Interested in Balls; Some Questions

[Requiem]

Hey everyone, this is my first post on these forums. I'm considering getting a snake and a ball python sounds like an excellent choice. I've researched them a bit but I'm interested in hearing from people directly. I had two snakes when I was younger (a python and a boa), but that was a while ago and I'm not very knowledgeable about snakes anymore.

-What makes ball pythons good snakes to get compared to other choices? I like that ball pythons are docile and stay at a manageable size, but I've also read that they are relatively inactive and are often purchased just for their morphs.

-How much can ball pythons be handled without getting stressed? Do snakes even "like" being handled at all? Are they more content being completely left alone or do they "enjoy" being let out at times to explore and craw over people? How much can a ball python be handled compared to other snakes?

Thanks for any who reply.

[WellyBelly]

Hey everyone, this is my first post on these forums. I'm considering getting a snake and a ball python sounds like an excellent choice. I've researched them a bit but I'm interested in hearing from people directly. I had two snakes when I was younger (a python and a boa), but that was a while ago and I'm not very knowledgeable about snakes anymore.

-What makes ball pythons good snakes to get compared to other choices? I like that ball pythons are docile and stay at a manageable size, but I've also read that they are relatively inactive and are often purchased just for their morphs.

-How much can ball pythons be handled without getting stressed? Do snakes even "like" being handled at all? Are they more content being completely left alone or do they "enjoy" being let out at times to explore and craw over people? How much can a ball python be handled compared to other snakes?

Thanks for any who reply.

You answered your first question. And they feel stressed being out of there confinement. I've notice them breath heavier and if they did look more active it was because they were looking for a hide to escape the giant room.

[Mindibun]

I am by no means an expert, or even someone with a great deal of personal experience. *But* I am willing to share what little knowledge I have, so I'll go ahead and respond, and then hope that someone else a bit older and wiser will come along.

1. What makes them great snakes (in my opinion) is exactly what you said: they're docile and stay at a manageable size. You also listed inactivity but as a negative. To me, this is a plus. I have other animals that crave my attention, and since the ball pythons don't care one way or the other, I don't feel guilty about not handling them every day. If I want to play with them I can, and if not, I don't have to. Sometimes, inactivity is a very good thing.

2. I would say that handling is different for each snake, but as a general rule, they can stand a decent amount of handling. Say, a couple of times a week for anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour or so? That's a complete ballpark. It's really difficult to figure how much time I've spent with mine. As for whether or not they like coming out, again - it depends on the snake. My larger girl is like a boa, she always wants to be out and will pick her head up when I walk in the room. She fights me to stay out of her enclosure sometimes when she's not ready to go in. I can take her anywhere and do anything with her and she doesn't care. On the other hand, my little one isn't too fond of being out. She doesn't mind curling up with me in bed for quiet reading or watching tv, but anything more than that and she just balls up. I've found that I'm the only one she'll let hold her as well (with maybe one or two exceptions). The larger snake will go to anyone.

I think ball pythons are a good, relatively thick-bodied snake that can take the little bit of handling you're probably looking for.

Honestly, when I was in high school I always wanted a snake but never bought one because I was afraid I wouldn't be able to feed it, or it would be mean and bite me, or any number of other excuses. Then I agreed to snake-sit my friend's BP and it made a world of difference. I realized that I could handle it and that the snake was exactly what I was looking for. I couldn't be happier now. Maybe you could spend some time with a couple at the pet store or do what I did and snake-sit. Sometimes having them in your hands for a little while is enough to convince you one way or the other.

I hope I helped a little. ^_^ Good luck, and if you have any more questions, there are TONS of knowledgeable people here to help. Here's hoping one shows up soon.

[Michael314]

Ball pythons can be handled for as long as it is happy to be handled, when you get a new snake slowly increase the handling time I recommend you let it settle in without touching until it has taken at least one feed, then start at 5-10mins when it is moving around it vivarium, it will just ball up to begin with and handling for too long will stress it out. As it calms down and gets used to you it will move around, slowly increase the time and after 2-3 months you should be able to handle it for as long as you like if it is comfortable it will move around happily and stay near you.

Go to a reputable dealer/pet shop and they will tell you what you need to set up a vivarium, I got a BP starter pack which was a good investment, I suggest getting a good reference book as well. BPs only need a small tank so are slightly cheaper than larger snakes in this respect, but they are not the most active animals and are nocternal.

Get a captive reared and bred as it will take food more easily and will be unlikely to have internal parasites. Ask the shop/dealer to show you that it takes food willingly it will make your life easier as someone new to BPs. Get a morph if you want but they can be expensive, the normal BP is very good looking in my book.

[Argentra]

First of all,

Second, good for you to do your research first and refresh your knowledge on snakes. Ball pythons are a great pet snake for various reasons. I may be new to BP owning, but not to BPs. Of every snake I've handled and worked with in reptile "petting zoos" or zoo education programs, the most accepting and docile was always the Ball python. Unlike colubrids, they are content to sit still most of the time. Handling tolerance varies from snake to snake, but overall they seem fine with it. Some even really like it. I've heard of people who handle their BP every day, others only once or twice a week.

Whereas they are inactive snakes, and corns or kings would be better for someone who wants something lively, they are the sweetest and gentlest snake species I know of. I was hooked on someday owning one when I worked at a zoo and reached into the female adult BPs cage to pick her up and found that she was in blue. She never even flinched.

Ok, sorry for rambling...it's late. Basically, I'm saying that in the cage they won't be much to watch, but out of the cage they are quite enjoyable.