Why you like Balls so much???

[dvs]

yeah I know that sounds a little funny..... but seriously, Im thinking of getting into them and just wanted to know why you people like them so much? especially the people with like 20+ balls...... What makes this your favorite snake??? thanks. dvs

[Quervo]

What's not to like? lol .. I got into balls mostly because they don't get too big, and they don't have a bite first, think second attitude. They don't require anything fancy as far as caging goes (high humidity, etc.) They have beautiful patterning, and they have a really cute puppy-dog face. Of course they're about as smart as a stump and keep forgetting what food is, but they usually remember again after a while.

[Ron]

I agree with Quervo, they are a great all around snake. They are a great beginner snake but they still have some quirks that will challenge you.

[dvs]

Yeah, the whole feeding thing is the only thing making me think twice about them.........

Is the problem any worse with either gender??? or is it just luck?

I'll be going to a show once again this weekend and will have my eye's peeled for anything I find interesting.... hope to find a nice female.

[Big Mike]

Feeding is the same for both genders...unless it's mature and breeding season etc.

If you get a CBB ball that is already feeding well...you should have no problems.

I agree with Quervo as well...they are a good sized snake and are very friendly (most of the time). The people with 20 are trying to breed them because of the increased popularity and the value of the ball python morphs.

Most BP owners will tell you that they make great pets...I'd go for it.

[Ron]

Get an established CBB ball and you shouldn't have a problem. I think most people stress out their snakes by constantly trying to make them eat after they miss one meal. If they miss a meal, check your set up and don't try until their next scheduled feeding. If it is the time of the year that they fast, only offer food every second scheduled feeding. People have to understand that this happens with BP's and if they can't handle that; they shouldn't get one.

Good luck finding a BP this weekend, they are wonderful snakes. Just remember, get a CBB BP that has been feeding from a good breeder.

Also you could try contacting Rob Carmichael in Lake Forest, Illinois. I believe that he once said he gives away his hatchlings to good homes. Also he would be a good contact for info.

[BoidKeeper]

I love them b/c of size, temperment, colour variation, ease of care etc. And like everyone else says if it's your first ball then it really should be CBB. As for trouble feeder I think you'll find that it is the females that tend to fast more then the males during breeding season.
Cheers,
Trevor

[Lisa]

Our royal pythons are all feeding well, one won't strike but he still eats. can't complain about that. as for why we love them, well their markings are nice, they're not going to get too big, their temperment is great and they're pretty forgiving with husbandry. I think their rep for not eating isn't any worse then any other snake.

[JamesBryan]

Size was one of my main reasons for choosing them. They stay small lengthwise but get very stocky so still have that "big snake" look. They don't eat you out of house and home like many snakes. Housing is simple as mentioned. The normals look fantastic, the designers are getting wilder every season. Definately the best all around choice in my opinion.

My personal advice is totally avoid imports in your situation. Also purchase one at least 150 grams and stocky. That ensures a regular feeder. No long skinny ones.

The thing about keeping many of them is that it is not much more work than just a few of them. The feeders are the work, not the snakes. In my opinion.

You can't just have one. When you see all the varieties you will want several colors and patterns. Make a whole collection.

James and Vickie Bryan

[Kathy]

I like being able to tell people I have a "python" and watch them get all scared. When people think python they think BIG, so everyone thinks im nuts when I say i keep one next to my computer hehe

[Lisa]

people think i'm nuts when i say i only have 16 snakes.

[JamesBryan]

Originally posted by Lisa
people think i'm nuts when i say i only have 16 snakes.

You must rectify that immediatley. o>

[Clownfishie]

LOL James Definitely -- you need at least 20 critters before people start looking at you REALLY weird *grins*...

[Ryan]

When I wanted a Python my fiance laid out the ground rules and a Ball Python fit the profile perfectly. They stay pretty small, are generally docile, and look really nice.

By the way she let up on the rules, my next snake is going to be a columbian boa.

[jncoclub]

Quervo- you are the first person who I have found that has the same opinion as I do, Ball pythons do have that puppy dog type face (it's that poutty lip thing). It's odd, but I agree!