Where to get a BP for a beginner???

[kitsuneklaw]

Hi, I am completely new to snake keeping and was wondering if people could help me out with where to get a ball python / enclosure requirements and such.

As far as I can tell breeders seem the way to go, but I don't have any local ones. I've looked at some that ship snakes, but the price of the snake plus the shipping cost would actually make most of the normals I found more expensive than the ones at my local petsmart. I've heard a lot of mixed things about petsmart, but this one seems to keep their animals fairly well, for a chain pet store. I've bought fish and hamsters from them before and they were all healthy (and the hamsters were very friendly and lived way longer than they were "supposed" to). I've also been looking at Craigslist and have found a few there. And there is one reptile rescue in my area that is actually shutting down but adopting out their last few reptiles before they do, I found three ball pythons on there and they're pretty cheap but I don't know about getting a rescue :/

Also, what about housing? Are plastic tubs the best? Is there any one thing that's a good balance between display + having the animal feel safe/healthy? How long do rodents freeze for? Is it better to start with a baby? Can I use newspaper and paper towels or should I use reptile carpet or woodchips or something else? And how do you transport a snake in a car? I have a lot of questions.

[JodanOrNoDan]

I suggest reading the ball python caresheet on this site and the sticky threads in the husbandry section an that will point you in the right direction for you. As for where to get one, let us know your general location and someone on here may be able to point you to someone close by.

[facepirte]

i went this route...

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...-With-Pictures!

only difference was i found a critter cage on sale at petco so bought it instead, more secure with the locking lid.

check repticon or other shows that may be in your area.

[tttaylorrr]

welcome! you picked a good place to start your research. like mentioned above, please read through the caresheets and other stickied threads on the husbandry forum!

As far as I can tell breeders seem the way to go, but I don't have any local ones. I've looked at some that ship snakes, but the price of the snake plus the shipping cost would actually make most of the normals I found more expensive than the ones at my local petsmart.

you get what you pay for. from a breeder you are guaranteed a healthy, well-cared for animal by a person who loves them and also supporting the hobby. from a petstore, you will get an animal that was raised in questionable condition and came from gosh-knows-where.

check out MorphMarket.com for someone close to you, or from somewhere not close to you! my last snake was shipped to me from florida!

I've heard a lot of mixed things about petsmart, but this one seems to keep their animals fairly well, for a chain pet store.

you would still be supporting an industry that has time and again proven they do not care enough about the animals in their care.

I've also been looking at Craigslist and have found a few there. And there is one reptile rescue in my area that is actually shutting down but adopting out their last few reptiles before they do, I found three ball pythons on there and they're pretty cheap but I don't know about getting a rescue :/

rescuing is always a good thing!!! i rescued a corn snake from a coworker's family and he's amazing! please consider rescue, but there could be health issues and that needs to be considered.

Also, what about housing? Are plastic tubs the best? Is there any one thing that's a good balance between display + having the animal feel safe/healthy? How long do rodents freeze for? Is it better to start with a baby? Can I use newspaper and paper towels or should I use reptile carpet or woodchips or something else? And how do you transport a snake in a car? I have a lot of questions.

plastic tubs are the simplest and most affordable way to go, and IMO glass tanks are a pain when it comes to moving them and getting temps/humidity correct. as a beginner, i have to push the plastic tubs on you.

i think rodents last from 7-9 months? i could be wrong.

you can start with a baby, as i did, but you might struggle learning about what it really needs and how to read the snake. it is possible, but can cause issues for you both.

you can use newspaper, and i'd stay away from any sort of carpet.

for transportation: just stick them in a soft bag and place them in a tupperware container (with holes!) and they should be fine. make sure they CANNOT escape.

also, you will need a thermoSTAT for however you choose to heat your enclosure! it is different than a thermoMETER and will be essential for the safety of your snake.

[Kcl]

Craigslist you have a fairly high probability of getting an animal that's in way worse shape than you bargained for and not being prepared for it as a beginner. If it has a respiratory infection, you suddenly have a way more expensive and sick snake. Skip this. It's best for experienced people that know what they might be getting into.

Rescue - a good one will be giving you a snake in good health - not a bad way to go. These guys can live a very long time, so you'd likely still be able to have decades with it even if the snake is an adult. It also doesn't come with the risk of attitude problems like rescue dogs can - ball pythons are almost all docile and tend to adapt pretty well once secure. The jerk ball python presumably exists but is vanishingly rare.

As far as enclosures go - a nice pvc or similar cage such as animal plastics' if you have the money to throw at it, plastic tub if not. You can still see the animal just fine in a tub, just the tub doesn't look pretty. Thermostat is priority #1 to throw money at. ~$100 for a nice herpstat or similar is the most important investment to make.

Adults are easier to start with, but babies are not so difficult that you need to avoid getting one as your first if that's what you really want. They'll generally be more scared and you'll be able to handle them less until they get bigger. They naturally chill out as they get older and larger since less things can eat them.

[kitsuneklaw]

Thank you

I am in northern Virginia. I've checked and the nearest show is a few hours drive. What are show prices like though? Might turn it into a road trip

Okay, petsmart is off the list. Considering rescue. Does anyone have any experience with snakes from craigslist....? The ads I found seem to be either breeders selling cheap because they're downsizing or people who bought on impulse and realized they don't have the time to care for a snake...which, at least they're responsible enough to recognize that.

If I get a thermostt would I need to use a thermometer in addition?

[kitsuneklaw]

Okay...avoid craigslist as well...got it. There don't seem to be a whole lot of options for my particular location...

[tttaylorrr]

I am in northern Virginia. I've checked and the nearest show is a few hours drive. What are show prices like though? Might turn it into a road trip

show prices are typically cheaper and you get pick up practically everything you need from them. holding out until a show comes near you is a good idea.

If I get a thermostt would I need to use a thermometer in addition?

most of us use a probed thermometer that goes inside the enclosure and over the hot spot to measure the floor temps. this is in addition to the thermostat. personally i use a thermostat, probed thermometer and a stand-alone thermometer/hygrometer.

[bcr229]

If you are in northern Virginia there are a TON of reputable small (and not so small) breeders and hobbyists within an hour drive who can not only provide you with a healthy critter but also help you set up the enclosure. If you are on Facebook look for groups with "Virginia" and "reptiles" in their names and you'll find plenty of local folks.

[Kcl]

It's not that all craigslist snakes are bad in any way - it's just going to be hard for a beginner to tell which ones are healthy and also hard for many people to say no if you arrive for one that looks fine online and then clearly is in horrible shape in person.

Yes on the thermometer to check the temperatures & humidity - a decent thermometer is only about ~$10-12 - acurite ones with probes are fine.

Is this show near you? Show prices tend to be good, but can't say for your area specifically. Someone else will probably be able to help you better with finding a breeder. Ordering and having one shipped is also an option.

http://mdreptilefarm.com/northern-vi...-reptile-expo/