Ball Pythons are becoming a very popular pet choice for many, especially over the last few years, they have become one of the most popular reptiles in the market at pet stores and at reptile shows across the United States. I was one of the few who did their research, but still missed some very important factors, that caused me issues very early on in the Ball Python world. Here are 5 things I wish I knew before buying a Ball Python!
1.Consistent humidity is not as easy as it seems.
Humidity was NOT easy to regulate, especially in a dry and cold climate, in a glass tank. Humidity is one of the key elements of husbandry that needs to be consistent in order to keep your ball python healthy. With improper humidity, your snake can experience dehydration, bad sheds, RI(Respiratory Infection), scale rot, mouth rot, and other possible infections and/or illnesses. In my experience, I was using a glass tank with a screen lid, and humidity was escaping rapidly. I tried adding foil tape, moss, dampening the substrate, adding a bigger water bowl, and so many other techniques, but nothing seemed to work for me due to my natural environmental climate. This continued to go on for a week or so, before I ultimately gave up and converted to tubs.
2. They are not Social Animals.
This one might seem super obvious, but for me I was clueless. I bought my first ball python with the intentions of it "loving me" and wanting to be around me all the time, and this was simply not the case. Ball pythons are solitary animals who feel safest in their small and dark hides where they are free from harm. Constant handling for long periods of time can stress out your ball python, and this can cause your snake to stop eating, and get rather defensive which can lead to striking to let you know that it does not want to be bothered.
3. Tubs are easier to maintain.
When I purchased my first ball python, I used a glass tank set up. Although they are more visually appealing, for some people they might not be the best option. They are generally harder to clean and disinfect, humidity and temperatures escape easily, they get quite expensive, and they take up large amounts of space. Tubs on the other hand, run between $4 and $5, they're easy to maintain and clean, and they hold humidity and temperatures with no extra effort. Many people using glass tanks resort to misting their tanks multiple times a day to help with humidity, but this can actually lead to RI, and it isn't a recommend practice. Tubs on the other hand, hold humidity with little to no effort, and ZERO misting!
4. It is NOT cheap.
When I purchased my first ball python, I dropped around $800+, this including the snake himself, a 30 gallon glass tank, substrate, heating pads, a CHE(Ceramic Heat Emitter) and bulbs, hides, water dish, hygrometers and thermometers, thermostats, light timers, clutter to provide the proper enrichment, feeders, and more. Before initially purchasing my ball python, I had no idea I even needed all of the things listed above, in my mind, I didn't even think I needed HALF of that stuff until it came down to the true facts that they were all necessary. Going the cheap route and buying the cheapest things you can find, isn't recommended especially with heating sources, thermostats, and thermometers/hygrometers. These are vital tools you need in order to keep your ball python healthy, and one bad purchase could lead to faulty products that leave burns from too much heat, or not enough heat being produced. Cheap thermometers/hygrometers are inaccurate majority of the time, and the gauges especially should be avoided. Instead of being cheap, invest in the proper equipment that will last longer, and products you can trust.
5. Once you get one, you will want more.
This is probably the biggest thing I wish I knew before getting a ball python. Once I got one, I couldn't resist getting more. I now I have 4 snakes, all in the matter of 2 months. Do I regret it? No, not at all. Is it worth it? Oh yes, 100%. The only tip I can give on this, is just to try and avoid the temptation the buy more, if possible.
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