Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My boyfriend and I have been thinking of getting a pair of ball pythons. We already have a cornsnake and other exotics (monitor and such) so we know the amount of work involved in keeping the animals. My question is what would the ideal set up be for two grown ball pythons and would we be able to house them together? (but feed separately correct?) Before we actually get some we want to make sure that we have the best set up possible for them. Any and all input would be appreciated as I don't trust many different "care sheets" or pet store guidance because it typically tends to be wrong and misleading (in my experience). If someone could point me in the right direction it would be much appreciated. Thanks!

~Katie

I don't keep mine together so I couldn't tell you about that. Also, you will probably have trouble finding adults and will have to buy young ones. I have found that these guys are more agoraphobic and not claustrophobic. So, you may have problem snakes (feeding and such) if you keep two babies in a setup for two adults. It sucks to have to consider changing setups but . . .

Possibly, small hides will make a small snake comfortable in a large enclosure.

Otherwise--I use belly heat at around 90-93F. The ambient temp is best at around 75-85. Good luck!
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1.1 BPs (Syd and Nancy)
1.1 Het. Albinos (Bill and Beatrix)
0.2 French Lops (Lapine and Jacquotte)
0.0.2 Firebellied Toads (Stanley and Stuart)

I would rather have young/baby BPs anyway so that they could get used to me handling them. I was just asking so I know what I have to look forward to buying when they get bigger. Do you think it would be a problem to start them off in a bigger cage or do you think it would be better to start smaller? We have an extra 20L right now...would that possibly work? Granted we'd have to snake-proof the lid but other than that...what do you use for a substrate, I've heard many different things and would like to know that the best (and cheapest) out there is. We're college kids and don't have a lot of extra money to spend so as long as we can save without compromising the setup or the health of our pets we like to (used aquariums and whatnot). Thanks so much!

~Katie

Having kept and bred bp's for over 30 years, here's a few hints:

1) Don't keep more than one ball python per cage; if you can't provide two cages, just keep one.

2) Our facility alone adopts out over 50 ball pythons annually due to owners who get tired of taking care of their pets; make sure this is something you really want. Assuming it is, you might contact your local herpetological society to see if there are any unwanted burms out there who need a good home. Or, purchase a captive born hatchling from a breeder. I would steer clear of pet store bp's unless you know that it is a reputable facility.

3) In terms of cages, I agree with the other owner; start with a small enlosure if you are starting off with a hatclhing or juvenile (like a 10 gallon tank or better yet, a cage made specifically for reptiles such as neodesha, vision, boaphile, Crescent Moon Creations, etc.). A full grown adult will need a cage comparable to a 40 gallon breeder tank (3' x 18" x 18". KEEP ONE SNAKE PER CAGE

4) if you need tips on husbandry, email me directly and I would be happy to give you a few more hints (my 36 year old bp is testament to the type of care that is needed to keep these animals on a long term basis).

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center
Lake Forest, IL