Newbie questions! Please help

[Aedryan Methyus]

Welcome to the forum!

1) I would recommend getting one that is a few months old that has already been consistently eating frozen/thawed rats for awhile unless you have a local source for buying cheap live rats, which is still a huge hassle, because it's always difficult to find the proper size prey at all stages of the snakes life. Ball Pythons are notorious for being very picky eaters. For that reason, my personal opinion is they aren't the best choice for a first time snake owner. I would sooner recommend a Blood Python or a Boa (BI) as a first snake...

2) I have seen a lot of complaints and bad reviews about Backwater Reptiles as well as Underground Reptiles...

For example:

https://www.bbb.org/south-east-flori...ch-fl-90038551

I think most people on here would strongly advise against buying from local/chain pet shops as well. I would recommend buying from smaller, private breeders even more than large, popular "name brand" breeders. Their collections are smaller and chances are their animals receive much better, more personalized care. There are a ton of very knowledgeable, reputable, experienced breeders right here on the forum. You shouldn't have any problem finding a quality animal from someone on here...

3) If you want to have a display type enclosure, a glass aquarium should be your last choice. They do not hold heat or humidity well. Starting off with baby snakes is a tricky thing, because they will pretty much need different size enclosures as they grow or you can likely end up facing a lot of feeding problems if their enclosure is too large (especially with Ball Pythons). I highly recommend plastic tubs until they near adult size. They are best for controlling heat and humidity and cheap to replace as your snake grows. If you want to start off with a display type enclosure without having to end up buying all different sizes (which aren't cheap), I would recommend buying/building a 4' x 2' x 12" (if you get a Ball Python) PVC enclosure, such as:

https://apcages.com/collections/terr...8l-x-24w-x-12h

But, I would recommend keeping the snake in an appropriate size tub that is simply placed inside of your decorated display enclosure until it nears adult size in about 2 years. Either way, the most important necessity is a good, reliable thermostat to accurately control temperatures and I highly recommend underbelly heat tape (such as THG) over heat lights...

I hope this helps...

[tttaylorrr]

Awesome! Thank you sooooo much for all that info! If I were to go for an adult, what size PVC cage would be best? I’ve read conflicting reports on that lol
Also: how often do you handle your bp for and for how long? My worry is stressing them out!
Thanks again so much

a 4ft enclosure is plenty for even the biggest beeps, male or female. i don't think i'd be comfortable with anything smaller than 4ft for a female; a male you can probably get away with something a tad smaller, but IMO if you can go bigger, go bigger.

i try to handle everyone at least once or twice a week. some handle it better than others; my CG girl (link to her progression thread) does not like to be handled. she is not defensive or aggressive in any way, nor does she hiss, but her body language says it all. what's important is that you start handling with short sessions, like 5min. twice a week and allow the snake to learn that you're not a threat when you go and pick them up. they'll learn and start to relax around you. you can increase the length of the handling sessions as you both progress and you get better at reading snake body language, but don't handle them for more than like 20min. as that's just not what they want to do lol. my eldest boy is a sweetheart and i could handle him all day if he let me, but it's not about me.

[Ax01]

1. this is a personal preference and only something you would know after owning a few. i have gotten my BP's in as hatchlings, juvie's and adults. i would recommend for a new keeper an established young juvenile BP - something between between 150-300grams. still small and cute w/ baby colors but should not be a hassle to feed.

2. i have bought various sources - directly from a breeder website, online classifieds, this forum and expo's. regardless of where u buy from - do some research on the seller by checking our the BOI over on Fauna or here on Bp.net’s inquiry or even google. Be sure the seller will take good care of u and the animal.

3. i would recommend a tub or PVC enclosure for a new keeper. These enclosures help the new keeper maintain heat, humidity and overall husbandry a lot better. or u can get a rack setup if u plan on owning more than 1.

Good luck on your search and don't forget to post pix of your new pet!

Edit: did u make that super cute gif?

[AnnieHeart]

I just got my first BP last week, and she is about 6 months old, definitely not a hatchling but still very young. Since this is my first BP I really wanted to watch her grow up, and I think that's one of the best things about getting a young BP. Hatchlings are for sure a lot less intimidating since they're smaller, and I can say as a first time BP I'm glad my first BP is small. So, I would say go with a hatchling.

[Avsha531]

Awesome! Thank you sooooo much for all that info! If I were to go for an adult, what size PVC cage would be best? I’ve read conflicting reports on that lol
Also: how often do you handle your bp for and for how long? My worry is stressing them out!
Thanks again so much


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I personally plan on keeping mine in a 4'x2'x15" as an adult cage, but have heard of plenty of people splitting that with a divider for 2 adults. An adult would be fine in a 3x2 but AP has the 4 footer cheaper than the 3 so might as well get the space. The key with a younger snake though is to make sure that if the cage is large that there's a lot of clutter (branches, hides, plants, etc) so they feel secure.

When I got my baby beep, I left her alone for the first couple weeks to let her settle, besides for feeding and maintenance. For the first few months I would handle her 2-3 times a week for about 5-10 minutes per session (no handling on feeding day or 48 hours after feeding).

Now I usually take her out twice a week for about 15 minutes, though once a month or so i'll bring her to my room and put her on my bed while I watch TV. She'll usually spend a couple minutes exploring the bed and will then curl up next to me and rest her head in my lap. She'll stay like that and chill and even fall asleep for an hour or so, when she starts moving again or looking to hide under blankets and pillows I know its time for her to go back in. However, I would not recommend handling sessions over 15-20 minutes until your snake is used to you, and you learn how to read its behavior and signs of stress

[bellad0nna87]

Welcome to the forum!

1) I would recommend getting one that is a few months old that has already been consistently eating frozen/thawed rats for awhile unless you have a local source for buying cheap live rats, which is still a huge hassle, because it's always difficult to find the proper size prey at all stages of the snakes life. Ball Pythons are notorious for being very picky eaters. For that reason, my personal opinion is they aren't the best choice for a first time snake owner. I would sooner recommend a Blood Python or a Boa (BI) as a first snake...

2) I have seen a lot of complaints and bad reviews about Backwater Reptiles as well as Underground Reptiles...

For example:

https://www.bbb.org/south-east-flori...ch-fl-90038551

I think most people on here would strongly advise against buying from local/chain pet shops as well. I would recommend buying from smaller, private breeders even more than large, popular "name brand" breeders. Their collections are smaller and chances are their animals receive much better, more personalized care. There are a ton of very knowledgeable, reputable, experienced breeders right here on the forum. You shouldn't have any problem finding a quality animal from someone on here...

3) If you want to have a display type enclosure, a glass aquarium should be your last choice. They do not hold heat or humidity well. Starting off with baby snakes is a tricky thing, because they will pretty much need different size enclosures as they grow or you can likely end up facing a lot of feeding problems if their enclosure is too large (especially with Ball Pythons). I highly recommend plastic tubs until they near adult size. They are best for controlling heat and humidity and cheap to replace as your snake grows. If you want to start off with a display type enclosure without having to end up buying all different sizes (which aren't cheap), I would recommend buying/building a 4' x 2' x 12" (if you get a Ball Python) PVC enclosure, such as:

https://apcages.com/collections/terr...8l-x-24w-x-12h

But, I would recommend keeping the snake in an appropriate size tub that is simply placed inside of your decorated display enclosure until it nears adult size in about 2 years. Either way, the most important necessity is a good, reliable thermostat to accurately control temperatures and I highly recommend underbelly heat tape (such as THG) over heat lights...

I hope this helps...

Ok so let me just say thank you so much for your input! Second: I actually was looking at blood pythons before ball pythons and now you’ve reignited that flame for me. I kept seeing people saying they were nippy and nasty, so I got a little turned off. But I do love how chubby they are lol why do you think they make good first time snakes? Is it the eating thing? Bc I’ll be honest that it worries me that BP are super picky.
Thanks again!


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[bellad0nna87]

I personally plan on keeping mine in a 4'x2'x15" as an adult cage, but have heard of plenty of people splitting that with a divider for 2 adults. An adult would be fine in a 3x2 but AP has the 4 footer cheaper than the 3 so might as well get the space. The key with a younger snake though is to make sure that if the cage is large that there's a lot of clutter (branches, hides, plants, etc) so they feel secure.

When I got my baby beep, I left her alone for the first couple weeks to let her settle, besides for feeding and maintenance. For the first few months I would handle her 2-3 times a week for about 5-10 minutes per session (no handling on feeding day or 48 hours after feeding).

Now I usually take her out twice a week for about 15 minutes, though once a month or so i'll bring her to my room and put her on my bed while I watch TV. She'll usually spend a couple minutes exploring the bed and will then curl up next to me and rest her head in my lap. She'll stay like that and chill and even fall asleep for an hour or so, when she starts moving again or looking to hide under blankets and pillows I know its time for her to go back in. However, I would not recommend handling sessions over 15-20 minutes until your snake is used to you, and you learn how to read its behavior and signs of stress

Ok awesome! Thanks again!


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[Cheesenugget]

Hey all! So for the last year and a half I’ve been day dreaming of owning a bp, and finally that dream is becoming a reality.
I just had a few questions before I dive head first into this:

1.) adult or baby? As a newbie to snakes, should I go for a baby or get an adult? Which would you recommend for an inexperienced owner

2.) WHERE did y’all Acquire yours? I’ve been looking at several websites (underground reptiles,xyz reptiles, backwater reptiles etc,) but would like opinions

3.) enclosure? What are you using currently(everything you’re using lol even if you feel like you’re over sharing, I’d appreciate all the info) Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I’d like something I could look into.

I swear I’ve done research, lol I just want answers from actual people and not google.
TIA, beautiful people



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1. My first snake was a bp. I regret that decision and strongly recommend future newbie snake owners to get a bp as a 2nd or 3rd snake instead, after you have experience with an easy feeder, like colubrids. Bp, imo, are not beginner snakes because of their husbandry requirements and going off feed, which can be weeks or months, and that is extremely worrying and stressful for newbies who don't even know how to thaw f/t prey correctly yet. Kings and corns allow you to make those mistakes and learn, and they are hardy enough to survive and continue to eat well.

But if you MUST have a bp, then I suggest a juvie/adult who is already an established f/t feeder. Hatchlings are small, cute and fun to watch grow, but some breeders would sell hatchling that has not eaten yet (never buy from these people unless you have the experience with working on the picky eaters). They are a little snappy at first and scared easily, because they know they are small and food to predators, meaning if they are stressed by the husbandry or surroundings, they may not eat.

2. I got my bp as a hatchling at an expo. Like I previously mentioned, I do regret that decision and wished I had taken an easier beginner snake first or at least an older established feeder. The breeder I bought it from was a local breeder. XYZ reptiles is local in my area, so is Snakes at Sunset and Underground Reptiles. I would recommend Dynasty Reptiles and Family Reptiles. I had seen their stock at expos and the snakes appear to be in good health, and the breeders were very knowledgeable. I had bought my king from Underground and I shop for weekly feeders there. I only bought the king is because they were the only ones who has an adult, it was a surrender, it was extremely docile and have the best kingsnake temperament. I just love that girl so I could not say no, lol. She was in a large cage with 1 hide, no decor and nothing for stimulation.
Their cages are clean but the negative reviews were not completely false either. It is more of a 50/50 chance if you buy from them online. XYZ reptiles is a little pricey.

3. I use glass tank and tubs. I previously had my bp in a glass tank which went disastrous as he would not eat for 3 weeks, even after the temps, humidity, etc was on point. I switched him to a 6 qt tub and he ate that week. He is still in a tub, now a 16 qt, and grown so big and a voracious eater. Hard to believe he was once on a feeding strike and losing weight. He is shedding in 1 piece in his tub. I live in South FL and unless your tank is outside or no AC is on, you will lose some humidity. The minimum is 50% but sometimes goes to 40%. During shedding, it is annoying to push that humidity up and keeping it up at 70%. In a tub, you don't have to worry about that.

Like I mentioned, as a newbie, you may want to see your snake in a glass tank. You may have to work really, really hard to keep the humidity up and your snake happy in a glass tank. If it is a corn or king, they don't need the humidity as much and likes to explore and be active, so they will do well in glass tanks. That may not be the case, at least temporarily, for your bp if it won't eat no matter what you do.

Edit: There are other pythons that makes good pets and easier to feed than a bp. I have a Children's Python which is like the 'cousin' of the Stimpson and Spotted Pythons. The CP and Spotted are easy to feed, similar husbandry where humidity is not such a big deal, and they are calm once they know you won't ear them. The babies are a little snappy but once they know you won't hurt them, they calm down pretty fast. They stay small and I currently house my CP hatchling in a glass tank, with zero feeding issues.

[bellad0nna87]

1. My first snake was a bp. I regret that decision and strongly recommend future newbie snake owners to get a bp as a 2nd or 3rd snake instead, after you have experience with an easy feeder, like countries. Bp, imo, are not beginner snakes because of their husbandry requirements and going off feed, which can be weeks or months, and that is extremely worrying and stressful for newbies who don't even know how to thaw f/t prey correctly yet. Kings and corns allow you to make those mistakes and learn, and they are hardy enough to survive and continue to eat well.

But if you MUST have a bp, then I suggest a juvie/adult who is already an established f/t feeder. Hatchlings are small, cute and fun to watch grow, but some breeders would sell hatchling that has not eaten yet (never buy from these people unless you have the experience with working on the picky eaters). They are a little snappy at first and scared easily, because they know they are small and food to predators, meaning if they are stressed by the husbandry or surroundings, they may not eat.

2. I got my bp as a hatchling at an expo. Like I previously mentioned, I do regret that decision and wished I had taken an easier beginner snake first or at least an older established feeder. The breeder I bought it from was a local breeder. XYZ reptiles is local in my area, so is Snakes at Sunset and Underground Reptiles. I would recommend Dynasty Reptiles and Family Reptiles. I had seen their stock at expos and the snakes appear to be in good health, and the breeders were very knowledgeable. I had bought my king from Underground and I shop for weekly feeders there. I only bought the king is because they were the only ones who has an adult, it was a surrender, it was extremely docile and have the best kingsnake temperament. I just love that girl so I could not say no, lol. She was in a large cage with 1 hide, no decor and nothing for stimulation.
Their cages are clean but the negative reviews were not completely false either. It is more of a 50/50 chance if you buy from them online. XYZ reptiles is a little pricey.

3. I use glass tank and tubs. I previously had my bp in a glass tank which went disastrous as he would not eat for 3 weeks, even after the temps, humidity, etc was on point. I switched him to a 6 qt tub and he ate that week. He is still in a tub, now a 16 qt, and grown so big and a voracious eater. Hard to believe he was once on a feeding strike and losing weight. He is shedding in 1 piece in his tub. I live in South FL and unless your tank is outside or no AC is on, you will lose some humidity. The minimum is 50% but sometimes goes to 40%. During shedding, it is annoying to push that humidity up and keeping it up at 70%. In a tub, you don't have to worry about that.

Like I mentioned, as a newbie, you may want to see your snake in a glass tank. You may have to work really, really hard to keep the humidity up and your snake happy in a glass tank. If it is a corn or king, they don't need the humidity as much and likes to explore and be active, so they will do well in glass tanks. That may not be the case, at least temporarily, for your bp if it won't eat no matter what you do.

Thank you! I am leaning more towards getting an adult bp, rather than getting a baby bc of all the reasons you stated. I will be looking into a pvc cage rather than a tank now after all this info! Thanks a bunch !


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[bellad0nna87]

1. this is a personal preference and only something you would know after owning a few. i have gotten my BP's in as hatchlings, juvie's and adults. i would recommend for a new keeper an established young juvenile BP - something between between 150-300grams. still small and cute w/ baby colors but should not be a hassle to feed.

2. i have bought various sources - directly from a breeder website, online classifieds, this forum and expo's. regardless of where u buy from - do some research on the seller by checking our the BOI over on Fauna or here on Bp.net’s inquiry or even google. Be sure the seller will take good care of u and the animal.

3. i would recommend a tub or PVC enclosure for a new keeper. These enclosures help the new keeper maintain heat, humidity and overall husbandry a lot better. or u can get a rack setup if u plan on owning more than 1.

Good luck on your search and don't forget to post pix of your new pet!

Edit: did u make that super cute gif?

Hi! I have another question lol oh and I didn’t make that gif, I got it off Pinterest
When you’ve bought your snakes online, do they get shipped to your door or do you have to go to fedex to pick up? I know that’s a weird question I was just curious


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