Going to be getting my first ball python!

[dakski]

I have been wanting to get a ball python for the longest now. I plan on getting one from Dynasty Reptiles. I am making this post because I am not sure of the questions I should inquire about the ball python I’m interested in. Any advice on the questions I should ask would be very helpful. Just want to make sure I don’t miss anything important that I should know about him. TIA!

What everyone else said.

Also, make sure you are 100% ready for your baby when he/she arrives.

1. Proper sized (and escape proof) tank with proper temps (ground temps checked with a heat gun) sufficient heat sources ALL REGULATED by a thermostat.

2. 2 (minimum) appropriate sized and identical hides.

3. Water bowl

4. Proper food items available or in your freezer. Ask if your baby eats live or F/T. Keep in mind if you want to feed F/T and he/she currently eats live, that can be a difficult transition, especially for a stressed BP in a new environment. If he/she has only taken live, see if the breeder can offer a few F/T meals before shipping to ensure that you are offering continuity in the food department. If he/she eats mice, offer mice. If he/she eats rats, offer rats, etc.

5. Proper humidity in tank.

6. Appropriate substrate in tank and more available because you will need to spot clean often and replace every 1-2 months (unless using printless newspaper or paper towels). If using paper substrate it is easier to maintain a clean tank, although there are drawbacks.

For heat and humidity - dial in for at least 3-4 days, if not longer, before the animal is shipped. Make sure you have everything set up with minimal adjustments before he/she arrives.

Keep asking questions of both the forum and the breeder! Ask anything you wonder about or need to know to keep a happy healthy snake for a long time.