Quote Originally Posted by danmarie View Post

Hello, New to this forum and new to the idea of snake ownership..
My boyfriend and I have talked about the next step in adding to our reptiles, We currently have 5 Bearded dragons and 11 Crested geckos. But have been looking into getting a ball python... I am alright with the idea just lots of
unsures due to I just got over my long time fear of snakes about a month
ago, but ever since then I have been looking at different snakes.

We are currently looking at getting this Pinstrip male( cuz one snake is all we are getting)
We talked to the guy that owns it and he hatched in 2012 he thinks around
Sept or Oct. would get back with us on the exact hatch date. and is
around 12 inches long and 225 grams.We have not bought him yet but
very interested in him we wanted to ask more questions before hand
We know its a small sized snake but wanted raise it up.

We have a few questions first:
1. What would be an appropriate sized cage for him?
2. How often would we feed him? ( we dont want to powerfeed but dont want to starve him)
3. Is 150 a bad price for him?
4. What is a good way to avoid a bad temperament? (handling him we know just anything else?)
5. Any tips for a first time snake owner?
6. How long should we wait to handle him?
7. For a pinstrip does he have good markings?

Thanks for your time and hope you have a great day!! Thanks for your advice and looking
Theres some great Care Sheets on this forum. Go to the "Ball Python Husbandry" Section and it will answer most of your questions.

1. 12 qt tub with heat tape/mat controlled by a thermostat

2. Offer an appropriate sized prey once a week.

3. Not bad at all but not a screaming deal or anything. Pretty standard price.

4. Thats for nature to decide. But yes handling him once or twice a week would be a good place to start. But they like to be dark and warm so dont be surprised when all he does is try to crawl away in search of warmth.

5. Check out the Care sheet i mentioned. Lots of research. And watch youtube videos of other ppls set ups, and check the "comments" to see what others are saying in response.

6. I would wait till you get about 5 meals in him consistantly before handling him on a regular basis.

7. He is a nice Pinstripe

-Ross


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