Ball python Q&A?

Question

If you have a ball python, please give me some tips & advice for them. I've researched and found that they can fast for months and can sometimes be picky eaters, and is that all I need to be aware of? I'd really like one, pythons in general are beautiful and ball pythons are said to be okay for beginner owners.

And, how would I convince my mother to let me get a snake? ;] Are there any positives of having one?

Tell me all you know! :]

Answer 1

ball pythons are a good intermediate snake, they require a little more husbandry than, say, a corn, and can be finicky eaters. they tend to be headshy, but are great snakes, they only get to 5 or 6 feet, but are really heavy bodied. they are awesome snakes.
if i were you, i would study up as much as possible, and be ready to pay more for the snake's enclosure and setup than the snake itself. it will need a heatlamp, at least one hide log,rock, something. waterdish, bedding, an under tank heater(don't get one of those "hot rocks" they are dangerous and can burn your snake's belly--i don't know why people still sell them.)
as bedding goes, aspen, coconut, or recycled paper are the best. you'll also need two thermometers, one for the hot side, one for the cold.
feed pre-killed if you can. it's safer for the snake, you can order frozen mice and rats online for cheap, if your mom would let you keep them in the freezer.

ask your mom for a bigger snake, when she says no, try to "compromise" with the smaller ball python.
if she still says no, mabye you could find a cornsnake that she would be ok with. they are easier to take care of anyway.
ball pythons are great, docile, and really neat snakes, but they do require attention, and will need more than a 20 gallon tank within a few years.
good luck!

Answer 2

If you're interested in getting one, there are several sources on the internet, but I'd suggest a good book instead. On the internet, anyone can start a website, whether they have good info or not. See if you can find a copy of "The Ball Python Manual" by Phillipe de Vosjoli. They probably have it at a pet store where you would get your snake. It will guide you through all the problems of picky eaters and shedding problems that people ask here.

I don't know about any positives other than they're a good beginner's snake, easliy handled, don't make a lot of noise, don't have to be "walked", don't produce allergens like fur or dander, and will help teach you responsibility (use that one with your mom!) ;)

Maybe David Z is telling you a good way to let your mother get a ball - tell her you really want a red-tail boa and tell her how big THEY get!

Answer 3

This answer is for David Z that asked a question in here. Red Tailed Boas can reach a length of over 12 feet if cared for properly.

Answer 4

ball pyhtons are good for beginners they are very tameand dont get huge like other pythons.. you need to keep them warm, if they get cold, they trow up food,( thats soo gross, and it stinks!!) they like to be handled a lot, but they do get sick more often than others... i feed mine mice,then rats...as he grew...make SURE when you buy mice/rats you make sure they are healthy!!! one sick mouse will kill your snake fast... if mice are sweating in the cage,dont buy them.if they look or smell funny, dont buy them... they snake can go up to a month or two without food, so better to let python not have the food than to feed deadly food.... dont buy a snake with sores on it, dont buy a snake that sits in water dish, then leaves little black dots in dish ( thats a sign of mites) make sure snake has clear eyes ( except when molting) and has good weight to it... ive nursed many sick snakes back to health, i love the balls but found they dont live that long... good luck... another good snake is a red tailed boa...but they get BIG.
as far as mom goes, make sure cage is aVERY secure, but make sure cage is good for snake too... i always used sawdust in my cages ( NOT cedar!!!!) and that works well to absorb smells.

Answer 5

How big do the Red Tail Boas get

Answer 6

you have to be very aware of how big they get! Most people get them when they're small and then when they're grown they have an animal they can't control or don't have the room to contain.