Ball python { Request }

[GODZALLA]

hi all ....

i wanna buy an albino ball python baby >

and i read about it but i wanna know ur opinions and advices .. and what to feed and if any one have them if he do not mind can show me pics of the inhabit ..

i need help and info support as i am going to have snakes for the first time ...

 

[TheMightyOscar]

buy from a well known breeder(ralph davis, BHB, VIP, vin russo..etc)

they eat rats and mice..i'd start it on rats(hoppers for a baby) as they are more nutritious for them. feed once a week or once every 5 days for a baby.

temps should be 90-95 on the hot side(heat with a heatpad attached to a thermostat or rheostat(dimmer), 80-85 on the cool side. 50-55% humidity.

if you plan on using a tank. cover half the screen with a towel to keep humidity in. heat lamps are optional..snakes should get their heat from a ground source..such as a heat pad.

don't handle it for about 3-4 days to a week when you get it, let it acclimate. they become stressed very easily and may go off food.

don't handle after a meal as they can become stressed and regurgitate, give it about 3 days.

raise humidity to 60-65% when they start a shed cycle.

 

[GODZALLA]

what is the shed cycle ... ?

and i am planning to keep it in a tank so the length should be 2/3 the total length of the snake ??

what about the substrate ?? and i read about the water bowl .. but i do not get it do they stay at water for a while ??

do u have pics for right snakes inhabit ??

 

[TheMightyOscar]

my answers in red

what is the shed cycle ... ?

a shed cycle is when a snake or lizard sheds its old skin. when they enter a shed cycle their eyes will turn a milky blue for a couple of days, then back to normal for a day or so..then they shed. they need a higher humidity level for this so the shed comes off easily and none is stuck to the body.

here's a video of a ball python shedding
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7pcaI5xOJw

and i am planning to keep it in a tank so the length should be 2/3 the total length of the snake ??

for a baby ball python, a 20 gallon tank is fine, you want two identicle hides on east side of the tank and the water bowl either on the cooler side or in the middle. the water bowl should be large enough for the snake to sit in and soak

what about the substrate ?? and i read about the water bowl .. but i do not get it do they stay at water for a while ??

there are many choices, i personally use aspen shavings, but you can also use cypress much, paper towels, newspaper(unprinted). they do sometimes like to burrow in their substate so a loose substrate like aspen or cypress mulch would keep them happy. cypress mulch also keeps humidity up.

they will sometimes soak in the water bowl if they are overheated, have mites, are ovulating or for no clear reason at all.

do u have pics for right snakes inhabit ??

i have an illustration i made a while ago for someone else of the basic setup for them.

 

[GODZALLA]

hey man u r the greatest ever .... i can tell u how i am thankful for u >>>

i know one right now have couple albino BP 50 cm long

i ll tell u what i ll make

a glass tank ( 40 * 25 * 20 )

( Temporary newspaper substrate )

tree logs + 2 hides

water bowl in the corner

and i have a lamp 20w going to 100 w ... can i use it ?????

 

[TheMightyOscar]

sounds good. i would use at least a 40w-50w bulb to increase ambient air temps.

hey man u r the greatest ever .... i can tell u how i am thankful for u >>>

i know one right now have couple albino BP 50 cm long

i ll tell u what i ll make

a glass tank ( 40 * 25 * 20 )

( Temporary newspaper substrate )

tree logs + 2 hides

water bowl in the corner

and i have a lamp 20w going to 100 w ... can i use it ?????

 

[GODZALLA]

ok but is there any danger :$ from them i mean squeeze .. bit ... u know .. i am new to snakes

and u have any idea about the prices of the albino BP ?

 

[TheMightyOscar]

they can't kill you, lol if thats what you're asking. they only grow to about 4 feet and are only lethal to rodents lol. they almost never bite, in 12 years i have only seen one aggressive ball python. but like any snake they can be unpredictable, im sure their bites would probably sting a bit. hatchlings usually bite out of fear, but it's very rare for an adult to bite unless it misses it's prey and gets you instead.

as far as prices go..it can vary, usual price range for albinos is anywhere from $600 - $1000, plus overnight shipping if you buy online, which can be very pricey especially if they are shipped internationally.

 

[GODZALLA]

about the danger now i feel free lol ...

about price now i feel depressed as i ll get it internationally

but i still did not know the exact price and the man told me it will be ship DW .. so i ll just wait untill he replays me with price ...

Thanks man u r so so so so very great person indeed

George ,

 

[TheMightyOscar]

lol, no problem bro, happy to help

yeah international shipping prices are pretty high, who did you contact to buy?

about the danger now i feel free lol ...

about price now i feel depressed as i ll get it internationally

but i still did not know the exact price and the man told me it will be ship DW .. so i ll just wait untill he replays me with price ...

Thanks man u r so so so so very great person indeed

George ,