What are the pros and cons in Ball Python owning?

Question

Im so close to convinsing my parents to let me get a ball python, but they still arn't completely sure. I just want them to be sure I know all I can before they make up their mind. Is there anything really important that pet store workers, and the internet(but the internet does have everything) Just tell me anything I should know before I get one
Thanks

Answer 1

Pros: they are fun to own, they are really docile, they only get about 5-6 ft long which isn't very big compared to other pythons, they can have cool personalities, gthey only eat once every couple weeks.

Cons: they can be picky eaters and can bite along with anything else with a mouth, the food can be expensive, they can also get loose and will be hard to find. most balls will not try to escape as often as other snakes.

When you buy your snake make sure the color of the eyes are clear and ask the last time it has eaten. If possible ask for a feeding demonstration. also make sure the snake has no cuts or injuries. when buying food also I would suggest buying frozen food and then heating the food later. snakes detect heat when hunting and a nice hot hand will look much more appetizing than a cold dead mouse, a live mouse may also bite and hurt your snake.. Also you should feed the snake in another tank so it doesn't relate you to feeding and relates the other tank to feeding instead. I would buy snake tongs as the python gets older for feeding. try to handle the sanke regularly so it gets familiar with you but try to not handle the snake within the first week youget the snake home. this might cause unneccessary stress which would be bad for the snake.

When choosing an enclosure try to pick one that is around 2-3 feet long by a 1'-1 1/2' tall and a 1' deep tank with a heat lamp and most likely dirt for substrate. You may want a heat pad also depending on how much heat the lamp is emmiting. Do not get a heat rock however they can and will burn and possibly kill your reptile. Always have a clean water dish available for the snake to submerge itself in.

Answer 2

Pros-they are easy to keep, docile, yet still very impressive looking.

Cons (or could be a pro) they have a long lifespan-15+ years-and people tend tire of them after a short time. (You can find 3-5 year old balls on Craigslist all day long).

They can be picky eaters, and that can be stressful for a new snake owner-just remember they can go months without eating and don't freak out about it.

Understand the habitat/husbandry needs and have it set up BEFORE you bring home your snake. Remember the snake doesn't need a pretty hide, but he does need something, even if it's a kleenex box. (I on the other hand, insist on cool looking stuff).

Balls aren't big climbers, so buy a longer cage vs a higher cage.

Smaller, younger snakes can be a little jumpy, but they settle right down as long as you remain calm.

If the snake constantly curls up in a ball-he's stressed. Leave him alone for a few days and then pick him up again, for a short time. It's easy to "over handle " balls-if you want a snake you can carry around a lot, get a good old corn snake.

Answer 3

When a child comes into my Pet Shop with a strong desire to get a snake with his parents, I recommend only two (2) kinds. Number one is a Corn snake, and #2 is a Ball Python. The Corn Snake is a more docile reptile, easy to maintain as long as you have proper equipment, and less prone to be aggressive. The Ball Python is a great Reptile but make sure you buy a " Captive-Born " baby. Imports generally have mites, or Intestinal parasites which can be costly to treat, often not successful.! Remember, most importantly is the fact it's a Reptile, and if you are afraid of them, they will sense and re-act to it......can hurt !

Answer 4

I've had my ball python for 6 years, I got her from a guy at work. She was about 3 years old when I got her. I knew NOTHING about snakes! I bought a book on ball pythons-it's the generic one you get at any pet shop and its really helpful. I took her to the vet to get checked out, he told me alot of information too. He told me that they are the calmest and best pets out of all the snake species. After 6 years I have found what works best for me is coconut bark for substrate(bedding) you can wet it or mist it and it to hold in the humidity well. You have to have a humidity/thermometer! if you don't the snake can get too dry and have problems shedding. You have to have a big water bowl big enough for the snakes entire body to get in so they can soak (mine can soak for hours-and she can hold her breath underwater for what seems like forever!) They need fresh clean water at all times! I use a heating pad that I got from walmart (the kind for muscle aches and backs) I keep it on low-it's good because it doesn't have "hotspots" that can burn the snakes skin & if it gets dirty I can just throw it in the washer! (make sure its the washable kind) You have to have a place for the snake to hide (this is where it will spend 98% of its time lol)Something like a box, or a cork trunk works well. Oh and make sure you get a cage or aquarium with a LOCKING top. Snakes are strong and very good at escaping, mine got out once and I had to find her in my room (she was under the dresser) I feed my snake live rats because thats how she was fed before I had her and she won't eat the dead ones(you can buy them frozen-then thaw them out). It's kind of scary to watch but if you feed live you have to make sure the rat does not bite the snake. If it does get bit I put neosporin on the bite (i'ts safe for snakes) and watch to see it it heals ok. I really enjoy her but If you get a snake know that the are lots of work! Good luck!