New to balls

[Lt0065]

Are ball pythons beginner snakes? I'm new to snakes so how are some economic ways to care for then such as sweater box housing? What supplies do I need

[The Serpent Merchant]

Welcome to the site!

BP's make great first snakes.

Here are a few threads that should get you started in the right direction:

Care: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ius)-Caresheet

Cage Heating: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...t-Thermometers

How to set up a cage: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...e-Basics-*DUW*

If you want to save money don't buy anything (including the snake from pet stores they charge way too much)

Here are some good places to get supplies:

http://reptilebasics.com

http://lllreptile.com

[Munizfire]

I would suggest getting all the supplies up and running BEFORE BUYING the snake. I'll second The Serpent Merchant and suggest that you read those links, specially the care sheet. And yes, they can be considered 'beginner' snakes, since they're not as complex to take care as others, but they do have requirements that have to be met in order to keep them healthy.

To answer you question more directly, you'll need:
- An enclosure (Either a plastic bin/box or a tank, you can buy 10g tanks (assuming you're going to start with a baby or young BP) - around $10-15 in Petsmart and/or Wal-Mart) - so from $4-15 depending on your choice, but MAKE SURE you get a locking lid
- A heat source (UnderTankHeaters (UTH) are the best recommendation, DO NOT USE HEAT-ROCKs) - around $10-25
- A thermostat to regulate the UTH (I'm going to go on a limb here and say that for 'budget' reasons you might want to look at the HydroFarm Thermostats, they around half of the other good T-stats, but they're not great) - $35 for the Hydrofarm and $75+ on the good ones like a Herpstat or VE
- A reliable thermometer and hygrometer to keep an eye on the Temps/humidity (a decent budget suggestion would be an Acurite Thermometer/Hygrometer that does both functions for around $15-20, although those aren't as accurate as we would want, they do their job for the while) - $15ish
- 2 identical Hideboxes (you can either buy them, or make them (more fun and budget friendly (on most cases )) - You can make them from bowls you might have laying around and up to $20 for fancier hides
- A waterbowl (same as above)
- Substrate (you can buy aspen or SOME other wood substrates (someone else should chime in here, I don't know which woods are safe or not, besides aspen) or just use paper towels or newspaper) - 'free' (newspaper) but the substrates are usually cheap.

I think that those are the most important supplies to have for now. It's important to keep in mind that you don't want an enclosure that is too big for the snake, or else she won't feel 'secure' and most likely will lead to a stressed snake




PS: I know some of the items I suggested are not the best of their categories, but budget products.

[JustinAskin]

If you are going to use a wood substrate..... Use ASPEN!!!! It also has a nice smell.

Also remember that a tank is a good start... BUT!! Fish tanks are for FISH not Ball Pythons!!!!

You may as well purchase a rack system off the hop, cause before you know it you will have numerous BP's!!

Welcome and if you have any questions this is the best site to have them answered.


1.0 - Spider
1.0 - Pastel, Het Orange Ghost
0.1 - Pastel, Het Orange Ghost
0.1 - Mojave
0.1 - Pinstripe

0.1 - German Shepherd (Kahlua)

1.1.0 Dendrobates Tinctorius “Azureus”
1.1.0 Dendrobates Auratus "El Cope"

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[CuddleMunkie]

Never EVER EVER use Cedar. The oils in it are deadly to snakes. And while you can totally get away with using a fish tank for a home, it is recommended to use a tub or even a PVC tank. Sure, they'll cost more, but they're easier to maintain humidity in. Or you can make your own with plexiglass like I've seen around on the internet before. Some people do great with just a plain Rubbermaid storage bin for their BP's. (With proper air vent holes and heaters and such, of course! )

But, yeah, totally listen to these guys above me. They're great and I learned a lot by roaming the forums and reading their posts. Balls are wonderful pets. I loved mine dearly.

Here's a site that sells PVC cages and accessories that you can get for pretty good price. http://www.pvccages.com/new/
I was thinking of getting one from there before Penny passed away.

[hitman3303]

Great first snake to get, but read up on them and read posts on here to avoid wasting a lot of time & money. When I started I bought tanks and UTH's, heat lamps, hoods, etc and it was just a waste. I could have just gotten a rack system and been so much better off.

No matter how much you read, experience is the best teacher. You do want to see what other people did wrong so you can avoid those mistakes.

Also I stress to you (I made this mistake) if you get more than 1 snake, make sure you Quarantine (everytime, regardless of who you get the snake from).