Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Im 16, I live in NJ and I'm finally getting the snake I've always wanted, and I've been posting a lot around here and doing research on different snakes that I find interesting to find out what would best suit me. I talked to someone about ball pythons today, he told me that they would eventually get too big for my 29 gallon which would be ok as long as it could stay there for a few years at least. I'd also like to know if they have specific heating requirements, and how they typically are once they've gotten used to their environment. The ones I saw were coiled up, but as long as one would be comfortable around me after having owning a while I'd be happy. Thanks to anyone for their help!

Im going to try and answer a few questions for you but my miss a few!!

Balls, all reptiles have specific heat requirments. usually all you need to fulfill that need is a UTH (under tank heater)kept at the right temps useing either a dimmer switch or better yet a good reliable termostat. The UTH by itself gets way to hot from what i have found with my ball and our geckos.
As far as the tank is concerned, i dont remember what size you said i think a 20 gallon. Definitly IMO will not last for 2 years! If i remember correctly balls reach full length whitin there first year or year and half. (Pleasecorrect me if im wrong on that). Depending on the length of your ball i would recomend no shorter then 32 to 36 inches. I dont know the lengths of a 20 gallon but i think there only like 24 or so inches.
Alright well thats about all i can remember from your post. Good luck!
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Mike & Wendy

2.0.0 Siberian husky, Jackrussel/schitzu
0.0.1 Ball Python
1.0.1 Leopard Gecko
4.0.0 Beta's
3.1.0 Future Herper's

As far as them getting used to there invironment and being cool with you... Balls are mainly nocturnal so they dont do a whole lot during the day. As far as them being comfortable with you well there snakes. lol I would recomend buying one from a known breeder that breed there own stock. Most pet shops sell balls that were taken out of the wild from eggs and hatched in captivity. Those are the ones that people usually have the toughest time with eating habits and temperment. Sometimes you can find a pet shop that actually gets theres from breeders but unless the shop knows for sure i would definitly recomend buying from a breeder. You do have to keep in mind that reptiles were never meant to be "pets". Atleast in my mind and they should always be treated and handled with caution and respect. There is always that chance of getting bit etc. Not that a ball could inflict the damage that a large constrictor could but you still have to make sure you give that snake the respect it deserves.

Sorry i made this so long. I have problems with cutting to the chase! lol

Good luck man, hope i could help in some way!
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Mike & Wendy

2.0.0 Siberian husky, Jackrussel/schitzu
0.0.1 Ball Python
1.0.1 Leopard Gecko
4.0.0 Beta's
3.1.0 Future Herper's