New Here

[jandsfannon]

Hi Everyone,

I am thinking about getting a ball python in a few days. I have never owned a snake and up to last year I was terrified of all lizards. Then my husband was given 2 Bearded Dragons, and once I got used to them we decided to get a couple of geckos. Well to make a long story short we now have 4 beardies (2 of which are pregnant) and 12 Leopard geckos (2 of which are also pregnant).
I have been considering getting a ball python for a few months now and I have been talking to a few people that either have them or have had them. I have heard nothing but good things about them being a great started snake, that they are very docile, things like that. So I guess my questions would be, considering I have done my research with regard to husbandry, what would the the good and bad to owing a BP be?



Thanks Sabrina

[BMorrison]

The only downfall I've encountered really is keeping humidity up but then again I use a tank. If you use a tank the temps and humidity will take a little bit of tinkering to dial in right but once it's all good to go they're very low maintenance. Feed once a week, Change the substrate every month, spot clean every day, change water daily and monitor temps. I think that about covers it unless someone else has something to add Anyways I hope you decide to get a ball python they're great pets and I've never looked back!

[Laooda]

Hello and welcome!

I think most people will tell you there is not much "bad" associated with BP's. As long as a you get a healthy snake that is eating, and keep it housed and fed properly... they are on a whole a real joy to have! Every snake is different, so just get one that you "connect" with!
Oh, and we LOVE us some photos here!

[BMorrison]

Yeah yeah photos!

[tigerlily]

I think they are great snakes to start off with, as long as you can keep up with husbandry. Since you have the beardies, I imagine that you won't have a problem with them.

Bad side... well you know how you started with 2 beardies and now you have more? Well it's even worse with bps. lol.

My biggest bit of advice would be to find a good breeder and buy an animal that is well started. Ask tons of questions from your breeder. What is it being fed, how often... etc.

If there's anything else you need help with, just ask. Oh and welcome to the site!

[starmom]

Welcome to the forum!

The good things about ball pythons: There are a ton of different morphs to choose from and so finding one that catches your eye is very easy. They are relatively very easy to keep healthy. They eat rodents which are easy to obtain and even order on the internet. They are a gentle snake and are typically not prone to aggressiveness.

Some possible negatives: The cost for set-up can be high depending on the environment you choose for the snake and the type of heat control you choose. Ball pythons are typically not active snakes and they are typically not very interactive (say, like boas).

I feel that the best thing is to ask yourself why you want a snake and what you want the snake for. Again, if you want a more active, less shy snake, perhaps a different species might be better.

Please continue to ask any questions that might pop into your mind during this period of decision. You might want to look at breeders websites; I have only had personal experience with NERD (http://www.newenglandreptile.com), TSK (http://www.ballpython.com/page.php), and 8Ball (http://www.8ballpythons.com/index.htm)- all terrific! You might want to look at websites that sell supplies- I highly recommend Reptile Basics (http://www.reptilebasics.com/).

Again, welcome!!

[Jenn]

Welcome friend. You came to the right place. And it's so nice to hear people asking questions BEFORE they bring home a new snake. Number one thing I would recommend if you do decide on a BP is to get your set-up up and working correctly days, or even weeks, before you get your snake.

On the plus side they are very addictive. I thought I would just have one for a pet, but now I have transformed my living room into the "snake room". On the down side... they are very addictive!!!

[Jenn]

Oh, I forgot to mention that Corn Snakes generally IMHO make the best starter snakes. Very low maintenance husbandry.

[Argentra]

Welcome!

Good post, Starmom.
The good - they are docile and beautiful snakes that don't get hugely big, once you get the husbandry stuff stable they're quite easy to care for, they don't need huge amounts of space (like Bearded Dragons)

The 'bad' - Even using tubs for enclosures the initial EQ costs are kinda high (thermostat especially), Some equipment can really only be found and ordered online, Temperature needs are kinda strict, And they aren't a 'display' snake that you'll see very often like boas or corns.

I think BPs are great snakes for people prepared to do a little work to make their housing proper. Corn snakes are a better snake for a total beginner, since temp and housing needs are much more lax (I have both species), but either snake is very addicting and a great pet!

[yukon]

well my first snake was a bp he's great .just have to keep temps and humidity right.i had mine in a tank but was a pain to keep temp and humidity right so he is now in a rubber maid tub works great..the only thing with bp's that i have found is hardly ever see them even in a aquairium they seem to hide alot..and mine can go off feeding for extended times. but he is a great snake dosile he has never hissed or struck at me. have a 5 month old boa to and he is more active but more nippy to