Getting A Ball Python

[dakski]

Late to the party here.

A few thoughts.

1. Did I see a thermostat on that list? If not, it's a must. All heat sources must be regulated. If I missed it, sorry, but it's super important. If you are unsure of what to get or where to get a thermostat, please ask.

2. Aside from being more difficult, although not impossible, to maintain heat and humidity in, glass tanks are also heavy and bulky. I would consider a better enclosure, from Animal Plastics, Boaphile, etc. for the better heat and humidity control, but also because if you are moving the tank periodically (different dorm rooms, to your parents house, to an apartment, etc.) a 3X2' or even a 4X2' plastic enclosure weighs significantly less than even a medium sized glass tank.

3. I wouldn't recommend Wipe Out by zoomed. Use F10! However, make sure to use F10SC: http://www.reptilebasics.com/F10SC-100ml. Spray, let sit for 5-10 minutes (depending on what you are cleaning, how often, and concentration of the F10SC), wipe up excess, and done. It also forms a protective layer in the tank to help the next cleanup.

4. As stated, one heat source, and a UTH at that, is probably not enough. UTH are great for belly heat, but do not warm the air. BP's temps should be 87-90F hot side, 80-84F ambient, and 78-80F cool side, with a good gradient. You will probably need a Ceramic Heat Emitter (CHE) as well, if using a glass tank, or a RHP if using a plastic enclosure. When you get a thermostat, make sure it's one that can handle two heating sources.

Just my initial thoughts and opinions.

Keep us in the loop. We are here to help.

[MissterDog]

I have to whole-heartedly disagree here. First of all, get the snake YOU want. It'll be YOUR snake after all. BPs are honestly not any harder to keep than corns. I've kept both. BPs can be frustrating with their food strikes, but if you understand the animals going in you'll understand it happens. That's what BPs do. They are well equipped to go months without food and have survived thousands of years doing so.
And as for glass, if you like glass go glass. I started keeping snakes in 1999-2000ish and have used glass the entire time I've been keeping snakes. I just recently bought my first PVC enclosure, but primarily so I can start stacking and consolidate my enclosures rather than have glass enclosures all over the house (plus this makes room for more snakes ). But glass works just fine. It might take a little more effort of the bat, and maybe a few modifications, but it works well. If you want glass, go glass.

Cheesenugget, I mean no disrespect, but I disagree. BPs are the most popular snake in the pet trade for a reason. They really aren't difficult to care for. And I've had years of success with using glass. It takes a little effort, but I'm happy to put in the effort for my pets.

^This. There have been plenty of new keepers starting with ball pythons as their first snake and being successful because they put the time and dedication to thoroughly research beforehand instead of rushing when they weren’t ready. Once you learn what is necessary for their care and understand what to expect, their husbandry is very straightforward. Just don’t cut corners and dive in without being prepared. Research, research, research!

Not to mention I always felt it was unfair to the snakes considered “beginner friendly” for new owners just to settle for them as a mere stepping stone in experience.

[Craiga 01453]

^This. There have been plenty of new keepers starting with ball pythons as their first snake and being successful because they put the time and dedication to thoroughly research beforehand instead of rushing when they weren’t ready. Once you learn what is necessary for their care and understand what to expect, their husbandry is very straightforward. Just don’t cut corners and dive in without being prepared. Research, research, research!

Not to mention I always felt it was unfair to the snakes considered “beginner friendly” for new owners just to settle for them as a mere stepping stone in experience.

Well said.

[vrp98]

I have to whole-heartedly disagree here. First of all, get the snake YOU want. It'll be YOUR snake after all. BPs are honestly not any harder to keep than corns. I've kept both. BPs can be frustrating with their food strikes, but if you understand the animals going in you'll understand it happens. That's what BPs do. They are well equipped to go months without food and have survived thousands of years doing so.
And as for glass, if you like glass go glass. I started keeping snakes in 1999-2000ish and have used glass the entire time I've been keeping snakes. I just recently bought my first PVC enclosure, but primarily so I can start stacking and consolidate my enclosures rather than have glass enclosures all over the house (plus this makes room for more snakes ). But glass works just fine. It might take a little more effort of the bat, and maybe a few modifications, but it works well. If you want glass, go glass.

Cheesenugget, I mean no disrespect, but I disagree. BPs are the most popular snake in the pet trade for a reason. They really aren't difficult to care for. And I've had years of success with using glass. It takes a little effort, but I'm happy to put in the effort for my pets.

Thank you! I have read that Ball Pythons are picky eaters and if I encounter a real problem (not eating + losing weight) then I will start to worry. I’ve done a lot of research and I am aware of possible problems that might come with keeping a ball python (lack of eating, humidity, etc). But yes a ball python is the animal that i am wanting. I’ve had rodents for years actually and while they are certainly rewarding they are hard to care for because they can so easily get ill. And while all snakes are really cool and all, a ball python is the snake i want! Thank you for all your help really!

[vrp98]

Late to the party here.

A few thoughts.

1. Did I see a thermostat on that list? If not, it's a must. All heat sources must be regulated. If I missed it, sorry, but it's super important. If you are unsure of what to get or where to get a thermostat, please ask.

2. Aside from being more difficult, although not impossible, to maintain heat and humidity in, glass tanks are also heavy and bulky. I would consider a better enclosure, from Animal Plastics, Boaphile, etc. for the better heat and humidity control, but also because if you are moving the tank periodically (different dorm rooms, to your parents house, to an apartment, etc.) a 3X2' or even a 4X2' plastic enclosure weighs significantly less than even a medium sized glass tank.

3. I wouldn't recommend Wipe Out by zoomed. Use F10! However, make sure to use F10SC: http://www.reptilebasics.com/F10SC-100ml. Spray, let sit for 5-10 minutes (depending on what you are cleaning, how often, and concentration of the F10SC), wipe up excess, and done. It also forms a protective layer in the tank to help the next cleanup.

4. As stated, one heat source, and a UTH at that, is probably not enough. UTH are great for belly heat, but do not warm the air. BP's temps should be 87-90F hot side, 80-84F ambient, and 78-80F cool side, with a good gradient. You will probably need a Ceramic Heat Emitter (CHE) as well, if using a glass tank, or a RHP if using a plastic enclosure. When you get a thermostat, make sure it's one that can handle two heating sources.

Just my initial thoughts and opinions.

Keep us in the loop. We are here to help.

yes, i have revised my list! One of the first people who commented on this thread posted a link that was very helpful in figuring out exactly what I need to maintain humidity!

also, I was planning on switching between f10 and zoo med wipe out every other month. I would be fine with just using f10, but i read somewhere that if you use it often it’s bad for your snake? To be clear, I’m gonna spot clean everyday when I can and use the spray once a month to fully clean the entire enclosure.

[vrp98]

Here is my updated list.



Baby Pastel Ball Python $59.00 + $49.99 Shipping (XYZ Reptiles)


~~~

Reptile Basics Inc.
Ultratherm Undertank Heater 6”x11” $16.99
Aluminum Foil Tape $12.99
Dome Fixture 8.5” 150 Watt Capacity $12.99
Ceramic Heat Emitter 100 Watt $9.99
2 Small Hide Boxes $5.98
Medium Crock Dish $2.99

Amazon
Jump Start Digital Thermostat $34.87
Feeding Tongs $6.29
LATOW Kitchen Scale $11.98
Temperature Gun $13.99

PetSmart
Zoo Med Nocturnal Reptile Infrared Heat Lamp 100 Watt $9.99
Exo Terra 36 x 18 x 12 Glass Terrarium $149.99

Walmart
Digital Thermometer $15.35

Home Depot
Credenza Plug In Dimmer $14.97

Chewy
Zoo Med Forest Floor (ordering two) $29.98 total
Exo Terra Small Forest Branch $6.53
Petco
Conceptual Creations Mister $4.59

Pangea Reptile
Exo Terra Small Moss Vines $10.49
Pangea Mossy Vine $12.99
Suction Cup Tree Branch $11.99
Reptology Green and Red Hanging Vine $8.99
Suction Cup With Vine Hook (six) total of $3.54
Exo Terra Large Ficus Hanging Silk Plant $12.99
Zoo Med Medium Terrarium Moss $4.99
F10 SC Veterinary Reptile Disinfectant (3.4 oz) $19.99
Sea Grape Leaf Litter $5.99
Zoo Med Wipe Out Disinfectant $5.99

[vrp98]

I don't think I saw anyone mention Vivarium t-stats? They are not quite as exspensive as a herp stat but still have a very good name in the reptile community! Enjoy your new pet!

Yes, i saw that online on reptile basics i think but no one mentioned it!

[Craiga 01453]

Thank you! I have read that Ball Pythons are picky eaters and if I encounter a real problem (not eating + losing weight) then I will start to worry. I’ve done a lot of research and I am aware of possible problems that might come with keeping a ball python (lack of eating, humidity, etc). But yes a ball python is the animal that i am wanting. I’ve had rodents for years actually and while they are certainly rewarding they are hard to care for because they can so easily get ill. And while all snakes are really cool and all, a ball python is the snake i want! Thank you for all your help really!

I think in most cases the people who have a hard time with BPs or don't consider them to be "beginner" snakes simply aren't prepared. Don't get me wrong, this isn't always the case, but we so often see threads that start out with "my BP won't eat" or similar situations and their setups are all wrong or they're trying to feed the wrong prey or their idea of research is googling a care sheet or two.

Bottom line: get the animal you want. It makes absolutely no sense to me to get a "starter" snake like a corn or King just because they have slightly less demanding husbandry requirements. BPs simply don't require much more, they can just be annoying eaters. You're going to have this animal for 20+ years, it's just asinine to me to suggest somebody get a pet they don't want.

If you've done PROPER research (a 20 minute google search will tell you that BPs can be finicky eaters), put in the due diligence, know you can provide the proper care, vet bills, etc... and want a BP.....get a BP.

OP: I can already tell you're well on your way to being a great snake parent.

[vrp98]

I think in most cases the people who have a hard time with BPs or don't consider them to be "beginner" snakes simply aren't prepared. Don't get me wrong, this isn't always the case, but we so often see threads that start out with "my BP won't eat" or similar situations and their setups are all wrong or they're trying to feed the wrong prey or their idea of research is googling a care sheet or two.

Bottom line: get the animal you want. It makes absolutely no sense to me to get a "starter" snake like a corn or King just because they have slightly less demanding husbandry requirements. BPs simply don't require much more, they can just be annoying eaters. You're going to have this animal for 20+ years, it's just asinine to me to suggest somebody get a pet they don't want.

If you've done PROPER research (a 20 minute google search will tell you that BPs can be finicky eaters), put in the due diligence, know you can provide the proper care, vet bills, etc... and want a BP.....get a BP.

OP: I can already tell you're well on your way to being a great snake parent.

Thank you so much!