Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Are ball pythons good for beginners?
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Denise (Mom) and/or Jared (son)
Take care!

Yes Ball Pythons are great for begginers because of thier natural great dispositions and ease of care like any other pet you may want to get as always just make sure you read as much as you can find on what it is you want to get and make sure you have a good home for it already set up before you purchase it

your probably going to get two different opinions on this. based on answers to this question in the past...some people believe they are horrible beginner snakes and some believe they are perfect.
They are a good snake for beginners because of a very good disposition, relatively small size, and very cool looking snake. They tolerate a good amount of handling and if you ever decide to breed, they are easier to breed then some snakes. (sorry i dont have experience with that...just what ive read)
The reasons why some people dont think they make good beginners snakes is because they can go on long fasts without eating for months. This can be frustrating to a beginner. Also meeting the heat and humidity requiremtents can be a problem. I dont know if you are new to reptiles or not but the arent usually social creatures either. They tolerate a little handling but they might not enjoy the way a puppy does.
It really depends on the person who is buying it(that would be you). Just read as much as you can, read several care-sheets by different people and get a cage ready before you buy your snake have the temps and humidity right. Then when you do get it, dont buy it at a pet store. Go to a reptile show in your area. Here's a link of events: Events
For future reference, look for the link that says 'Events' at the top of the kingsnake homepage.

In My Opinion, yes. I was a first time ball python owner about 6 months ago. I prepared myself by reading everything I could find on small pythons and ball pythons on the internet. Doing research is your first best step. Ball pythons are great animals to keep and learn about. But first, please do your homework. Read as many care sheets as you can find. You'll get volumns of information off the internet but I would also recommend investing in a good ball python book. A small price to pay for having information at your fingertips. "The Ball Python Manual" and "Guide to Owning a Ball Python" are recommended reading. Check out this URL.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1882770285/104-9191396-9578364?v=glance
I agree with the previous posts. If you have your mind set on owning a snake, make sure to have its environment set up, temperatures and humidity consistant, hides, thermometers, hygrometer,heat sources, escape proof enclosure, and last but not least, make sure there's reptile vet or at least a vet that works with reptiles nearby.

If you get a CBB Ball Python from a good breeder(Pro Exotics, Bob Clark, etc.) then they are not good beginners but EXCELLENT beginner snakes.

HOWEVER, if you dont get a CBB, then they can be not so good.

Get a CBB!!!!!

derek

"If you get a CBB Ball Python from a good breeder(Pro Exotics, Bob Clark, etc.) then they are not good beginners but

EXCELLENT beginner snakes.

HOWEVER, if you dont get a CBB, then they can be not so good."

I'm confused,and what does CBB mean?
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Denise (Mom) and/or Jared (son)
Take care!