So I will be moving into my own place within a few months and will be purchasing a Ball. I've been interested in snake keeping since a very young age, but my parents would never allow one in the house. So now I will be free to buy whichever I please! Not exactly sure what morph yet, but I don't necessarily think that's a huge factor. My question is, what would be a good enclosure for a juvenile (2-3') snake? I currently have three 55g tanks with fish in them, but two of them will be vacant very soon due to my 270g build. Would this be a good size for such a snake? I know they typically max out at around 5' or so, but wasn't sure if the standard 55 dimensions would be wide enough. Any other information would be greatly appreciated.
Optimal set-up for Ball Python?
- Thread starter ibz_rg
- Start date
You don't really need to have any sort of huge tank, just keep it in a tub and you'll be fine. Mine all eat and shed great and have never had any sort of sickness and all they are in are separate sterilite tubs with the appropriate belly heat and humidity.
Well the 55g is readily available, that's why I ask. Would it be a smarter choice to sell the 55 and get a 40 breeder? That seems to be the popular maximum tank size for balls. Also, if buying from Petsmart, what are some essential questions to ask? I already know to ask its diet, whether it's been vet checked or not, where the snake came from, if it's being treated for any diseases, etc. The snake will be taken to the local vet immediately, regardless of whether they say it has been vet checked or not. Or would it just be a smarter choice to buy from a breeder (which is usually a lot more costly)?
Posted on mobile.monsterfishkeepers.com
Posted on mobile.monsterfishkeepers.com
ibz_rg;4808773; said:
I would try to find one from a breeder. Normally they are quite a bit cheaper, in better health, they will probably be able to tell you the sex and normally you won't get lied to about it's feeding history. I know the Petco by me will tell customers the thing is eating great and then turn around and ask me why they aren't eating at all. A 40B is better footprint wise in my opinion, but a 55 will be more than sufficient. With a baby ball you want to make sure they have plenty of places to hide as they do get nervous quite easily and will go off feed.
Yes, I'll certainly have enough hides for it. That's one for sure thing. I'm really wanting a Bumble Bee or Bumble Belly morph, but haven't seen any for sale and know that they are typically pretty high in price. What would be an inexpensive alternative? Maybe an albino?
Posted on mobile.monsterfishkeepers.com
Posted on mobile.monsterfishkeepers.com
An albino is going to run you pretty much the same price as a bee. Depending on what morphs you are looking into you should get read to drop some serious cash. But seriously if you aren't going to breed them you don't really need any of the morphs. Normals are pretty beautiful already.
I would really recommend a sterilite tub over any size tank for a ball python. it helps them be more secure, holds heat better, and is easier to clean, since you can move/manipulate it. I have one snake in a tank, and I hate, hate hate doing maintenance on it. Everyone else is in a tub of some sort, and that works out much better. You can take it into the bathroom, or kitchen for ease of cleaning.
Also, use papertowels or newspaper for substrate, it's much easier to clean, and is healthier for the snake than repti-carpet, or even wood shaving substrates (the only kind I ever use is aspen, and it's too dry for a ball python IMO.)
Also, use papertowels or newspaper for substrate, it's much easier to clean, and is healthier for the snake than repti-carpet, or even wood shaving substrates (the only kind I ever use is aspen, and it's too dry for a ball python IMO.)
I've heard aspen isn't a good substrate anyway as it is the root of a lot of respiratory infections. If not paper towels/newspaper, I'll be using coconut shed, which I hear is one of the best natural substrates for balls. And I stopped in and looked at the new little guy they got in at my local Petsmart. He seemed to be very lively. Flicking his tongue a lot while I held him and checking out all of his surroundings.
