Just how much will the total cost of getting a pet snake?

Question

I am thinking of getting a pet snake, a ball python,. I would like to know just what i am getting myself into. The cost, and upkeep of a snake.

Answer 1

A captive bred ball python should cost you about $45-$75 depending on what state you live in and where you purchase it.

You will also need a tank. A 20 gallon is a good size for a baby to sub-adult ball. A 40 gallon will be plenty big enough for an adult (an adult ball python rarely gets over 4 or 5 feet MAX ). Make sure to get a tank meant to house a reptile. You cannot convert a fish tank into an "escape-resistant" enclosure. Snakes are escape artists...if there's a way for them to get out, rest assured they will. A 20 gallon reptile tank will run anywhere from $40-$60, a 40 gallon about $50-$100, again depending on where you get it.

You will also need a heat source. DO NOT use heat rocks. They have a tendancy to overheat and can severely burn your snake. An overheat heat lamp is a better way to go. The fixture and bulb will run a total of about $25-$30.

Next, you will need substrate and a place for the snake to hide. Aspen shred, cypress mulch or just plain newspaper all work well for a ball python. Price will vary depending on what you choose. There are also many different types of hide boxes and caves out there. Prices will vary. Shop around and pick what you like.

Food is cheapest if you buy it pre-killed and frozen. I purchase mine from a place called "Big Cheese Rodent Factory". You buy however many you want and just keep them in the freezer until you are ready to feed your snake....then just thaw the rodent, warm it and use tongs to offer it to the snake. Most captive snakes take frozen/thawed food readily.

Here is a link to the place I buy my feeders from-

http://www.bigcheeserodents.com/

Here is a good place to buy supplies online so you can get an idea for the cost of everything-

http://lllreptile.com/

It's best to buy the animal in person so you can examine it closely and make sure it's healthy.

One last link for you...this is a reptile forum that I am a Moderator for. It is a very friendly site and the members will be more than happy to answer any and all questions you may have-

http://www.reptileforums.com/forums/cmps_index.php

Hope that helps.

Answer 2

For the snake itself, you can get a rescue. They generally range from 15-30 dollars. If you get one from a breeder or petshop, it'll be a lot more.

I recommend at least a 40 gal for an adult ball python (note: the snake should be able to stretch out completely in its enclosure without its head or tail touching the ends; this gives it more movement and good respiratory health) My 4 ft ball Kaa is in a fifty gallon. Tanks are VERY pricey if you buy them new. I recommend trying craigslist.org or a similar site and buying a used tank. I got my fifty gal for fifty bucks, and there are even better deals out there if you're patient! Find the most impossible cage top possible. You think they won't be able to get out: oh but they DO. Kaa broke out the other night. The top of his cage has 10 finger-hurting latches as well as some screws. So the battle continues -sighs wearily- Snakes are incredible escape artist. You can't overdue it.

The snake will need a water bowl that it can completely submerse itself in. The "snake" bowls that are sold at petstores are overly priced and often not big enough. Go to a local grocery store and buy the biggest dog food bowl you can find. I bought a Huge bowl for seven dollars (the largest available "snake" bowl at the petstore cost 28 dollars and it was only half the size of the dog bowl! Ha! Take THAT!) XD

Substrates range in prices; Ball pythons don't burrow, so I prefer to use newspaper for kaa. Then when he "does his duty", I can spot it right away and just change it.

You will need UV lighting and perhaps a heat mat as well. Remember: one side of the tank should be warmer than the other. Put the heat sources only on ONE side, this way the snake can choose what temp is comfortable for it at the moment. I bought lamps for 15 bucks a piece. The bulbs themselves are priced depending on watts. Also, the higher class bulbs that last MUCH LONGER are more expensive; we're talking double digits here (but in my own opinion, are worth it in the long run)

Ball pythons are shy and will need places to hide. I bought used "snake caves" online. Even though ball pythons can get 4-6 ft, they can squeeze into incredibly small spaces and actually prefer it be a rather tight fit. It feels more secure to them. You should have at least two hiding places for the python (one on each side of the tank so it can hide regardless of temperatures)

The snake should get a vet check up every six months (depeding on the vets in your area, that could be costly or cheap) Make SURE there is an exotic pet vet in your area before purchasing a snake. If there isn't, don't get one. Snakes are prone to parasites and respiratory probs. You don't want a sick snake on your hands. Truly.

Also note: ball pythons can live up to 48 yrs! Most will live 30-40 yrs. Are you prepared for its lifetime commitment. If not, don't get one. Zoos and rescues are already turning people away because they are already overflowing with unwanted pet snakes. (sadly, many are ball pythons) Consider what you'll do when you: go to college, get married, have kids, want to go on vacation, etc (not sure what stage of life you're in)

That being said, ball pythons can be wonderful pets, but there are expenses to pay. Once you buy the enclosure, etc, it doesn't cost that much to keep them. They have one of the slowest metabolisms of any kind of snake. Some will stop eating for a year! (if your snake refuses to eat, it isn't a problem unless it's losing weight) If you want more information on ball python feeding (they can be extremely picky eaters) or on how to convince it to eat thawed rodents (it's possible with ANY snake) feel free to email me!

Answer 3

small snake about 70 to 100 bucks!
I have a 100 gal tank pet store charges 1.00 per gallon...mouse 1 a week about 2.75.
bedding,rocks,light,foliage depends on what you want..

Answer 4

About 200 for a good set up

Answer 5

a snake is usually sold by foot length so smaller the snake the cheaper, you will also need a decent tank that they can not get out of, a heat rock or light for warmth, sand or gravel for tank and a few frozen mice, plus your licence if ones needed

Answer 6

http://www.debscaptivebredballpythons.com/content.asp?cid=8

Under tank heating pads are a more efficient way to provide belly heat--which snakes need to digest. And definitely feed it in a separate container so he doesn't associate your hand coming into the tank with food--this will prevent bites!

Answer 7

They get huge and expensive