If you get a ball python, here is what I would suggest...
Animal plastics
-T8 - $150
-LED lighting - $30
-Lock - $20
-Divider - $20
Reptile Basics
- x2 - 40w RHP's (or one 80w if you are starting with a large snake and don't need the divider in the cage) - $140
- x2 - hides, one for warm side, one for cool side... approx. $10
- medium crock type water bowl - $4
Spyder Robotics
-Herpstat thermostat $100
Uline.com
-1 roll of Kraft indented paper for substrate in the enclosure. A roll will last you a year or more. About $50 (shipping included)
That takes you to about $525 or so... probably $550 with shipping. If you have any ball python breeders near you, ask them if they have any snakes they may be willing to donate for your class. You may get lucky. Maybe they will let you house one in your classroom and then should you decide to part with it, or come summertime, you can give it back to the breeder (instead of having to sell it on Craigslist or something). Maybe that isn't an option, but I'd ask. If there are reptile expos near you, you can almost always find a normal ball python for $20 or so. If you have more money, you can invest in a more expensive "morph" with different colors or patterns.
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