Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So, I'm new to this forum, and I'm also about to be a new snake owner. Saturday my new ball python will be delivered to my home. He's 2 years old and was a childs pet, but apparently the child has lost interest, so the snake has to go.

I have pondered over and over again about whether i'm making the right choice in getting an older snake, or maybe I should be getting a baby. I have been handling snakes a lot more lately and reading a lot of information on caring for them, but I haven't seen much info on what to expect when you bring a new snake home. Should I feed him right away? Do I need to leave him be for awhile? Do I need to have a tank already set up and ready to go before he gets here so it's at the right temp and humidity? He's coming here in the original tank he's been living in his entire life, so I wasn't sure If I need to have a tank already warmed up when he does get here. The temp outside has been in the low 20's for the last few days... should I be concerned about him getting too cold on the way here?

I know that Ball Pythons are very easy to take care of and hearty snakes, but I am just a nervous first time snake owner and I just really want to make sure that everything is done correctly..

Thanks, and any advice is helpful!!

Teri

Once he gets home do a visual inspection for external parasites-mites(little dots crawling on the snake, ticks under scales and listen closely of the snakes breathing for any weezing(sighns of repritory infection. When snakes deemed OK visually it should be ok till you set the taknk up that comes with it. Find a care sheet or two and set tank to specs. When you have everything set up put snake in and leave be for 1 week.(look but no touch). Don't want to stress it anymore than it is! At one week I try feeding mine appropiate size meal. Hope this helps some. Once again welcome.
Casey

Thanks a lot Casey. I am going to need to get a temp gauge and a spray bottle to keep things moist. I'm very excited and as soon as I get him, Im going to try to figure out how to post pictures!

Another question, he's coming to me in what looks like a 20 gal high tank. I have a 20 long that i was planning on putting him in. He's about 3 feet long right now. I know later on I should look into getting him a bigger tank, but I have read that balls like to have more of a confined space, it makes them feel secure, so should I even bother putting him in a larger tank once he's settled?

Thanks again for the advice..

20 long is better. I would leave him in the 20L for some time once settled in and feeding. (Nice and cozy) The a bigger tank than that in my opinion might put him off feed.
Good luck,
Casey

Do as much research as you can. Sometimes sit back and read this forum. You can learn so much from others on here by lurcking. When I started, Every time I went to post I found a thread that already had the answer. But by all means for the health and happiness of your new pet. If you can't find it ask here. Good luck,
Casey

Thanks again Casey. I have been reading on here for a few weeks now. hopefully i'll continue to learn more, the more I read!!

teri

Good luck with your new pet. This might help . Claude
http://www.newenglandreptile.com/CareBall.html

Getting an older snake is a good thing in the fact you know it will eat. I adopted a 1-2 yr old Ball python last July from a pet store that takes in unwanted reptiles and small animals to re-home them for people that are in a jam. I was in there looking for a Hamster for my little brother when I happened to see the nice big tank and Ball Python in the adoption area. I asked about the snake and they said the owner's girlfriend thought it would eat her cat ( what a moron) so she told her boyfriend it was her or the snake and he chose her, the people at the store said he cried when he dropped the snake off. I asked to see the snake and fell in love with how calm and gentle he was, when I asked what his adoption fee was they told me $25.00 without the huge tank and $50.00 with the tank, What a steal!!!! The snake was named fluffy which I changed to Jakers and now he is almost three feet long, and eats like a wolf. So it can surprise you when you get an older snake. Good luck and yes you should have a tank already heated waiting for him.

Hi there. I went and picked up the snake this evening. A lot smaller than I had originally thought, but very friendly and inquisitive. I got his tank set up as soon as possible and he paid no attention to getting warm, he rather explored his new surroundings and enjoyed us watching him. I actually ended up adopting him for $20 instead of the $35 that I had originally planned paying, which, yes was a STEAL! I've named oliver (his previous name was spike) because he has more of an olive color to him.

I am absolutely excited to start handling him, but I'm going to leave him alone for awhile, seeing as he's showing signs of shedding. I got some shed ease because he has had really hard sheds before. Hopefully this will help him have an easier shed this time.

He hasn't eaten in roughly 4 months (according to the kid who had him) But it is not uncommon (from what I've heard) to have a snake go several months off feed during the winter.

I will attach photo's once I have them off my camera.. What a joy! I'm going to have a blast caring for him!

Thanks for the advice!!!

Teri

So I got some pictures of my new snake last night. i've decided to call him Oliver. He's not very shy at all. Though, today he wanted to burrow underneath his water dish, thought that was strange. I posted a picture hopefully it works... let me know what you think!!

Teri