ball python questions

[pitviper10]

Im getting my first snake come october. Im going to get a ball python and i need to know a few things. One thing i need to know is, if it is better to put a hiding spot over top of the water dish to make the snake feel secure while its soaking, or leave it open. And if keeping the humidity in the aquarium is really important or if its something that dosnt really matter. i need advise from an EXPERIENCED owner please!

[steelnink]

Congrats on the upcoming snake.
Will this be your first snake?If so, why a bp?
They can be real challenging at times, for beginners,[ feeding problems].
If your after a bp, here's some tips to get you started,
- Purchase a healthy, captive-bred ball from a breeder,[ no pet store surprizes]
- try to get one that has been on a regular feeding schedule, this will save alot of headaches.
- As far as the enclosure goes, don't put a hatchling in to big of a tank, start small.
- Set it up with 2 hides, one in the cool end[ 80's] one in the hot end[90's].
- If using an aquarium, cover the back, and possibly, the sides, with some decorative back-drop.
Humidity isn't really to big of an issue with bp's[ lower humidity than higher, they are an African species]
- If your dealing with a hatchling, offer food every 4 to 6 days.
- Always keep your eyes on your temps, watch for signs of stress, and your on your way.

[greenman1867]

Just a few points.

Ball Pythons are secritive animals who are often easily stressed. Do not handle your New Ball for at 2-3 weeks. Only disturb it to spot clean messes, give clean water (every 3-4 days) and to feed.

Most ball python owners use rubber maids to make sure the snake feels secure, hold humidity (which is fairly important) around the 50-60% mark. Not all of africa is a desert........

2 hides may be used, I have some BP's with no hides and some with one. But I used a rubbermaid sytem so the whole enclosure is like a hide.

Only use news paper or paper towel for substrate for the first while. This makes for easy clean up and you can spot any parasites quite easily. Evan as adults I use mostly news paper as a substrate, only 2 of mine are on aspen shavings. And that might change in the near future.

The temps NEED to be 80-82 deg ambient (all around inside the enclosure) and 89-91 on the "hot spot. No more no less really. You need a good digital thermometer ($10.00 at zellers) or if you can afford it right now, a Helix thermostat. A Temp Gun to spot check ($25.00-$75.00) is worth the investment as well.

Try to ensure any Ball you purchase is a good feeder eating F/T (Frozen Thawed) rats. This will make your life so much easier. Expect even the best feeders yo give you a bit of a head ache and go off feed for sometimes week and months at a time. This does not always happen, but it happens often enough to be aware.

Um, Here are a couple links for more info, the "search" tool is great if you have further questions, use it first, but don't be afraid to ask questions as well.

http://www.strictlyballs.ca/faq.html
http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49236
http://www.strictlyballs.ca/snakerack.html

Good Luck,
Shawn

[greenman1867]

This is a bump and get rid of the other thread, I assume this was a double post for some reason by the originator.

[monty bl python]

the main thing i think is best for all ball owners is to get a captive bread ball the captive hatch and wild cought are at high risk of having parisites and other problems

the only time i have had a problem with the humidity is during shed. but it will shed fine with a humidity of 60%