Getting first BP-Enclosures/Keeping

[RockyGurly]

Hey all!
I'm getting my first snake(s? Haven't decided yet) at the WCRE this year in Red Deer, and I think I'm going with a ball python and possibly a BC.

I've seen a lot of different housing, and a lot of contradicting info :S I've seen teeny tiny rack systems, big 50 gallon tanks, clear rubbermaids, small aquariums, and even wooden boxes with screening all used for BPs, and then one lady who has a rescue was insisting they need 6ftx3ftx2ft large enclosures, and another girl on youtube keeping them in little dressers where the snakes couldn't even uncurl all the way. I was thinking of keeping my baby in a clear rubbermaid with a big square of the lid cut out and replaced with screen. I was going to do paper towel for the first two months until he starts gaining weight and pooping nicely, and then move him to some aspen bedding. I'd like to feed him in a separate tub if I can do that with BPs.

I've got the rest of the stuff (warm/cool hidey, water dish, rats, heat pad) at the ready. But how does my enclosure plan sound? When would he need to be moved to a bigger enclosure? The "grow out enclosure" is about 7 gallons but it's more squat with the footprint of a ten gallon, and I've found 20-30 gallon totes similar to it with the footprint of a 50, so would those theoretically work when he gets bigger?
I'm trying to do lots of reading, but I'm one of those people who can never read enough to feel confident about an animal I have to own one to do that.
Thanks!
(oh, and any tips/tricks or recommendations for a newbie are highly appreciated!)

[jclaiborne]

When I got my BP he was about 1 1/2 months old, and I kept him in a 10 gallon tank with a screen top, since then I have moved him to a Vision cage 221 model, and plan on upgrading again when is bigger I plan on upgrading to a T8 which has a footprint of 48x24x12in.

[Mephibosheth1]

I recommend a 20 gallon to start. You won't have to upgrade for a while, and it's much easier to control the temps/humidity in the 20 tank than a 10 IMO

[bcr229]

I'm going to tell you what I wish someone had told me when my first ball python came into the house: build a rack/tub system. Ball pythons are like Pringles, you won't stop at just one.

[RockyGurly]

I`m really uncomfortable with the rack systems Even the biggest ones I could find don`t feel big enough to me. Plus I`m not out looking for a `collection`just a companion (lord knows I`ll be spending enough money taking in rescues that I can`t go out and buy a bunch of snakes. I`m not even 100% sure yet if I should buy the one, but I really want to raise one)
Thanks, though I have various tanks and tubs of various sizes, so if I need to upgrade sooner than later, it shouldn`t be a problem.

[DPBallPythons]

I'd like to feed him in a separate tub if I can do that with BPs.)

I would suggest to feed your snakes in their cages. The reason is simply that it is more convenient for you + the snake will not get stressed out and diss the meal. You have probably heard that the snakes get more aggressive if you feed them in their cages. I don't have any scientific information about this one, but from my experience it won't be any problem at all. As long as you or your environment doesn't smell like any food item you will be fine. That's just my opinion though. Good luck !

[RockyGurly]

I've read that in a few places now Makes sense, and I can see why it'd be fine as long as you don't do something dumb like not wash your hands.
Looks like the snakes have been decided for me A friend of my step moms was complaining to my step mom about her ball python and corn snake she's had for years that her kids don't want to take care of anymore. I'm going over next week to pick them and their setups up

[DPBallPythons]

Don't forget to post pictures

[RockyGurly]

Be careful what you wish for I have a whole reptile room of pictures comin' your way

[MsMissy]

We love pics... Snake pics, tank pics, outdoor <of the snakes course> pics.