a few specific questions...

[twisted-wing]

Hooray for my first noobie thread? I have several bp questions. Not sure if its considered okay to post them all in one thread under Husbandry, but if I'll be happy to edit this if I get yelled. : P

I want to get a young CH or CB bp somewhat soon, but I hoped to get ze following questions answered first.


1) I plan to have the snake tank in a room where a tv is frequently on, volume 'low to medium.' Would semi-regular noise stress a bp?

2) The easiest place for me to get a bp seems to be Petsmart or Petco. I've heard people suggest avoiding large companies and going for a breeder. Why is that? Has anyone had bad experiences with snakes they've obtained from Petsmart or Petco?

3) Will irregular lighting *outside* the tank affect a bp? The only place I can put the tank is in the living room, and the overhead light is turned on/off somewhat inconsistantly. I know snakes are nocturnal...

4) I've read several times that there is no difference between female and male bps, other than females being larger in size. Is there any noticeable difference in the disposition of the different genders? I know females of other pets (rats, dogs, etc) tend to be more tempermental than males.

I've looked around for answers to these questions before posting this, but in case I have asked questions 1,000 other people have already asked, sorry >.> Initial thanks to anyone with some answers for me! lol

[Bloodsong]

1) I plan to have the snake tank in a room where a tv is frequently on, volume 'low to medium.' Would semi-regular noise stress a bp?

I have kept my animal in the living room due to space constraints myself. We limit how late the TV stays on, and tightly keep control to keep the overheads off as much as possible, and the animal seems OK after more than a year in this new environment.

2) The easiest place for me to get a bp seems to be Petsmart or Petco. I've heard people suggest avoiding large companies and going for a breeder. Why is that? Has anyone had bad experiences with snakes they've obtained from Petsmart or Petco?

Personally, I don't like the big boxes because they don't really have much of a clue as to where they get the animals they sell (reputable breeders are an almost never, it is either legal imports or large-farm, both not condusive to disease free environments), or how to take care of the animals if you are getting an exotic. This isn't the workers' faults, they are often hired to do the exotic area of the store's work with no interest. Also, with a reputable seller, you can get pictures of what you are buying, records on feeds and sheds, exact birthdates, as well as information on any health issues that may be present (stay away from any health problems!). If you want to look into who exactly is "reputable" since that word seems quite amorphous online, I suggest checking the faunaclassifieds.com board of inquiry.

3) Will irregular lighting *outside* the tank affect a bp? The only place I can put the tank is in the living room, and the overhead light is turned on/off somewhat inconsistantly. I know snakes are nocturnal...

Not really sure. Like I said, we try to regulate as much as possible keeping those lights off once the "night" has come. I will say that living in Montana, though, summer brings sunlight through the windows sometimes as late as 9:30 PM. I notice no stress effects (stop feedings, temperment changes, etc.) during summer dispite the cage being adjacent to the window.

4) I've read several times that there is no difference between female and male bps, other than females being larger in size. Is there any noticeable difference in the disposition of the different genders? I know females of other pets (rats, dogs, etc) tend to be more tempermental than males.

I have noticed no difference in the temper between male and female between my and a friend's snakes. I will say, however, that mommas on eggs seem to be a complete 180 from normal BP behavior. If you don't plan on breeding, there is no difference other than size.

And finally, never apologize for asking a question. I'd rather answer a question a million times than have a trouble thread for something that wasn't done!

Bloodsong

[Michelle.C]

Welcome to BP.net!!

1. Ball Pythons have no external ear openings. Sound is very limited. They mostly "hear" through vibrations. As long as the Television isn't booming, I doubt it will even notice. Much less be bothered by the noise.

2. Petsmart, Petco, and other large chains mostly care poorly for their animals. Possible health issues are; mites, internal/external parasites, burns, feeding issues, stress issues, respiratory problems, mouth rot, etc.

I would advise completely inspecting the animal, every inch. I would set a veterinary appointment up for a checkup/fecal before even bringing the animal home.

There are hundreds of very reputable breeders that are willing to ship to your door (Fedex/UPS), and the animals would be problem free.

3. As long as the light isn't shining directly in the tank, you should be fine. I wouldn't leave the lights on all night long, turn them out when you can.

Make sure he has multiple (two or more) secure, tight hides and he will escape the light when he wants to.

4. I own over 40 Ball Pythons and I honestly see no difference in temperament between the sexes. It's all very dependent on the individual animal.

Make sure you handle the snake before you bring it home (if you insist on buying from a pet store chain). Make sure it is docile, but alert, healthy and active. The mouth should be pink and healthy, there should be no indications of sputum. This could indicate a respiratory infection. Take a damp paper towel and wipe it over the entire snakes body, look on the paper towel for moving dots (mites). Also look around the eyes and under the jaw for mites. The vent should be clean and crust free, with no evidence of feces. The skin should snap back into place if you pinch a small area on the side. The shed should be completely removed if a recent sluff occurred. You should also request the animal be fed in your presence.

Good luck!

[Lishdaddy]

I was in your same boat in the beginning of January. I almost bought a BP from a pet store in town. I'm so glad I didn't. When I go into the pet store now, I see multiple BP housed together, nothing monitoring temperatures or humidity, old sheds and poop in the cage, ect..... really sad.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but you never know what you're getting from Petco or Petsmart. I believe Petco only sales Male BP, and the animals always seem stressed out when I go in there. Poor hides, Multiple snakes, ect.

Do yourself a favor and get a snake from a reputable breeder. It might even be cheaper. I got mine from Rcreptiles for $50, plus $50 for overnight shipping. The snake was super healthy, beautiful, and customer service was amazing. I know a lot of people here have had good experience with Adam from 8ball as well.

Good luck, with the adventure.