thanks for all the advice. I have had my ball for a little under a year. it has taken me 6 years to convince my wife to let me get a snake. the 6 yrs i have been doing alot of searching online and at reptile shows learning how to take care of balls. i am no expert by any means, but i do have basic knowledge. i am in the process of trying to grow my collection, but as i mention, its hard getting past the wife. lol. thanks once again for the advice and i will keep you posted on what i do.