Never owned a snake before-ball python?

[Mr Aidan]

Hello all, when I was younger I had a bearded dragon and a few tree frogs. I've always wanted to jump out and try a snake but never really felt comfortable to untill now.

As for enclose, would a 40b fish tank work? I need advice guys!


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[snakeguy101]

Ball Pythons are the generic starter snake and they are fine. Get a under tank heat pad, some cypress mulch, something for him to hide in and a water bowl and that is it. Feed it every week or so but be prepared for it to go off of feed if it gets a little cold. They can go months with out eating so don't panic if that happens just keep trying to feed him until he does eat. A 40 is plenty big enough for an adult and too big for a baby. If you get a young one start with a 10 gallon and move up from there.

Some other options to look at would be a sand boa and a corn snake. Both have similar requirements with only slight differences and they are more colorful and active than ball pythons.

 

[Miguel]

Sand boas hide a lot, Chris.

For a starter i would advise a Lampropeltis, king or Milk or a Conr.

He has lots to choose from.

Ball pythons are terribly boring.

 

[biguebs]

Get a corn snake, they are more interesting, available in all kinds of colors, and they are much less intimidating. Not that a ball python is really intimidating but a corn snake is about as harmless as it gets (especially if you have kids or a concerned wife/gf lol).

 

[Shenanigans]

Starting from a baby snake, balls are easier to feed for an inexperienced snake keeper. Yes, they can be boring but most people dont give them the time they need. With frequent handling ball pythons can be quite active as they get older and used to their environment. A fish tank is not ideal since it is harder to control humidity and temperature. Its not impossible, you just have to pay attention and work a little more. I keep my babies in 10s and my adults in 55s. While I try to feed mine every week, Ive noticed young snakes tend to refuse food once in a while, even the hearty eaters. After they get a little bigger( over 400 grams) they tend to be very fat snakes who rarely refuse a meal. That depends alot on personality, that is just my experience and the general trends ive noticed.

Corns and milks are great starters too. Kings can be a bit more aggressive but still a good easy choice for a beginner

 

[Brev]

temp. is important to bp, if the setting is alright it's got to be hardy
corn is nice and king gets massy, all snakes are interesting, it all depends on your choice~ i currently keep two bp, they do spend most of the time like stone, but they are adorable, esp. when i hold them

 

[Mr Aidan]

Thanks for all the advice guys, I have a extra 20 long ill use for whichever snake I get. What brand heat pad would you guys suggest and what's the best way to control humidity in the tank?


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[Miguel]

For that size you have a lot of choices on heat pads.

Do not use heating lamps or porcelans, because balls really are dumb and i ahve seem them wrapped aroundthem and being severely burnt.

You contro humidity wit a good qualoty vivarium with adjustable openings and a hygrometre.

 

[Mr Aidan]

For that size you have a lot of choices on heat pads.

Do not use heating lamps or porcelans, because balls really are dumb and i ahve seem them wrapped aroundthem and being severely burnt.

You contro humidity wit a good qualoty vivarium with adjustable openings and a hygrometre.

I was just trying to use a spare 20 long aquarium I already have, is it possible to control humidity in that?


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[Miguel]

Of course it is, though more difficult.

You have to have a hygrometer in place, a good one and adapt to the rh conditions of the snake you want.

I would go for a snake that does not need a high rh.