Ball python

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Z

zub1989

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jul 7, 2009
65
0
0
singapore
Just curious, how long does a male ball python ever get, like on average? Secondly, kenyan sand boas are awesome snakes. Seen some videos of owners feeding them in their cages on their substrates. But will this cause impaction? I reckon snakes feed in the wild on substrates as well, but they don't face issues like impaction right?


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
 
Ball python males get about 4' Impaction is largely a myth, as long as it is a healthy animal and it is a good substrate (organic dirt or playsand, no calci sand.) So short answer, give it the proper care, give it dirt or sand and impaction won't happen. Make sure its hydrated. Unnatural substrates would definitely not be good for a sand boa, they need to burrow, and arguably so do ball pythons.
 
I've had a couple different snakes and I always felt that it was good to feed them outside the tank and in a box or tub. Let's be honest, snakes are not exactly the brightest animals in the world and associating putting your hand in the tank with food could potentially lead to getting bit. I know some people don't feel this is true, but I had a Florida king snake that I started getting snippy once I tried just doing that. However, I'm sure it varies depending on species and individual snakes.
 
sethbrown said:
I've had a couple different snakes and I always felt that it was good to feed them outside the tank and in a box or tub. Let's be honest, snakes are not exactly the brightest animals in the world and associating putting your hand in the tank with food could potentially lead to getting bit. I know some people don't feel this is true, but I had a Florida king snake that I started getting snippy once I tried just doing that. However, I'm sure it varies depending on species and individual snakes.
Click to expand...

If you hook train them (you don't necessarily need a hook) there won't be any problems. I keep reticulated pythons which have the most aggressive feeding response out of any snake I've ever had. Whenever you do any type of maintenance or wanna take the snake out, you just touch them with the hook or stick or whatever you decide to use and push their head away before you reach in. The only time you don't do this is when you feed them. This way they associate any sort of touch when the cage door opens with no food. I haven't had any problems with this technique yet and my largest snake is a 14ft male retic


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
 
Aw3s0m3 said:
If you hook train them (you don't necessarily need a hook) there won't be any problems. I keep reticulated pythons which have the most aggressive feeding response out of any snake I've ever had. Whenever you do any type of maintenance or wanna take the snake out, you just touch them with the hook or stick or whatever you decide to use and push their head away before you reach in. The only time you don't do this is when you feed them. This way they associate any sort of touch when the cage door opens with no food. I haven't had any problems with this technique yet and my largest snake is a 14ft male retic


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
Click to expand...

That's interesting, I have never thought to try that. And with a 14ft. Retic, that certainly makes more sense, but for something as small as a ball, feeding in a different box has never really been a burden
 
alex1992 said:
what do u feed them too?
i bought a exo terra tank for it. :)
Click to expand...

When it comes to feeding, you can typically base it by feeding it something no larger than the largest roundness of the snake. If you can get it on rats from a young age, it will help whenever they are older. Many people go from mouse to rat and for some snakes, they won't eat the rat because they have come accustomed to the taste of the mouse and prefer it
 
sethbrown said:
That's interesting, I have never thought to try that. And with a 14ft. Retic, that certainly makes more sense, but for something as small as a ball, feeding in a different box has never really been a burden
Click to expand...

True. I just find feeding them outside of their cage unnecessary. Plus you're more likely to get bitten when putting them back in their cage cuz they're still in feeding mode


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom