I want to get a ball python but....

[Jhill001]

I always joke that snakes are the best pet in the world because you can literally forget you own them for 2 weeks and they'll be fine, but in reality this isn't actually true although useful if you are feeling like having a vacation for a few days.

The minimums for your individual situation:

1. Get timers for any lights used.
2. Get a quality thermostat for your heating unit.
3. You can get a humidity regulator and automated fogging or misting type system (a good one can be more expensive, since you aren't there all the time I would go with a fogger because it's not likely to flood but make sure its also good)

Outside of water and food these types of things would essentially automate your care for you.

The most important part of the whole equation. Is your mom on board? If she's on board and willing to change the water every day, every other day whatever then honestly I wouldn't be worried about it. Is your mom responsible enough to do this? I know we all love our parents but for example, I trust my mother to care for my snakes if something ever happened to me and actually took the time to show her what to do, I have never even let my dad handle my snakes. I know this is kind of a personal question and you are not obligated to answer in anyway if you don't want to, but it is something to think about.

If she's willing to change water and just check a digital thermometer readout and make sure nothing is flooding out I don't think you'll have much trouble, some people like to act like snakes are some huge mystery and difficult to care for, but these are captive bred animals and are generally very hardy if you can make sure the basics are covered.

Another huge risk to your plans of snake ownership is kind of simple, but not always thought about and also not an easy question to ask yourself. I don't know how old you are other than that you are a minor. Getting a snake is something that can be a 15-30 year commitment. Luckily a healthy ball python isn't too hard to sell but this may not always be the case, as we get older, interests and life paths change. I kept reptiles and amphibians from age 5 all the way until I was in high school, you discover parties, girls, boys what have you. You eventually have other hobbies and interests pulling your time away at a time in your life when time for the first time really starts to become limited. I eventually sold off my entire collection aside from the snake and frog that I had since I was young. Part of this is because of the sheer size of my collection, I had upwards of 20 or so different species of snakes, lizards, turtles and amphibians. I eventually joined the military and sold those two off as well. The overall point I'm trying to make is that my enthusiasm for my hobby wavered as I discovered other things as a young adult, I regret being away from it while off in the service looking back on it and it's not something that ever leaves you but think about this and also try and avoid racking up a large collection very quickly. Be measured and sure with every acquisition including this one. Make sure that this is something you really want. It may not be something you consider as a hobby now, but people get one reptile and it often turns into a large part of your life.

Overall, good luck and if you have any questions on care or just the hobby in general don't hesitate to ask either myself or someone else will be able to help.