and not want to switch back over to mice or rats. If you have a BP thats a good feeder on mice or rats and ASFs arn't readily available in your area I would keep your BP on the mice/rats and not try to convert it over to ASFs (I have no experience with ASFs, just going off what I've read!)

Hope this helps!

[Daybreaker]

^^ You beat me to it Kymberli! lol

[Munizfire]

That was fast :lol:, and thanks a lot Kymberli

ok, some replies:

1- In my case, a tank is a better option, (unless, of course it isn't very safe (as I have read, so much confusing info out there:lol) due to space, and If the tank will last around 1 year, that would be excellent, since i'll be moving in 1 year

2- the 'cool-looking' hide is actually a crazy idea I have that will require HOURS and HOURS of drilling, sanding, burning, shaping, etc...to make it smooth and snake proof, from an actual store product (thank goodness that as an electrical engineering student I know my way around many tools). but hell, if she/he likes it, why not build another one

3- Didn't think of that at all! ADHD at work. hahaha

4- from my point of view, a female can be bred in the future (in case I decide to, but highly doubt it, although I love the idea) and most of the names I have thought are female friendly. But, a male will keep SLIGHTLY smaller, and I have heard that on many reptiles, females tend to be a little more aggressive, and males are cheaper (shame on me)

5- ok, might put some slightly rough stuff during shed period. IDK... lol

6- Thanks for the advise

7- Ok. dont want to spoil her then :lol:

[Munizfire]

hmm now the tub is making me think... The problem is that the only place that i could easily fit a tub without taking too much space would be under my bed (college dorm kinda room) and in a tank, I could place it on the table or the desk, or even ontop of my Amp

[Kymberli]

That was fast :lol:, and thanks a lot Kymberli

ok, some replies:

1- In my case, a tank is a better option, (unless, of course it isn't very safe (as I have read, so much confusing info out there:lol) due to space, and If the tank will last around 1 year, that would be excellent, since i'll be moving in 1 year

2- the 'cool-looking' hide is actually a crazy idea I have that will require HOURS and HOURS of drilling, sanding, burning, shaping, etc...to make it smooth and snake proof, from an actual store product (thank goodness that as an electrical engineering student I know my way around many tools). but hell, if she/he likes it, why not build another one

3- Didn't think of that at all! ADHD at work. hahaha

4- from my point of view, a female can be bred in the future (in case I decide to, but highly doubt it, although I love the idea) and most of the names I have thought are female friendly. But, a male will keep SLIGHTLY smaller, and I have heard that on many reptiles, females tend to be a little more aggressive, and males are cheaper (shame on me)

5- ok, might put some slightly rough stuff during shed period. IDK... lol

6- Thanks for the advise

7- Ok. dont want to spoil her then :lol:

The tank vs. tub issue is up to you! Tubs are cheaper, easier to clean, lightweight, MUCH easier to maintain proper temps and humidity. But many people agree tanks are aesthetically pleasing. I started off with a ten gallon tank when I took in my first rescue BP, and let me tell you.. I will never keep a BP in a tank again. Too much hassle, and after having to cover the top, the sides, etc. etc. to keep the humidity and heat in, it ended up looking hideous anyway, lol. Again, this is your choice though. Be sure whatever this "cool looking hide" is that you're modifying is safe and easy to completely clean. If you have the slightest incline to potentially breed, get a female normal. I had no intention of breeding, but after a couple months I ended up wanting nothing more than to breed my own Ball Pythons. If you decide not to breed, you'll have a beautiful female pet anyway! I love the size that females can get too, still small and manageable but not as tiny as most males. Female normals are only slightly more expensive than male normals. Some breeders I've seen sell them for $35-50. The sex of the BP does not determine the temper. Each individual snake is different. My female is a sweetheart, my male normal is the devil reincarnate, and my male Pin is a wuss.

Hope this has helped a bit.



EDIT: Tubs typically take up LESS space than tanks. BPs do not need much head space, so it's all about the floor space of their enclosure. A newly hatched BP can be housed in a 6qt tub (incredibly tiny), then up to a 15qt tub when they get too large for the 6qt, so on and so forth. Male BPs can typically be housed in 34qt tubs for their entire lives unless they're abnormally larger. Females can be kept in 41qt tubs. They really don't take up much space.

[Munizfire]

thanks for the help ladies!


Now, BP.net chime in

[Bruce Whitehead]

I'll chime in... DO NOT put that snake on top of an AMP. Seriously.

Your snake hears through vibrations.

Now that we got that out of the way.

Glass tanks lose heat and humidity, are heavy, difficult to clean, etc. I cannot advise you on how to set up a nice tank, as I abandoned them years ago for those very reasons. I only use tubs and they are all I would recommend, but that is not to say that a very attentive keeper cannot make a tank a success.

Cool hides are fun, but be aware of how easy/hard it may be to clean, etc.

Sounds like you're off to a good start.

Bruce

PS: With proper humidity your snake does not need a rough spot to aid in sheds. (sorry that is a thinly veiled tub plug).

[Munizfire]

I guess I can skip the rough accessories (unless it is having a hardtime shedding)

this may sound stupid, and iM PRETTY SURE the answer is a no, but here it goes, It isn't a good idea to move the tank that much, right? Even very lightly and smoothly? That's what I originally had in mind (Putting it ontop of the halfstack, and moving it to my room when I wanted to play.


And with so many tub recommendations (here and on other threads), I'll give serious thought to it