Thinking about buying a ball python, would like to know the basics, please help.

[Brackishbandit]

oh I thought they had to have uv cause of some calcium thing don't know very many specifics on snake I know that my spurred thigh needs it though

 

[Ophiuchus]

Nope...snakes have a different physiology and are able to obtain calcium from the vertebrate prey they eat. However, I do think some diurnal species do benefit from UV (garters, water snakes, green snakes), although I still think its up in the air whether they actually require it.

But yeah, most "conventional" species (boas, pythons, corns, kings, milks, etc) don't need it.

 

[loconorc]

Whats your substrate? I just want to make sure you didnt get something stupid, dangerous, or unhealthy like pine, cedar, walnut (dont start) or whatever. I would use aspen or carefresh with balls, no questions asked. ALthough other substrates are certainly avaliable. Cypress mulch even, if you like that look.

Good luck! I suggest you read The Complete Ball Python by Kevin McCurley (sp?). The mans a genius!

 

[dawsonkid]

So i have my ball in my broken empty 55 gal. ( the cross brace is broke). The main hide is one the hot side and the water id on the cold side. Hes about 2'. Really active and like to picked up. So is my 55 gallon too big?

 

[ozz465]

id also go with under stank heating than a bulb , there nocturnal and they would be more comfortable with that .

 

[bl00]

Allright, I have a 20 lying around, so im guessing that should be allright for now since the snakes that are for sale are smaller.
I guess it is reverse thinking when it comes to snakes compared to fish, in terms of the less space (to a certain degree) for them the better, I never knew that. Thanks for all the replies, I truly appreciate it.

Alot of people are fine with 20's to start out but mine didn't do well until moved to a 10.

id also go with under stank heating than a bulb , there nocturnal and they would be more comfortable with that .

Agreed...also bulbs zap your humidity and make it difficult for them to shed.

 

[snakeguy101]

I will give you a ball python for free if you want mine, he is eating fine and just shed....

 

[ExoticEctotherms]

So i have my ball in my broken empty 55 gal. ( the cross brace is broke). The main hide is one the hot side and the water id on the cold side. Hes about 2'. Really active and like to picked up. So is my 55 gallon too big?

IMO, as long as your BP is eating ok and you are able to maintain proper temps and humidity levels, the 55 gallon is fine. The only recommendation I would make is that I have read that it is beneficial to have an identical hide on each side of the enclosure...1 on the hot side and 1 on the cool side that way the BP doesn't have to choose between feeling secure and being the right temperature. It makes it more comfortable for them to thermoregulate properly.

 

[chloe]

I have all mine in are in RUBs, kitchen paper towel for substrate, water, hide at each end and heat mat. mat is on a stat. a piece of bark to have something interesting but thats it. no risk of RI from substrate or impaction. easy and cheap to clean.

my biggest royal, 5ft male, is in a 50litre. anything more and he doesnt eat.

also RUBs keep humidity REALLY well.
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