Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I know, this is sthe corn snake forum, that is why I am asking for your advice...

I have 3 corn snakes and I simply love them. I am considering a Ball Python. Any words of advice would be GREATLY appreciated!

Jonathan
Aka Tyler’s Dad

1.0 Bearded Dragon
1.2 Corn Snakes
1.0 Mexican Rosy Boa ?????
0.1 Shih Tzu
1.0 Children
0.1 Wife

Well, I did the same thing after 3 other snakes. I got my baby ball python. I have never had the affection for her and the interaction with her that I have with my cornsnakes. I'm thinking that I might be fearful of her since she bit me without a reason that I could understand. During a very calm moment with me thinking how docile she was she slowly went over to my arm and latched on. Since then I'm wondering if I will keep her or find her a new home. I am disappointed with my reaction to her and wish I had thought longer about acquiring her. Just my experience to add to your thinking. Good luck with your decision.

I started with Ball Pythons, and then got my corn. I love my BP. They are much more mellow, and good snakes to hang with. Both types of snakes are cool, IMO. Different personalities, with the corns being more active.
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1.1 Ball Python
0.0.1 corn snake
1.0 Bearded Dragon
0.0.2 fish
1.2 cats
3.1 kids
1.0 husband

I purchased my BP after I had my first 3 corns. I wanted something that got alittle bigger, and was calmer. "Cobra", my BP is very sweet. He never, ever has even threatened to bite anyone in my family. My children, "pet" him, and my oldest holds him. I did purchase another one at a show, from a dealer there, and he was a biter. I gave him 2 months to calm down, handling him on a regular basis, and he never changed. Some will bite, just like any animal. (But I beleive for the most part, most BP's are calm, just like my first one.) So I did trade that one in. (on a corn) Do alot of reading, and asking questions before you buy. BP's are notorious for going off of food for long amounts of time. They stress very easily. Mine didn't eat for 4 weeks after I got him, but now he eats weekly F/T with no problems. They need more heat and humidity than corns. I will give you the name of the person I got mine from, he has some beautiful BP's at good prices, and he was very helpful through the not eating thing with mine. His name is Jeff Risher from Hall of Fame Reptiles. I believe he has a link in the breeder section of this site. Good Luck, I hope you find one you like.
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SpardaWolf
Corn Snake Addict
"Always Learning"

I love ball pythons.Just make sure it's captive born and feeding.Also you can get high yellows for the same price if you look around.They do go off feed once and i while and it's normal.Mine use to go off feed in december to april.they mite eat a small mouse now and then.I think you will be happy with a Ball.....Good Luck...Paul..

Ball pythons at pet stores are pretty likely to have mites.Even if you dont see any keep it qaurantined from all other reptiles or you can have a huge horribly mess on your hands....Paul.

I have three BP's and three Corns. BP's are a very docile, slow moving, medium-sized python. They are sometimes nippy when small (survival technique). But I haven't seen a nippy adult.

As another poster mentioned, they are well-known for going off feed. And I haven't had much luck changing mine from fresh-killed rats to frozen-thawed. So together, that can make you crazy. But I wouldn't trade mine for anything.

Good Luck

My wife has six BPs. They are all extremely mellow. I think in the three years we've had them she has been biten twice. Both times it was human error not the snakes fault. In my opinion they are much easier to handle than the corns. Usually they will wrap around your neck and just chill. They dont run all the time like a corn. They can be problem feeders though. We have one who goes off feeding every winter. Last year he went about four months with out feeding. Most eat every week like clock work. We don't get too excited at my house. I figure they will eat when they are hungry. We offer a rat every tuesday, if they don't eat they get another chance in a week. So to make a long story short, I think BPs are a great choice.

Thank you ALL for the responses! Your advice helps a lot!

I found a guy in my area that wants to sell his BPs. He has a male and a female, both 2 1/2 years old and 4 foot long each. He says they are perfectly healthy, eating well and that he is letting them go because he cannot afford to care for them and his red tail on his waiter's income. He is keeping the red tail. I am seriously considering taking him up on his $100 offer.

Any words of support or warning?

Also, I have their enclosures ready should I go for it. I have custom built melamine cages which incorporate lamp heating only, no UTHs. Is this OK or should I start modifying now?

Thanks again to all!

Jonathan
Aka Tyler’s Dad

1.0 Bearded Dragon
1.2 Corn Snakes
1.0 Mexican Rosy Boa ?????
0.1 Shih Tzu
1.0 Children
0.1 Wife