New Guy.

[famoussas]

Hi my names Ed, and I'm from London, England.

I'm not getting my BP for about another 6months(long time I know), but I find everything regarding them so interesting that I thought I should just find out what it's all about by browsing this forum, which information wise is excellent. Ideally I'd love an albino or mojave BP but I don't have the kind of money lying around that I'd need for one, so I'm happy with a normal one. So far I've decided that I'll keep my BP in a plastic tub to start with, with all the essential accesories, then as it grows I'll move it into a glass tank.

But first I have a few questions:

I've read that humidity is a problem with glass enclosures, so I was wondering if I could use something like this, as well as a water bowl,to keep humidity up
http://www.petsolutions.com/Repti+Ra...002002-C-.aspx

Also, with regards to the age of a BP, what is the ideal age to purchase one, or doesn't it really matter? For instance, as a relative new comer to reptiles, would it be advised to get a slightly older, but more tame BP? Although I understand that raising your BP from a youngster is half the fun.

Anways, luckily I found this site, otherwise I'd be relying on imformation like this, the place where I'm supposedly getting my snake from!
http://www.crystalpalacereptiles.com...oyalpython.htm
(note VIVARUIM set up)

Thanks Guys.

Ed.

[rabernet]

Hi Ed, and welcome! Glad you found us! Regarding the waterfall, I've not used one, but I've heard from people who have and had their snakes try to crawl in them and got stuck. I also don't know how difficult it would be to disinfect when you do your cleaning. Another alternative is plastic tubs, which a lot of us use - wonderful for maintaining temps and humidity!


Sounds like you really plan to do a lot of your homework before you make your purchase, and we LOVE owners like that here!

Regarding age - I don't think that it really makes much difference. I prefer to raise my own, I just get a lot of satisfaction out of it, but I've had really sweet babies, and real fire crackers too, but they've all settled in nicely. Conversely, I adopted an adult female this spring that would have rather bitten my face off than looked at me. I still loved her just the same (she has a new home now with another member here).

Ask whatever questions you wish - there's always a member here waiting to answer!

[JLC]

Hi Ed! Welcome aboard! :


I know six months seems like a long time to wait...but it took me over two years after joining this site to finally get my first BP! So I totally know how you feel!

There are plastic tubs big enough to house adult bp's very comfortably, so you don't have to switch to glass unless you just really want to. If you run into serious humidity issues, but still want to maintain a more "attractive" enclosure, you could save up and go with an Animal Plastics or Boaphile cage. Those can look very nice as a display, but hold temps and humidity much better than a typical glass box.

As for the age....so long as the baby has established a solid eating pattern, age doesn't make much of a difference unless you just have a personal preference. Look for the one that just steals your heart away, no matter how old it is.

[daaangconcepts]

just wondering but
famoussas- is that famous stars an straps...

is soo...I love famous gear and of course Travis Barker..lol<33

[frankykeno]

Welcome to BPNet Ed, glad you've joined us! It's great that you are taking this time to do your research and set up a proper enclosure before you purchase your first ball python. That kind of prep work will surely pay off for you and for your snake.

As far as age, really it's up to you and will likely be determined by the individual snake you simply fall in love with and must have. We've had babies that were lovely and adopted adults that were just as nice to handle and also others that took a fair bit of patience and work to settle them down. The best thing is to learn what to expect from a breeder (much better than buying from a pet shop), what to look for in a healthy BP...that sort of thing. The purchase process can really be very important as no matter all the planning and prep if you purchase a sickly, non-eating BP of any age, your first experience isn't going to be easy or much fun.

We have a number of members from England (some that breed BP's) that may be able to be a great resource for you on BP breeders, suppliers of caging needs and feeder prey, as well as herp groups near you.

[Glaedr]

I live near London! I got my BP as an 18 month old but she was very cheap because a breeder was having to sell some of his stock, and she eats excellently and is SO relaxed all the time. Good luck with your purchase!!!

[famoussas]

just wondering but
famoussas- is that famous stars an straps...

is soo...I love famous gear and of course Travis Barker..lol<33

Yep, good ol' famous stars and straps.

I live near London!

I dont live IN London, it's just easier to say as I live just north of it.

Thanks for everyones help, I do preferably want to get the snake from a breeder but I'm not sure what the breeder status is like in the UK, and prices etc compared to those in the US.

[daaangconcepts]

Yep, good ol' famous stars and straps.

we'll its nice to meet you....Welcome btw (sorry I didn't say it before...lol)