Questions.

[Little B-Py]

Hello everyone,

I would really love to own a Ball Python for myself, but I still have some convincing to do. (My mother says they are pointless creatures because they have no emotions). I have been doing A LOT of research over the past few months, but I still have some questions...

1) How often does a Ball Python poop, and how big is it?

2) What exactly is urate, and how big is it?

3) What is scale rot, and how is it caused?

4) Can I keep a Ball Python in the same enclosure for its entire lifespan, as in starting it in a 30g or bigger??

5) UTHs - Do they go under the substrate, or under the entire cage?

6) How many snakes should be owned before I start to breed their food (mice, rats, etc..)?

7) My parents and divorced, and I switch from house to house every week, so is it okay to be away from a Ball Python for one week, every other week?

8) How do I find out about Reptile Shows in my area?

9) How long is the longest that a Ball Python can be kept out of its cage before having to be put back in?

10) What is the WORST part about being a Ball Python owner?


Answers would be greatly appreciated, as well as pictures for for numbers 1-3

Thank you to anyone who helps

I'll give this a try. Make sure you search first because all of your answers have been already discussed, but I'll make it easy for you since I was once in your shoes. lol

1. No exact times, depends on food size I would assume. But it does smell horrible and the bigger the snake the worse it gets.

2. Urate is solid urine, looks like white poop. About the same size as poop or smaller.

3. Not exactly sure myself, someone is bound to be able to elaborate.

4. I would assume but not suggested I think. I keep my 2 hatchlings in 19 quart rubbermaid tubs to keep the temps/humidity more in check. The recommended maximum tank size is a 30 long. Which is roughly 4x2x1

5. Just the way they sound Under Tank Heater. Under the tank which is also under the substrate. lol.

6. I would suggest many because rodents can get out of hand quick unless you separate them, but assuming they have 6 pups, you have to wait a week or 2 (I would have to consult my sleeping fiancee to get the exact numbers) before they would be of useful (feeding) size. Well if your snake goes on a fasting streak for many weeks the prey may be too big for him after that...then you are stuck with pets that you have to feed.

7. They are fine not being delt with for weeks. After re-doing my husbandry I couldn't play with mine for 7-10 days so that's not an issue.

8. Kinda like scale rot, not sure about that one either.

9. Why would you keep him out for an extended period of time? To wander around the house? I would assume as long as you keep an eye on them it wouldn't matter, my buddy lets his crawl around his livingroom and it just curls up in front of the gas heater.

10. There isn't anything bad about it! It is rewarding to fail (like I did) and have something exciting happen like them eat on their own for the first time (go read "Breaking the Habit" my thread about assist feeding).

They have no emotion and that is a plus to most people, no whining, no crying, no barking...they are silent, peaceful animals. wonderful.