New Owner

[Raizari]

Hey, new to the forums (Just found it today, and found a lot of interesting information.) and I may just be getting my first ever ball python within the next month or two =D So to make sure I have everything in order, so that this can go as smoothly as possible, I'd just like to ask a few questions so I don't make (m)any mistakes. Much appreciation to those who offer their insight and tips.

First, for the tank, I keep hearing that you should start newborns off in a smaller tank (10-15 gallon) and then upgrade them as they age, eventually to a 30 gallonish range. Would it be possible to buy a 30 gallon from the get go, and simply block off a portion of it, so as not to stress out the snake? Or would different tanks be needed regardless.

Second, what is the ideal Temperature (for both hot and cold side) I should try to maintain, and the ideal humidity? I've done some reading, online and otherwise, on this and all of them vary and usually are in a 10-15 degree/% difference range, so it's hard to tell which one is ideal =(

Third, what is a good substrate to use? I have access to newspaper en masse, so I can always fall back on that, but I'd prefer to use something that would make the snake more comfortable. Would it be a bad idea to use baked (to remove parasites) soil retrieved from outside? Or use the aforementioned soil with grown grass? Or would this be to dangerous/hazardous? (Not that I could get said soil atm anyways... damn snow)

And last, how much does a fully equip snake habitat cost (for a western Canadian), disregarding the cost of the snake itself? This wouldn't include any fancy frivolous stuff,
but the needed equipment for a happy, livable vivarium.

That's all the questions I have really, I've been researching the care and habitat I'd need to do and obtain, and I think I have a pretty good grasp of the knowledge I need. Just some parts were fairly vague or opinionated, which can easily mislead or confuse someone like myself I think.

Anyways, any tips or suggestions would be much appreciated, as well as anyone willing to help answer some of these questions! I look forward to when I can get my own ball and join you all in discussion, =D

[mainbutter]

Some people raise BPs in tubs, and have seperators installed that get taken out when the snakes get larger. Some people do it with cages as well. It would work just fine with a tank. I'd personally recommend getting a 20 gallon tank over a 30 gallon if you're interested in a glass tank, easier than blocking off a section, the lower ceiling will help maintain temps and humidity, and it will last your snake quite a while unless it has some truly amazing growth spurts. And besides, then you'll have a tank later on if you upgrade your first snake, just in case you "find" another scaly friend that needs a home

As for temps, I have also gotten different answers from different people, but usually variance is less than 3 degrees. As a general rule, high 70s low 80s on the cool end and high 80s low 90s on the warm side. Some people do 80/90, some people do 83/90, some people do 83/94.. I have come to the conclusion that these snakes are living animals that have evolved over millions of years, and can thrive without having a completely specific constant temperature of 82.0000000 on the cool side. The one thing you DON'T want is much temperature fluctuation. If your cool side is 81.5, try to KEEP it at 81.5, and not let it go from 81.5 to 76 to 85 back to 81.5, the snakes don't like that as much. They live underground in the wild, where temperatures are less prone to fluctuate. As for humidity, I think just about every good care sheet will say 50-60% constantly is ideal, and feel free to bump it up to 70% during shed. Some people bypass the humidity with humid hides and similar techniques, and will probably chime in as well.

I would never use soil from outside to house snakes. You have no idea what kinds of bugs, parasites, and pesticides, among other things will tag along. Even if you bake it, there's still more risk than I like.

I think that there are enough people here who would agree with me that newspaper is plenty comfortable for BPs and that they like it just fine. Also there are plenty of natural looking substrates that are good for BPs, you don't have to resort to outside soil.

As for cost, you can get by either on the less expensive or more expensive side.. It all depends on what level of product you want to purchase for your new pet. Do you go with the $10 rheostat, the $80 thermostat, or the $200 thermostat? Do you get the $30-50 20 gallon aquarium or do you go and get that nice cage from RBI that will set you back a few hundred bucks?

You can probably get by in canada spending under $300 for the whole setup, but I don't know canadian pricing for these kinds of items very well, since I live in the US.

Of course you could always get a rack system with tubs from somewhere, and have extra space for more snakes!

[Raizari]

Hmm, that's a very good point, although I don't think I'll be getting another snake any time soon, even though I'd love to. I had a hell of a time convincing my grandmother that one isn't going to kill and eat us all as is >_> But I could still use the tub or 20 gallon as a feeding location, or somewhere he can sit while sick and his main home is being cleaned.

That seems like a reasonable temperature range, I'll try that once I get all the equipment (probably on boxing day, damn these Christmas prices). How exactly do I maintain the humidity though? Would I have to mist every hour? Or would the water dish + heat source produce a good amount? And wouldn't the humidity get into and ruin any low quality thermostats?

Newspaper will work, but in the event that he gets bumped up to some kind of substrate (this wouldn't stress him out, would it?) Which one is advisable?

For pricing, I'm not really sure what it is around here. The only thing I saw was a pretty fancy 30 gallon at Pet land that was $350. So hmm. Thank you for your response, it was very helpful =D

[wax32]

If you don't want to go with newspaper, use shredded aspen. It's pretty and isn't real expensive.

Try to find a "Critter Cage". They are glass aquariums with a sliding/locking mesh top. You will need to block some of the top off with foil to keep warmth/humidity in, but they look nice. If you don't care about looks you can just use a Rubbermaid or Sterilite tub. That's what I like and they are easier to control. heat and humidity-wise.

The thermostat goes OUTSIDE of the tank so no worries about humidity there.

[Clyde Frog]

In terms of keeping your humidity, it depends on your whole set-up. I have a glass enclosure (generally harder to keep stable temp/humidity in) but with a fir/sphagnum moss for substrate, an under tank heater, and one ceramic light, I'm able to maintain 80 cool side temp, 90 on hot side. Being winter, I generally have to mist the substrate once in the morning and it stays at about 55% all day.

Also, with the cost of the snake thing, I was able to get a 20-gal long tank for $20 with 2 hides, substrate, UTH, water dish, thermometer, humidity thing (hygrometer I think its called?lol) all for $94.36 lol. My snake I actually found on craigslist. I happened to be poking around one day and found him on there. I got in touch with the person to make sure he wasn't sick or anything and he came with his papers about his whole clutch, when they were hatched and first successfully fed and such. Be cautious on craigslist though. A lot of people try to scam you and believe me, I pestered this lady as much as I could to make sure I wasn't just getting some random BP. I wanted a nice snake. She had 2 100% het for albino BP males and didn't need 2 so I got to take one =)

Hope that helps you a little bit.

[Melicious]

Let me break it down for you as cheaply as possible.

1. Sterilite Tub: Around $5-6. I'd probably suggest something like a 16quart tub right now. Target and Wal-Mart are great places to go for these.

2. UTH: http://www.reptilesupply.com/product...roducts_id=489 I'm sure you could find it elsewhere, but not as cheap. $13

3. Thermostat: Cheap, and it works just fine. http://www.reptilesupply.com/product.php?products_id=75 $23

4. Water bowl: I went to Target and picked up a small bowl I found on clearance. Just make sure he can't tip it over.$2-4.

5. Hides: Now this was fun. I went to Lowe's and picked up these nice little black storage bins. There are already dips in them for holes and they were $8 for four "hides." This gave me extras for new additions.

6. Substrate: Newspaper. Cheap(usually free), easy to clean up, and easy to store.

So...

Fifty-four bucks. I added up the highest prices but that doesn't include shipping. Sixty bucks is pretty reasonable.

It's really up to you. This is just my suggestion.

[Clyde Frog]

That's true. Plastic tubs really seem like the enclosure of choice. I guess it depends on how you are having your snake. For me, I like for him to be on display when I'm not handling him. It's nice to have the glass so when I lie down I can just watch him do his thing.

[Melicious]

That's true. Plastic tubs really seem like the enclosure of choice. I guess it depends on how you are having your snake. For me, I like for him to be on display when I'm not handling him. It's nice to have the glass so when I lie down I can just watch him do his thing.

You can still see them if you're using a clear plastic tub. The humidity issues are non-existent, though, and that's why I love them. I can look across the room and see my female eye-balling me for attention, but I also know that I don't have to get up in five minutes to mist her either.

[Clyde Frog]

Ohh okay. I'm thinking of the clear but still not really see through ones that I used to move back and forth from college. Kind of bummin' now that I spent $20 on a glass tank lol =(

Oh well!

[starmom]

There are also reptile cages that offer the best of all worlds: awesome display but with enough security, and holds heat and humidity very well

I have reptile cages and tubs and, in all honesty, I like the cages much better. I also think that the snakes in the cages like the roaming room and the thermoregulation opportunities that tubs do not offer as much of.