Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,
Was interested in getting a ball python for a new pet and wanted some information. First, what health problems and genetic effects do the mutations have? Like for instance the problems in pure bred dogs as opposed to mutts? Are they tamer than the "wild type?" How often do they need to be fed and can someone go on vacation for 2-2 1/2 weeks if the pet sitter isn't able to feed the snake? How easy is it to get a snake that eats prekilled prey and since they are now bred in captivity, what are the chances of getting a wild caught animal? How many are still being imported into the country and what percentage die? And just because an animal is captive bred, does that mean it won't carry parasites? How often should my new pet be taken to the vet, every year like a dog or cat? Where do big chains like Petco/Petsmart get their snakes? What's the recommended encosure for one ball python and are they social? All your advice is greatly appreciated.

well here is a good start for you go to this and read up.

http://www.kingsnake.com/ballpythonguide/index.html

Honestly. They are the easiest snake in the world. I have plenty of them and it seems that I add another one every week. 40 gallon tank should is fine through adult hood for a female 30 for a male. 90 hot spot 85 ambient 75 cool side temperature. Two hide boxes. Branches to climb. I havent taken my snake to the vet once. I examine them myself. Make sure their mouth is clean and not foamy and they have no mites. And pretty much all cb snakes have no parisites. THey are the best snake. Go and get one.Morphs dont have any temperment issues....normally...but there are a few. Normals are the easiest and nicest.

Balls for Life....
When life gives you lemons make super lemons bumble bees....

"great sayings"

John

My Petco gets them from a reptile supplier, can't think of the name off the top of my head, but for the most part I believe Petcos everywhere get them from the nearest bulk supplier they can.

We actually just got in some absolutely gorgeous snakes at my store - I broke down and bought one of them! There's a very, VERY dark one that's got almost no spots on its spine, and some really interesting looking ones that have white going way up on the patterning on the sides.

Ball pythons are pretty easy. When people come in asking for a good first time reptile, I say a ball python. I've had one since I was 5 years old, with minimal help from my parents once I hit about 9 or 10. (I'm 19 now.)

Switching to frozen/prekilled isn't too bad, but it really depends on the animal. If you can, get one that's already eating frozen/prekilled.

~jenny
-----
1.1 normal ball pythons (Cindy and Darwin)
1.0 rex rat (Scurvy)
0.1 bunny (Spazz)
2.1 betta fishes (Vicious, Killer, and Butters)
3.1 great danes (Shasta, Odysseus, Merlot, and Watson)
1.0 fat fuzzy mutt (Smokey)
1.1 cats (Thidwick and Turtle)
2.0 horses (Buddy and Sam)
1.0 goat (Billy Jack)
2.25 chickens (Jacques the rooster and his harem)

but what I really want is more ball pythons!