ball python

[large_cichlids]

I wanted a emerald tree boa but deicided im going to get a ball python.would a 55 gallon be sutibale for life for one specimen.

 

[dougefresh]

Ok LC no offense but someone's gonna let you know sooner or later...........To get a snake, you need to sit down, get some books, maybe some good internet caresheets, or even a magazine......and research your pets........If you did this in the first place most of these common, easily answered questions would be answered in a heartbeat..........So my advice is sit down and do your own research..........

 

[TheBloodyIrish]

If you are going to get a Ball, make sure it is captive-bred and already on frozen/thawed mice. Dealing with a non-feeding snake, which is common in wild-caught or captive-farmed Balls, can be stressful for a beginner.

If you are serious about it... http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Ball-Python-Comprehensive-Mutations/dp/9780971319

http://www.amazon.com/User-Friendly...1882770358/ref=pd_sim_b_4/002-1337611-9855235

 

[evilxyardxgnome]

Ok LC no offense but someone's gonna let you know sooner or later...........To get a snake, you need to sit down, get some books, maybe some good internet caresheets, or even a magazine......and research your pets........If you did this in the first place most of these common, easily answered questions would be answered in a heartbeat..........So my advice is sit down and do your own research..........

It would probably eat your sister.

 

[elevatethis]

Large, do not put a baby ball in a 55 gal...it is too large so 1) the temps are hard to control and 2) ball pythons need security and big tanks like that leave them exposed, causing stress.

Is this the same "55 of Death" that you've had all those other animals in and out of?

 

[Chad55]

Ok guys give him a bit of a break. Am I the only one that thinks he finally came to his sences and realised he doesn't have the means to be an advanced snake keeper so he is going to get a "beginner" snake. Ok so LC sit down and do some research. I know its always nice to here personal opinions and what not too but alot of these people's personal opinions came from those same caresheets and books that you will be reading. Maybe it would be better to start a ball in a 20 or 29 then when he outgrows that put it in the 55. You could even use a rubbermaid for now. Off to a good start.

Chad

 

[lovespunaround]

Yeah I was about to suggest a plastic box.

Here's what I'd recommend for starting out with your new ball python:
1. plastic storage box, probably 12"x18" is good for a baby
2. 8-watt reptile heating pad
3. thermostat for pad (you can probably even use one of the cheaper Zoomed Reptitherm thermostats if you've only got one or two small pads like that)
4. a decent digital thermometer/hygrometer with a probe. You can get them separately but it'll cost a little more. I got mine at Lowe's for $13.
5. regular other stuff, like a hide box or two and a water bowl.

I think that would be a good basic setup for a beginner; the only thing is that when you get a bigger cage, you're also going to need a stronger heat source. If you want a large display cage for an adult ball python, you might want to look into a good radiant heat panel and a more advanced thermostat.

 

[evilxyardxgnome]

Ok guys give him a bit of a break. Am I the only one that thinks he finally came to his sences

I think so...

 

[davo]

You want to keep placing them in containers that suit their size as they grow LC. They do better in confined spaces.

 

[elevatethis]

You want to keep placing them in containers that suit their size as they grow LC. They do better in confined spaces.

Exactly!

I like this pic to illustrate that ball pythons do extremely well in smaller enclosures, and hides that are a very tight fit: