Nooby needing help with Ball Python

[Dom_Stanley]

Hi guys, I've been thinking of getting a ball python for some time now. I have done a decent amount of research so far. But with research comes a lot of different peoples ways in doing things. So my main questions are the lighting setup, what size of water dish should I get, and how do I know what size mice/rats I should be feeding it. I have heard that I should natural lighting because using a regular white light can cause the snake stress and other people have said that it doesn't. Also what about uv lighting and that sorts of lighting? Also its for a baby, I have a 40 gallon terrarium with 3 hides one on the left side, middle, and right, and of course some foliage around the tank for more hiding places. My right side has the heating pad underneath. I have most of everything with digital thermometer and hydrometer. Aspine bedding. And I think thats it, is there anything else I need?

Side note: I was thinking of getting the snake from this place ( http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/...arpet-pythons/ ) not sure if its a good place but I thought I would give it a shot since they had some decent reviews. Thats also the one I would like to get =)

[Emilio]

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

[fishdip]

Hi guys, I've been thinking of getting a ball python for some time now. I have done a decent amount of research so far. But with research comes a lot of different peoples ways in doing things. So my main questions are the lighting setup, what size of water dish should I get, and how do I know what size mice/rats I should be feeding it. I have heard that I should natural lighting because using a regular white light can cause the snake stress and other people have said that it doesn't. Also what about uv lighting and that sorts of lighting? Also its for a baby, I have a 40 gallon terrarium with 3 hides one on the left side, middle, and right, and of course some foliage around the tank for more hiding places. My right side has the heating pad underneath. I have most of everything with digital thermometer and hydrometer. Aspine bedding. And I think thats it, is there anything else I need?

Side note: I was thinking of getting the snake from this place ( http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/...arpet-pythons/ ) not sure if its a good place but I thought I would give it a shot since they had some decent reviews. Thats also the one I would like to get =)

You do understand that is not a ball python right?

[coldbloodaddict]

You do understand that is not a ball python right?

it's in a ball...does that count?


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[fishdip]

it's in a ball...does that count?


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[TexanLady]

Getting into the "specifics" of ball python care can be difficult. So many people have different ways of doing things, and many are very adamant that their way is the right way, that things can get pretty heated. In my opinion the main things to consider are size enclosure for the size of your snake, the hot and cold side, humidity, and fresh water, place to feel secure. Those are the things you need to have to keep a ball. And there are many different ways to provide them.

If you have a hatchling you'll want to start with a smaller enclosure to make them feel more secure. If they don't feel secure you could run into feeding issues. They will need some form of cover or darkness for them to take shelter in. Some people use rack/tub setups that leaves the enclosure shrouded in darkness nearly 99% of the time and the snakes are just fine. They need no other hide. Some people use hides even in their racks, and those with tank setups will either need a hide or black construction paper tapping off half the enclosure to provide the darkness. Some people say you have to have a bowl large enough for your snake to soak, some say not. Some people use UV lights to provide heat, some use under tank heaters, some use heat cable, some use heat tape. For me? As long as there is a hot and cold side it doesn't really matter how you get the temps right as long as they are right. And big breeders, and some people who have all their animals in a reptile room, simply use a temperature controlled environment to keep all their snakes at the right temp and don't concern themselves with hot/cold sides. And their many animals are doing just fine.

My suggestion? Do what is right for you. I personally don't like using lights because my cats are very curious and there is a danger of fire if they somehow knock the lights off the enclosures while I'm gone. For the few tanks I have that is. For my racks I pretty much have to use heat tape. The only thing I think is non negotiable is feeding. And by feeding I mean you shouldn't feed your ball anything that is bigger than the biggest part of its body. Other than that there are a variety of ways to provide care for your snake. The fact you are so concerned on getting it right is a good start.

Best of luck!

[Slim]

it's in a ball...does that count?