Thread: ball python

I have most of my life wanted a ball python (well started as just a snake) but we grow I have the opportunity to get one and was wondering if I could pick your brains I know a little about care feeding etc. But do not want my inexperience to be taken advantage of by any of the local pet store clerks looking for a bigger commission. Any and all info would be greatly appreciated

Originally Posted by nanna

I have most of my life wanted a ball python (well started as just a snake) but we grow I have the opportunity to get one and was wondering if I could pick your brains I know a little about care feeding etc. But do not want my inexperience to be taken advantage of by any of the local pet store clerks looking for a bigger commission. Any and all info would be greatly appreciated

Escape artists they are.
They and other snakes are known for being picky eaters.

Price and check the availability of "pinkies" live and frozen.
Also check on other "rodents" because they grow.

This is as good a first pass summary as any:
Python regius - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The person I am talking to sent me this info about what the snake comes with they are asking 200.00 but have been trying to sell him for about a month so I don't know if that is negotiable or not


Tank (I don't know the size for sure. The guy at the pet store said it would be big enough*for his full size.)Day lamp Night lamp Snake house (a thing he curls up in)Heat Pad Large Water dish (that looks like a fake rock)Temperature Strip Surge protector (that has a timer for the day and night lamps) to plug it all in!

I've been out of the Pet Shop loop for MANY years, I build my own equipment now days.

There is a book out there Amazon.com: The Ball Python (Herpetocultural Library) (9781882770724): Philippe De Vosjoli, Philippe De Vosjoli: Books I highly recommend you get this book and read it FIRST. The auther goes into great detail on raising Ball Pythons, care, feeding, breeding, everything you need to know before you buy. It's readally available and worth the expence.

+1 to all said above
I wish I would have know about that book 15yrs ago, I may order it now anyhow
I have had mine for 15 years now, I inherited it not by choice and wasn't crazy about it initially but have sort of warmed to it

it also helps tremendously if you find a vet and pet store that is used to selling and or caring for reptiles and not just cats and dogs, we only had it get sick bad once so far, but that required us giving it injections and it almost didn't make it

got mine in a 2'x4'x4' enclosure which in addition to the heat lamps has a few branches and shelves for it to crawl on and wrap himself around, not hard to make at all

be careful letting it loose near furniture that has any openings on bottom and coils inside too, (including car seats)

Yes car seats are evil... So many bad memories of loose snakes and car seats... Lucky me nothing bad happened but the nerves and stress level could level a city block...

A friend of mine raises and sells ball pythons. He would love to talk with you. If you want contact info and website, PM me.

$150-200 is reasonable for a Ball Python, though you can get them cheaper.

They're pretty easy to take care of apart from the escape issue and the finicky feeding. Some will only accept live food.

If this is going to be your first snake, I'd advise you to rethink the Ball Python idea. They do get large (though not very long), and smell can be a bit of an issue.

Start off with a kingsnake or cornsnake or something similar. They may get longer, but they're much less massive, and they're also quite active. They still are escape artists, though.

I personally preferred keeping lizards and tarantulas to snakes. Can't anymore .

Just spotted this thread while cruising the forum. I keep and breed many species of snake and have done for quite a few years, I`d be happy to answer any questions you have You`re right to be wary of "man in shop", he will tell you all sorts to get you to buy the snake. Some of the "advice" I`ve heard from people in shops is just awful......

You can email me if you want a quicker reply, I`m at [email protected]

I was thinking ball python because of there aggression being minimal. but I will look into the others.
Thanks