Beginner Ball Python Questions

[AnnieHeart]

Welcome to the forum and the wonderful world of snake keeping!!

I have to agree with a reply above, getting a rescue for a first snake may not be the best idea. If the snake is ill or stressed or anything unusual at all is going on a new keeper likely won't recognize stress or unusual behavior. I honestly don't know why a rescue would consider new keepers in the first place. But, that's up to you....

On to your questions:
1) I tend to be a little unconventional with hides, so will offer a do as I say, not as I do answer for beginners. Stay away from half logs or anything similar. Snakes, especially BPs prefer as much security as possible. Cave like hides or the RBI hides are best. They should be fairly snug and have only one opening so the snake can feel 100% hidden out of sight.

2) plain and simple, if you can drink the water, so can your snake. Don't waste your money on chemicals. I treat my fish tanks, but have never treated any of my snakes' water.

3) I've got an Exo Terra that I use as my quarantine enclosure. The enclosure itself is fine, the stuff that comes with the setup is crap though. If my memory is correct it comes with aspen (not good for BPs), a thermometer that is useless (any analog dial ones are wildly inaccurate), a bowl that's way too small for a BP, and a hide that is too small for a BP.

4) I have a cat, no issues at all with my snakes in regards to scent setting off a feeding response. I also have 4 ferrets, no issue at all. That being said, if any of the snakes are out the ferrets are in their enclosure and the cat is in another room. Not worth the risk.

Lastly: MANY NEW KEEPERS DON'T UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF A THERMOSTAT. ALL HEAT SOURCES SHOULD BE REGULATED BY A THERMOSTAT.


Hope I helped!

Great job getting your setup ready BEFORE bringing your animal home. You're already a step up on many newbies.

I would give serious consideration to buying a juvenile BP from a reputable breeder though.
Is there a reason you're planning on a rescue???

Thank you so much, very helpful!

Yes, I have the zoomed heat mat, and I ordered the Zilla thermostat on Amazon. :)