i'm getting a ball python and i want to know what do i need to take care of it. i need to know the size of tank, if i need a heating pad/heating lamp, sand or whatever it needs and all that good stuff.
2007-02-19 11:24:08 · 8 answers · asked by richard r 1 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
It will need a heat source, lamp or pad made for snakes or combo of the 2. A bowl of clean water, and a few nice small places to hide, hollow logs, ceramic pots upside down or even box with hole in it. Preferable to have a hide on the hot and cold side of the tank. Keep the water on the cold side. You can use what you'd like for the bottom of the cage, astro turf, newspaper, towels, wood chips (not cedar), or my favorite ground cork. Temperature gauge for hot and cold side. A separate cheap plastic storage box to feed the snake in, don't feed it in the cage.
Tank size would depend on size of snake, Ball's don't get huge so if it is young you can get a 20 to 30 gallon tank and it would be fine for a very long time. I have a tank made for snakes or plants right now and love it compared to the fish tank type. This one has built in steal mesh on the bottom and top of the tank for ventilation and sliding front doors like at the pet store. Slip a lock on the sliding glass and you don't have to worry about escapes. :)
2007-02-19 11:35:05 · answer #1 · answered by shannon_crystaln 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A book would be a good resource. In the meantime, this is a website that gives good, comprehensive advice on their care. http://www.anapsid.org/ball.html
If you are getting one from a petstore, I'd advise handling a few to get an idea of their individual personalities. Usually these are a good calm snake that is very good for a new reptile keeper, but every once in a while, you come across one that is mean and will bite. This would be a good thing to know before you take it home.
Also, I would strongly recommend frozen food over live: http://www.anapsid.org/prekill2.html There was a post earlier today from an owner whose snake was bitten by its "food".
2007-02-19 11:53:11 · answer #2 · answered by copperhead 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any snake could be a cannibal, and we can't continuously anticipate the situations which will reason that. some species are wide-unfold for it, yet even suited here on Yahoo i've got seen a minimum of two human beings in the final month disappointed that their ball pythons are eating one yet another. between that, stress-appropriate immunosuppression (snakes are solitary, being caught jointly is annoying) and parasite themes there is not any stable reason to *ever* abode assorted snakes jointly. Assuming, of direction, you're no longer attempting to reproduce them. Your buddy relatively needs to get yet another tank and separate out the relax 2. the opportunity of an get away is there, of direction. So, take a flashlight and look at below each and every thing. relatively dark spots (below the refrigerator or range). they might get everywhere. considered one of my rosy boas have been given out and replaced into hiding in my bookshelf at one factor... shop looking, in line with danger sit down out a thawed mouse someplace and shop a watch on it from a distance (if the snake hasn't eaten in a on a similar time as). i wish, for their sake, that this is an escapee and not a meal. stable good fortune looking her.
2016-10-02 10:14:05 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy a Ball Python care book. This will give you suggestions and advice on must haves vs. recommendations.
Reading up before hand will make for the best preparation.
2007-02-19 11:28:43 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are searching online for info, make sure your sources are reliable. There are a lot of people that think they know everything, and give false information. Books are usually more factual than people's personal sites.
I wouldn't be afraid of the info posted on here, as most people posting are very knowledgable, and usually speak from experience. Going by false information can be as dangerous to your pet as not knowing at all. Glad to see you are taking your time to get the facts BEFORE getting your snake:)
2007-02-20 05:16:50 · answer #5 · answered by hardrocker950 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Feed it baby rats or adult rats depending on it's size. You can get a male and female rat for pets and when they have babies feed them to your snake. (I know it's mean, but it's life)
2007-02-19 11:27:38 · answer #6 · answered by the_gurl_in_ur_liquid_dreams 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
dude dont get a ballpython they are very nippy get a milk or a king snake
2007-02-19 11:51:42 · answer #7 · answered by josh h 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
this site might help you with all your questions
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=17&cat=1831&articleid=2422
2007-02-19 11:29:23 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋