Tips & Tricks for a First Time BP Owner

[Snakeydoodles]

Hey guys! I’m new to the forum (as well as ball pythons), but I’ve been researching relentlessly since about January, and have gathered a lot of knowledge already. I don’t plan on getting a ball python until the summer (probably late July or early August), but until that point I plan on doing as much reasearch as I canin order to be fully prepared. I was wondering if you guys had any tips/tricks to share with me about ball python husbandry/care? I would really appreciate it, as I want to give my snake the best life possible

[Bogertophis]

Welcome! You're doing the right thing to join here & read up all you can before you actually bring one home. Also, set up your snake's enclosure for
at least a week before the snake moves in...so you can be sure that the temps. & humidity are correct, & that your thermostat is functioning reliably.
(you'd be surprised at how many people run home with a new snake + cage, try to set it all up at once, & wonder why they can't get the temps. right.)

A new snake is frightened & stressed to be in a new home, no matter how thoughtfully you've set it up. So let them settle in without handling for
as long as it takes for them to relax and feed easily a few times...eating is "job #1" for a snake, not "taming". Be content to just watch for the first
couple weeks, it will pay off. BPs are normally mellow snakes, but that doesn't mean you aren't stressing them, they just don't show it.

[Snakeydoodles]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it. I will definitely set up the tank beforehand to make sure everything’s working properly. I know it’ll be hard to wait as far as handling goes, but you’re totally right that feeding is the #1 priority! I won’t want to stress the poor little thing out, and his/her needs will be the #1 priority, not what I want.

[MissterDog]

Welcome! Glad to see you researching before hand! You are already on your way of being a great keeper!

Buy a high quality proportional thermostat to start with rather than cheaper on/off one. It will save you from potential headaches in the end and you won’t have to worry about replacements in a long time.

Herpstats are top of the line. The Herpstat 2 model is a personal favorite and even if you have only one heat source, having a spare on hand is always nice to have in case you do decide to get a secondary heat source.

https://www.spyderrobotics.com/index...=index&cPath=1

Vivarium Electronics are also another good option.

http://www.reptilebasics.com/thermostats

also get a temp gun! Which is the only accurate way to measure surface temperatures.

Seconding the tip to make sure you have your set up up and running atleast a week in advance before bringing your ball python home. This is a safe time to make sure everything is functional and stable.

Making sure you give your ball python proper time to acclimate before handling is important. Typically you don’t want to handle your ball python until it’s eaten three consecutive meals for you. If you offer food and you get a refusal be sure not to offer again for another week. Offering too soon or frequently could lead to more food refusals.

[Zincubus]

As mentioned already a digital temp gun is a MUST !!
Only about £7 or 10 dollars off eBay or Amazon


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[RickyNY]

Great job doing your research. Have everything ready, were your temps and humidity are not fluctuating and bring the snake home and Leave It Alone!!
Haha, that's the hardest part of course. And please know the difference between a thermometer and a thermostat.

[AnnieHeart]

When I first started researching I found youtube to be a really great place. Make sure you watch from multiple sources though. The first channel I would say is great to start watching is called Josser's Jungle.

[Craiga 01453]

Welcome!!

Great job doing your research before bringing your snake home. You're already off to a great start!!

A lot of what I would advise has already been mentioned, but I'll repeat it to stress importance and because I'm a HUGE advocate for cross referencing sources and information. In today's age of the internet it is way too easy for somebody to post false information, dangerous information, etc... make sure your sources are reliable. There are plenty of experienced, knowledgeable keepers right here on this forum. Just choose who you listen to carefully. Same with YouTube videos and general Google searches. Any idiot can post a video, but that doesn't make it quality information. I always like to refer to this quote regarding the internet: Abraham Lincoln himself said " You can't believe half of what you see on the internet" hahahahaha

Anyway, you seem to already understand the importance of having the enclosure set up, running and dialed in. Awesome!!

The part about handling has been mentioned too. I know it'll be tempting to want to hold your new pet, but you'll have 20+ YEARS for that. Let your snake get settled in and eating regularly. I always advise new keepers to let their snake get three consecutive meals without refusal before handling.

When choosing your snake, choose a well established snake from a reputable breeder. Avoid big box stores. BPs can be notoriously finicky with food, so choosing a healthy animal from a reputable breeder will likely save you some headaches, not to mention vet bills since big box store animals are notorious for being unhealthy.

Read, read, read. Ask questions and double check your sources. You're off to a great start, keep it up!! The more you know about your animal, the better home you can provide!!

Good luck, keep us posted!! Feel free to ask any more specific questions you may have!!

[hilabeans]

Everyone has given you fantastic advice - so I'd only like to reiterate how awesome it is you're doing your due dilligence in research BEFORE getting your snake. This will certainly set you up for success.

And welcome to the world's greatest snake forum!

[Snakeydoodles]

Thank you to everyone who gave advice! I will be sure to keep you posted and ask lots more questions