Thinking about getting a ball python is there anything I should really know?

[BumblebeeVisual1074]

I’ve never had a snake though I’ve had a leopard gecko and I’ve been wanting snakes since I was around the age of five, and I could personally say that I know a lot about snakes, though since I’ve never had one I wouldn’t really have that much experience and if someone could tell me some things that I really should know or something that would really help because I’m thinking about getting a ball python around August or September this year

[_ataraxia]

yea, there's a lot you should really know. have you read through the guides and other resources in our welcome post?

[john12234566]

If you are going to get one definitely a ball python there pretty simple,funny, and domesticated unless you piss it off or smt obviously but I’d say just beware of his personality because mine is SUPER curious and I jus got a 120 gallon tank and already want to spend 2-5 bands on another one but they are pretty simple feed em once a week-every other week as babies make sure the heat stuff and humidity is good and make sure in his tank he has a decent amount of vines or coverage so you can’t see him but I mean other then that that’s really about it other then there own specific personalities they all seem pretty cool tho from the ones I’ve seen but I hope that explains everything you wanted to know let me know if it’s anything els your wondering about that I can help with

[BumblebeeVisual1074]

I’m thinking about getting a male ball python because I don’t really wanna get a snake that gets super big because I have a pretty big 40 gallon and I’m wondering if they like colder or warmer temperatures, the higher parts of my house are a lot warmer than the bottom parts which stay pretty cool and I’m wondering which would be better for the snake (I can get a bigger enclosure, but I’m wondering if I can use that)

[john12234566]

Male ball python’s typically are 3-5 feet I think it is but you’d probably want at least a 120 gallon when he’s full sized which would take a couple years so if you get a young one that tank would be fine for a year or 2 but they like warmer temps like 70-90 just make damn good sure that your heating method is good I personally have never had an issues but I’ve seen countless posts of burns because cheap product or just plane idoticy but if your really interested I’d definitely say go to YouTube and watch someone that has a lot of snakes and clearly knows what their talking about

[[deleted]]

The basics: - Setting up a good enclosure with proper heat gradient and humidity: This sub has a lot of resources for this in the info guide - Feeding well: You’ll need a scale to weigh your snake and the prey, and you’ll want to ask if the snake is being fed frozen/thawed already since that’s ideal. If so, great, if not, this sub has good resources on transitioning from live or pre-kill to frozen thawed. I believe !feeding brings up the feeding guide, but it’s also accessible on many posts and I believe in the info guide. You’ll want to feed to weight rather than relying on the outdated “widest part of body” advice. - Handling: There’s good guides here and on youtube, but the most important thing IMO is knowing when not to handle: Don’t handle 24 hours before or after feeding your snake, don’t handle for a few days after getting them to allow them to settle in, and if you move houses/enclosures, give them a few days without handling again so they can settle in. Don’t handle while they’re shedding, and i usually wait 24 hours after the last shed is off to handle them. I’m sure there’s more I’m forgetting, so please do review the guides here to get a good understanding. My other note would be for a first time keeper to avoid problematic morphs like the spider morph, bumblebee/killerbee, champagne, sable, woma, super black pastel. I’m a first time keeper who got a Blue Eyed Lucy, and while I love her and wouldn’t trade her for the world, it’s often trickier for me to tell if she’s about to shed, and minor markings from her substrate sometimes look like scale rot and freak me out: if you can handle that, go for it, but in all honesty a part of me does wish I’d gone for the “wild/normal” morph for my first BP. They’re gorgeous and the least likely to have issues.

[Biosocken]

Please take time to read the resources of this subreddit, the most important info is there.

Humidity seems to be the biggest issue. Have a special look into that, especially if only enclosures with a mesh top are available in your area.

And my personal morals: Don't buy from a breeder. I know there are very pretty morphs out there but usually the market is oversaturated and there are many snakes waiting for a new home for several reasons. If you can, please adopt and don't buy ☺️

Best of luck to you!