Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello everyone,

I have just decided to acquire a ball python to add to my collection of herps. I have raised redtails,and chondros for about 5 years and have just recently decided to get one of these guys. Anyways, I was wondering if any one knew some good websites or links that I could get good care info. and suggestions from. I was also wondering if any of you could give your suggestions on what works for you. I am getting a little guy that was born in june and now weighs approximately 167 grams (13 meals) so far. What do you use to house your neonates? I was thinking of using one of my old neodosha's(sorry spelled horribly) I believe 24L-12d. Anyways, any advice and or hints to make this guys trasition into the family any easier would be greatly appreciated, (I won't have him shipped to me until I have everything the way it needs to be)

Thanks again,
Shannon

http://www.pinkladyconstrictors.com/BPinfo.html
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~* Jen *~

Pink Lady Constrictors

as anyone can tell you on here, BP's are pretty straightforward to keep as long as you provide the basics........and you can do it on a budget too. I use plastic bins from wallymart. If I were just housing one snake..........
1. heating pad underneath one end of the bin.
2. for substrate I like to use cypress but I've used newspaper,paper towels, and aspen. All work fine.
3. The most important thing I think is hides.....I use the plastic plant bases from (again wallymart - see pic below) and i cut an entrance hole on the side and turn it upside down. One I put over the heating pad end of the bin and another I put on the other side. On top of either one, I hotglue a smaller base (this time right side up) and that is the water bowl. When I want to disinfect, I just soak/scrub them all. Buy the plant bases that are snug too. Don't get any that will dwarf the snake. So all I have is two actual pieces in the cage.

I think it comes down to hidespots and heat. (plastics are also good for regulating the humidity...as long as you don't overdue it with drilling the air holes). Feeling secure with the hidespots plays a big part in BP's feeding habits. Unfortunately, BP's are not really display snakes like Chondros nor are they aboreal, so you just have to set them up a bit different. Then they ovulate (see below again), then they shed, then they lay eggs, then you start all over again........! Good luck

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Jon F

Thank you both, for the reply and your advice

Congrats on a new ball!

The biggest thing that'll help is to get your snake all nice and set up... get it home...and then you should leave it alone for a few weeks. At the very least, leave it alone, no handling, no touching, no nothing except checking the water, until it's eaten two or three times in a row for you.

Might seem like forever at the time but that's the easiest way to get it settled in quickly without either one of you getting too stressed.

Enjoy the new addition!

~jenny
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"Polysyllabism in no way insures that what you're saying is actually worth being heard." - Blake (an e-friend of mine)

"I have never made but one prayer to god, a very short one: "O lord, make my enemies ridiculous." And he granted it." - Voltaire