new BP

[MontyPython13]

hi all!
Someone just gave me a ball python. I really don't even know much about them. Never owned any snakes, but I have a bearded dragon. Just a couple questions:
1) What type of heat temp/lighting should they have for their tank?
2) Can the enclosure be kept outside on a porch? (Florida)
3) How often do they need to be fed?
4) How long do they generally live to be?
those are some main questions. Thanks!!

[TheMolenater2]

Here is our site caresheet!
http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules....warticle&id=59
Good luck

[MontyPython13]

Here is our site caresheet!
http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules....warticle&id=59
Good luck

Thanks!
Took me awhile to find it...but I did read it and it was very helpful =)

[starmom]

What are you keeping the snake in now?

The care sheet is a great place to start and then there are many sitcky's regarding enclosure set-ups. Were you thinking of a glass tank? There's a great sticky for that too!!

You'll need 2 small hides that the snake can cram themselves into- think tight and snug!

You'll also need your temps to be controlled by a thermostat (Johnson, Ranco, Helix, Herpstat).

You'll also need a way to monitor the temps and humidity (Acurite digital thermometer/hygrometer, for example).

As for keeping it on your porch, since I don't know where in Florida you live, I can not answer that question

Young baby ball pythons are typically fed every 5 days and juvy and adult balls are typically fed every 7 days; with the caveat that there is much variation in this scenario. Some people feed mice and some feed rats and some feed live and some feed frozen/thawed and it is up to you and your snake to determine what is best. I have some snakes that eat f/t rats and one who is eating live mice and one who goes back and forth from live mice to f/t rats Crazy snake!!!

Anyway, I guess that sharing with us what your thoughts are, or what you are already doing for the snake, will help us to zero in our advice for husbandry ideas and/or tips.

Welcome to the forum!!!

[JenH]

Watch out - snakes are known to be addictive..... Before you know it you'll have a dozen of them!

[littleindiangirl]

I would NOT keep them on the porch in a glass tank! Heaven's you'd cook him.