ball python

[Tylervsmith]

Exactly!

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

That pic is priceless....

 

[smmfish]

I have to agree about a 55 gallon tank being way too big. When I first got my ball I had him in a 30 gallon tank. He was not a juvie but an adult and he got along really good, but the fiance' said why dont you put him in this empty 55 gallon so he has more room? I was hesitant on that but did it anyway and he stopped eating. I moved him back to his 30 gallon tank and all has been well. (Just because I am a woman, I still know what I am talking about!!)

They are awesome snakes, just make sure you do some research on the species before running out and getting one.

 

[Ophiuchus]

Large Cichlids, just out of curiousity, do you have a learning disability? I mean, if you really do, we'll cut the snide remarks. It just seems like we tell you the same thing over and over; research, research, research...and it just doesn't stick. You obviously are capable of reading...we've seen pictures of you holding your animals, so you appear to have decent hand-eye coordination and functional motor skills. So ergo, you have the ability to pick up a book or magazine and use it correctly. What's the deal? Do you have A.D.D. or something? Help us understand.

 

[Jessica Dring]

I think if it were anybody else you wouldn't be so ready to attack him. I've asked advice on here plenty of times, and had it answered straight away, because sometimes information on the net/in books can be disceiving. For example, books may say: 'You need a minimum of 50 gallon for your ball to live its life in' and doesn't say to put them in something smaller when they're younger. I've come across many decent pages that demonstrate the theory for bigger the better, not once mentioning security. Thats why its better to ask people who have kept/keep royals; because they are currently having hands on with these animals and are experiencing their care first hand. Not to say care sheets are wrong, but I hope you get my point. He may well be reading up as we speak or have read up before, no one knows he hasn't! He could just be asking a back up to all this! I know he has had a bad past with keeping and selling animals off but I'm sure we all want him to care for this (sure to be) new pet properly so lets just give advice This is just IMO =]

 

[Ophiuchus]

Very true...we have no proof that he hasn't been doing his own research. But most newbies (not all, mind you) will often say something to the effect of, "Hey guys, I've been reading up on [insert herp] and one book says this, and another says that,...which is true?" LC here usually just pops in and says, "i want a emerald tree boa can it go in a 20 galon?"*

*I'm not implying he said those exact words...just giving a hypothetical example of how he comes across to all of us]

Anyway...I will give it to him for realizing that an emerald tree boa is not for him (although I suspect it was for no other reason than he simply cannot afford it, and nothing to do with his experience level..just MO). But he still trades and pawns off herps as he loses interest on them. If he keeps a herp for 6 months without it dying or him getting rid of it due to boredom, than I might start taking him seriously. I mean, I've defended him and tried to stand up for him a few times (I'll have to dig up the threads to prove it if ya like), but like everything else we all tell him, its just like it goes in one ear and out the other.

I certainly wish I had his kind of money to blow on impulse purchases. On one hand, I don't like helping people like him. But at the same time, my number one priority is making sure herps are being taken care of properly, even if their owners are ignorant. So I'm always torn how helpful I want to be to LC...sorry if that offends, but its just my stance on the matter.

 

[ercnan]

5 footer in a 50, and a baby in a 10, soon to be 29.
They both doing great.

 

[Jessica Dring]

I do understand what you mean, and tbh your being fair I think. I neither agree with the selling and pawning off of animals, and there is nothing worse than trying to change an ignorant owner (not to suggest anybody is) I'm just saying. But in my mind, I don't think he will change his ways (not for anybody other than himself.. if he decides to for himself that is anyway) so we just have to make do. I hope he does keep whatever he gets next, because it's great keeping your animals and getting to know them better! I do have my bad opinions of him too as I do of quite a few people don't get me wrong, as the nile monitor. I myself was disapointed because its people behaving this way (especially with those animals with a bad reputation and always being considered to be added to the DWA anyway) that spoils it for us. That isn't to slag him off at all, I'm simply proving I don't agree with everything he does neither. But I think your being fair until he proves to change his ways

 

[Ophiuchus]

Thanks for the support. I seem to recall that wasn't always the case between us.

And while it seems I pick on LC unmercifully more than anyone else, I do pretty much treat any newbies the same way. They just seem to be few and far between on this site, and the few usually wisen up fairly quickly.

 

[Jessica Dring]

I don't think you pick on him, nor that you bring to life the error of his ways more than anybody else to be honest, my post was more to anybody who gave him a bit of stick. Hell I have done myself as most have probably seen, its just evertime he does come on, at least one person is having a go. This however, seems to be more from people who don't post or read here often, and don't really know what he does/did and just join in, that's definately something I have noticed. Its people who post more and are more regular visitors I feel have more place to say things, and I know you post on here quite abit, so I can respect and understand were you are coming from, now you have explained, as a reader and a pet owner, and can certainly relate to a degree, as I mentioned with the Nile. Yes me and you have had arguments and fall outs before, but it will happen were two people are not afraid and will be more than happy to express opinions;they won't always be the same, but that doesn't mean I have a permanant fall out with you, just a disagreement at the time, I won't hold a grudge as I know you know ya stuff

 

[TheBloodyIrish]

Ophi, I wish I could continue with the snide remarks, however I just find it easier just to try and give the snake the best care as possible through useful advices. It is least we can do, especially if he going to end up getting it anyway, so there is no point in bickering since it will fall upon deaf ears... well eyes.

Anyway, buy the Complete Ball Python book LC; it is more or less the bible in the Ball business.