What am I doing here? I don't even own a snake!

[BrandiR]

I'm working on it though I used to have a Uromastyx that I bought from a pet store, on impulse. I know, I should be dragged into the street and shot! Well, I was younger then and didn't always make the best choices. So, I had no clue how to take care of it. I found what I thought was an excellent forum, LOADED with useful information. As soon as I started being honest about my complete lack of knowledge on the animal's requirements, they jumped on me like a bunch of psychos, so I stopped going there. Well, that's a lie. I stopped posting there. Good information is good information, even if it's coming from a bunch of meanies!

So...that's what brings me here. I want to get a ball python. I'm determined not to make the same mistake with the snake that I did with the Uro, may he rest in peace. So, I was just looking for a place where I have a group of experienced snake owners at my disposal, should I have questions or concerns. This time, I am going to make sure I have every requirement met BEFORE I get the snake. I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that I'll be doing us both a favor

You all should also know that I am not forum savvy. I don't know how to post, I just figured out how to do it here by fluke, and I probably couldn't do it again to save my life. So if I do something wrong, or post in the wrong spot, or cuss too much or whatever, please just politely steer me in the right direction.

For now- I do have one beginner's question. I have been seeing equal amounts of keepers keeping their snakes in tubs and terrariums. A plastic tub? A lot of people do it, so I assume it's ok. But how do you keep the heat levels where they need to be? I swear, I'm not an idiot. But I've thought about this for awhile now! You obviously can't put a light bulb on top of a plastic lid. Am I missing something?

Thanks in advance.....even though I probably won't be able to figure out how to see any answers anyone might give!

PS - I think it's really awesome that you have dancing bananas!

[Daybreaker]

Welcome!

I keep all but one of my snakes in tubs/vivs: to keep their temps up I keep the room ambient temps to the appropriate temperature (~80) and give each an appropriate hotspot. Hotspot being either an Under Tank Heater or Flexwatt on a thermostat so it doesn't overheat (I don't use heat bulbs and ball pythons don't need UV light)

For the cussing I would refrain so you don't get warnings/infractions.

Feel free to ask any questions, however silly they may seem.

[BrandiR]

Thanks, that makes perfect sense!
Note to self : No swearing in the snake forum!

[DooLittle]

Yes! Ask away. Mind your cussing, you will get infractions. Go check out Reptile Basics. They have flexwatt, and thermostats.
I started with tanks, but went to tubs. Love them, once you go tub, you will never go back. Bps are awesome. Be warned, you will become addicted......

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[PorcelainxDoll]

Welcome! Glad you came here to learn how to care for your new friend when you get him.

Like daybreaker said to heat a tub use a heat pad or flexiwatt heat tape. Also all heat sources need to be regulated by a thermostat. There are several thermostats that range from (30$ budget) to over (100$ top quality).

Easiest way to set an ambient temp is to jyst keep the room temp at about 80, but if you keep a cold house like we do you can use a ceramic heat emitter or red infared light bulb on a dimmer.

Glad to have you here!

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[darthkevin]

Welcome to the forum! Tubs are a popular enclosure for people that have a lot of snakes. They keep them in a rack system with either a under tank heater or flexwatt tape regulated by a thermostat. I keep mine in terrariums personally. But I think my ball would prefer a tub because she doesn't come out much.

- - - Updated - - -

Thanks, that makes perfect sense!
Note to self : No swearing in the snake forum!

Ps I used to live in Seattle and Longview Wa. Miss it but coming back to the area before too long!

[PorcelainxDoll]

Awesome pick up! I love his name!!

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[dsirkle]

If you went to a Pet Store they would most likely steer you to a terrarium with plenty of accessories, likely even with a light as this would make them the most profit.
Ball Pythons like to be in a rather small, dark place and a tub fits the criteria at a very inexpensive price. No light source is needed.
If you end up with more than one snake, a rack system would be the most efficient and cost effective way to go.
It is essential to have a source of heat and a method to regulate it.
Look at the care sheets on this site and feel free to ask questions.
The primary mission of this site is to help the novice learn to care for their ball pythons properly.
I commend you for studying the requirements of care before purchasing your first ball python.

[DooLittle]

Here is a link to the care sheet.
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?p=1410665


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[MrLang]

If you end up with more than one snake, a rack system would be the most efficient and cost effective way to go.

If we're supposed to be giving accurate, honest info then shouldn't that be a 'WHEN you end up with more than one snake'?

A heat lamp or heat emitter will fry your humidity and lead to bad sheds. Ball pythons also digest best with heat on the underside of the belly, as this is where the food sits. This is why we use heat pads. Ball pythons also sit inside a small, dark hide for 80% of their life. They don't care a ton where that hide is at as long as it's in a place where there is the right temp. gradient and humidity. These are the reasons we use plastic tubs rather than glass tanks. Glass tanks simply provide too much air flow and not enough temp. insulation to make it easy to sustain the right conditions. They also provide less security than a smaller, less transparent enclosure. It can be done and is done, but it's definitely trickier than a tub.