Help with ball python, please?

[3dward]

So, I'm going to get a juvenile ball python at petsmart tomorrow, I know, not the ideal choice to buy from, but I know the girl that works there and she has answered the questions that I had about the snake, such as was it bread in captivity and such. I haven't owned a snake before, I would like to set up a nice environment for it, with it's wellbeing in mind, but I have a limited budget. I have a hexagon fish tank, it's 35 gallons, but it's more height then length. The first 3 sides are 13 inches width and 25 inches height. The two back are 22 inches width and 25 inches height. Measured from front to back it's 25 inches and side to side is 13 inches. The tank is 83 inches around. Is this suitable for a juvenile ball python?

[starmom]

No, it really isn't. Fish tanks are always difficult to control the heat and humidity, and this oddly shaped one will not provide the floor space necessary for the hides and the water bowl and will also be difficult to get the proper heat gradient.
Also, it is best for the snake if you have the environment set-up and stable prior to purchasing the snake. This means that you have a correct enclosure, heat source, thermostat to control the heat source, two hides, water bowl, thermometer and hygrometer.
I would urge you to hold off purchasing the snake until you have an environment set-up for it.

[3dward]

No, it really isn't. Fish tanks are always difficult to control the heat and humidity, and this oddly shaped one will not provide the floor space necessary for the hides and the water bowl and will also be difficult to get the proper heat gradient.
Also, it is best for the snake if you have the environment set-up and stable prior to purchasing the snake. This means that you have a correct enclosure, heat source, thermostat to control the heat source, two hides, water bowl, thermometer and hygrometer.
I would urge you to hold off purchasing the snake until you have an environment set-up for it.

What kinds of housing would you recommend?

[harfieldthethirsty]

I agree, have a good stable enviroment first. 82 to 85 in the cool side hide, 90 to 94 in the warm hide, ambiant temp of about 83 or so, and 50 to 60% humidity. It will help ensure the health of the snake,and will save you heartache and money. I speak from personal experience, do it right the first time and you and your ball will be in great shape. Also see if you can see the snake eat before you buy. make sure to get a good feeder

[3dward]

About how long does it take to get an environment set up, as far as temp. goes anyways?

[3dward]

So... after careful consideration, I decided that I am going to wait to get the ball python. I'm going to go out and find the snake that I want, that way I can determine it's size so that I can pick good hides for it, and then I'm going to figure out what I want to put in it's environment and how I'm going to efficiently control the temperature and humidity, which will be a challenge since MY environment isn't stable. I'll pick the snake that I want and post information about it and then I'll figure out what I'm going to do about it's environment and check back here to make sure that my final environment has not only good devices to monitor and control temp. but also to make the snake healthy and stable, as well as happy.

[frankykeno]

I think you made the right decision. A snake like this is a 20 year investment of your time, care and work. It's not a thing to rush into if you've never kept this species. Do your research now on husbandry, enclosures, etc. (read threads here pls, most pet stores will sell you tons of stuff you don't need or is way overpriced), then get the enclosure setup and dialed in correctly, then worry about finding that perfect snake.

Depending on what you are looking for a nice normal (non-morph) male ball python makes a perfect pet snake in my opinion. Many of these normal males are available from top breeders for very reasonable prices even including shipping. You get a snake from a reputable person, that has been very well cared for, is healthy and sexed correctly, comes with all the information you'd want to know and will be a snake that's already well started as far as it's eating patterns, etc.

For a newcomer those things will make your life far easier than dealing with the typical pet store baby snake which tends to be a more challenging snake to get settled in.

Feel free to ask any questions you have and use that search engine here. There's a lot of threads with a lot of good advice about setting up and buying your first ball python.

[starmom]

So, you asked a lot of really great questions and your final choice to wait for your snake is a really respectful one.
I get my reptile cages, hides, Helix thermostat, temp gun, and radiant heat panels from here: http://www.reptilebasics.com/. Rich is a great guy and he will be able to help you to determine your caging and heating needs once you have decided on a snake.
As for snakes, this is a great time of year because there are eggs on the ground and baby boas birthing. I would strongly recommend that you go through a breeder since you can rest assured that the snake you purchase will be healthy and you will also have the breeder to talk to at any time if you have any questions. There are tons of great breeders who ship; again, all you need to do is take time to investigate and research the type of snake that will best fit your desires
Take care. Have fun with this process of learning about the different snakes and habitats

[cinderbird]

What kinds of housing would you recommend?

its extremely cost efficient to house BPs in tubs. the rubbermaid or steralite ones found at target /walmart / etc. you can get the right amount of floor space and heat them properly. you can use under tank heaters as long as you have a thermostat.

you can search for threads on how to set up a tub.

[starmom]

I agree- tubs are cost effective as are rack systems.
I have cages and 4 racks and I am excited to be working toward getting all of mine into cages.
I have seen the way that they really use all of the space in their cages at night and I feel very wrong about keeping the others in cramped tubs.
I do feel that a small space is good for balls until they are adults (read: over 1000g) but after that, they love their cages...
I understand that this is not a popular notion....
Just saying what I see every night.....