New to snakes :)

[boogidus]

Hi,
I am new to snakes and ive always wanted one. I have been looking at ball pythons, they seem pritty easy for begginers as do they pertain from biting. So could You help me out some.
What i have.

55 gallon tank 48"x12"
light One heat bulb and two florescent strips just for light.
the snakes at the store look about 2-3 ft

[marvint]

try reading at the caresheet section. you'll learn a lot there.

[boogidus]

i did but i was reading other places and i was unshure if a 55 gallon tank would be too big for a snake that size. the store i went to had them in pairs and i was also wondering if the 55 gallon would be good for two ball pyhtons?

[nixer]

i did but i was reading other places and i was unshure if a 55 gallon tank would be too big for a snake that size. the store i went to had them in pairs and i was also wondering if the 55 gallon would be good for two ball pyhtons?

never for any reason should any 2 snakes be together unless for breeding purposes!

also since you are new look around here a bit first before you make a purchase. make sure you know what you need and have it setup before you get them. also you better ask them if they are imported wild caught, captive hatched or captive born and bred. also what food they are eating

[starmom]

Welcome!

A 55g is pretty big for a ball python! Lots of people keep them in 10g tanks when they are young and then move to 20g long tanks when they are ready for that. Never keep two snakes together in the same tank unless you are cycling them through for breeding.

As for equipment, you'll need an under tank source of heat as well as a thermostat to control that heat. You'll also need a thermometer and hygrometer for measuring in-tank temps and humidity. Also, you'll need two small hides and whatever you choose to use for substrate (newspaper, aspen, etc.)

Also, food! Yes, your new snake will need to eat and so make certain that you have a reliable food source locally, or a place on the net to order rodents from.

Again, welcome! Ball pythons are great starter snakes as they don't get very big and are relatively easy to keep. Just make certain you have a thermostat (about $100.00) to control your heat source

[boogidus]

ok ... then i will only buy the one... but the main thing im trying to get to is if a 55 gallon tank will be to large for a ball bython that is 2 ft and growing

[boogidus]

i know the tank is big im ok with that but, i wanted to make sure that it wouldnt start freaking out cuz the tank was so big.... plus he will have more room to go about

[starmom]

The snake will more than likely start to freak out with a tank that big; that's what I was saying

You'll need to purchase:
a smaller tank, a thermostat, hides, thermometer/hygrometer, a heat source, substrate, and food!

Also, since this is a pet store snake, I'd err on the side of caution and order a can of Provent-A-Mite...

[boogidus]

what about a 29 gallon tank... dimensions are like a 20 gal tank except it has more height

[boogidus]

or is there a snake that would fit my tank? samthing calm that rarely ever bites and is for begginers? I would like a pet that i can hold