lightbearer, I tend to side with Deborah. I believe research from multiple RELIABLE sources is critical. There are a number of great books and great care sheets out there. Sadly there are a number of very very poor care sheets out there as well I recently read one that had more things incorrect than correct. Multiple sources. My suggestion would be to buy a few good books and read ask questions and read some more. Then start setting up the enclosure it often takes a few weeks to get it stable so that is best done with out snake.
I have my opinions on husbandry we all do. There are things that are just wrong but most are debatable.
Snakes in general are secretive animals and do better seeing than be seen. They NEEd to feel secure in the captive environment hence the idea of small enclosures for small snakes. That is one way I have very successfully placed small snakes in larger enclosures but this requires thought and care to make sure the animal feels secure smaller spaces are easier generally.
Royal aka Ball Pythons will often not eat if they are not 100% secure, if the temps are not correct (either too high or too low) if they are sick, in breeding mode, and a handful of other possibilities.
Research is an important part of keeping exotics, there is often new ideas popping up and old ones discarded so learning is never done. careful observation and notes also is a very good practice it helps to establish norms, so problems may be noticed sooner.
I guess what I am trying to say is never believe any one persons word, everything needs to be cross referenced with others, and not just a forum there is often a follow the leader effect that happens sometimes.
There is one book to my mind stands over almost every other I have seen, I would absolutely recommend it to you and anyone. It is reasonably priced for the amount of information it has and the amount of research it contains. Unfortunately it is the price of many university text books.
Pythons of the World, Vol II: BALL PYTHONS By D and T Barker
http://www.vpi.com/store/products/py...ing_in_usa_can
I would suggest this book over a cage even if it means you need to wait a few months more.
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