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Royal/Ball Pythons

C

CornNoobie

No longer a Noobie!
Hi All,

Ive been looking round for the next snake I want, and I was sure of getting another corn, but then read a few things about Ball Pythons and its got me thinking! Ive read quite a bit on them, and if I was to get one obviously would read a lot more, but is it possible anyone can tell me 1) how good they are as pets compared to corns 2) post some pics of your balls and set ups!

Thanks and any info / pics would be greatly appreciated!

Sam
 
I was about to post this question too, so make it seem like you're replying to me as well. ¬_¬
 
Hey i cant big these snakes up enough. they are extremely easy to look after, any experienced corn snake owner should have no problems looking after a royal. Iv had mine for 3 years, and never had any problems. She is a good feeder , never had a bad shed, and they are very easy to handle. I will send some pics in a min.
 
Missy. Royal Python

I love these snakes. You've got to get one
 

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Well, i just bought a baby ball a month or so ago. They are awesome pets. They are a sit on your lap snake, not nearly as energetic as corns. They are more hefty. They also tend to have more laid-back attitudes. However, they can have hunger strikes (which is more stressful for the owner than the snake--they can go a long time without eating and be fine), and they require a little more in the way of husbandry. As in, now my bedroom has been turned into a small piece of Africa. They need at least 50% humidity, more when in shed, and they need higher basking temps (around 90-93 basking, 80 ambient). This means you will need probably multiple heat sources (not lamps, they dry out the enclosure). You will also need a thermostat to regulate the temps because balls are more finicky than corns about needing perfect conditions to eat and digest. Anyways, they are really cool and are just as addictive as corns. You just have to make sure you will have the space when they are older. And make sure you can keep up the humidity (I do so with a small humidifier in my room).
 
Ball/Royal pythons are great as long as you have the paitence. They are picky feeders. Luckily mine is a pig, and will eat but will still refuse from time to time. Getting a female is a better idea then getting a male. Even though females get larger they normally will feed better then males, but if you want a male go for it. Always look for specimins clear of signs of RIs, mites, and any other problems. Make sure to get a specimin that is larger then others. It ensures your snake will be a better feeder then the rest. Anyway, that all I have time for right now. I'm sure youll have many replies on this thread. The people on here are very helpful

here are some shots of my normal ball Akasha, shes very sweet:
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and her set up. (I spoil her)
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I noticed someone said basking spot at about 90F, some people go with 90, some go with mid/high 80s. Personally i think thats depending on your snake. Ive seen a few who really like the warmpth, but mine wont go anywhere near the warm side of the tank if its anywhere in the 90s. She likes it at about 85 F.

Compared to corns, they are much calmer, but like someone stated can go on fasts which will stress the owner out, these are great snakes though. :]
 
We've bred bps for a couple of years now. They are not difficult snakes at all. The babies eat about once a week , just like a corn. The adults will go off feed occasionally, but it's not something to worry about. I have seen no difference between male and females eating habits, once they get to adulthood either are just as likely to stop eating, it's just cycles that they go through. We keep our temps at around 87-88 degrees. You want to be careful of the humidity, if it gets too wet they will get an RI. We just use aspen as a substrate and offer the snake a large enough water bowl for them to fit in to assist in shedding. If you notice pieces are sticking to them you can always spray them down. The main difference will be space and food items. A full grown male will probably eat a md rat, a female will go up to lg. If you get a CBB you should have no problem getting them to eat F/T as long as you get a baby, I've actually never had a problem getting CH or WC to eat F/T as long as it was young when we got it. Since this would be your first one I would stick to a CBB baby, then you don't have to worry about the parasites, etc. Best of luck!
 
What size viv/tank is suitable for an adult? Also, what heat source would you recommend? Ive heard from some sites that a gradient isnt required as it is with corns, and a consistent temperature throughout the viv is better?
 
With babies you want to keep the tank small, many times if the tank is too big the babies will not eat. I'd say start with a 10g for a hatchling, an adult female would probably need a 30-40 B. I'd go for undertank heat pad with a thermostat. I'd still have some type of temp. difference, and keep hides at both sides. You will not need anything too elaborate, most of mine just hide under their waterbowls until it's breeding or egg laying time.
 
I've been looking to get me a ball python as well, so I've got a few questions. Any suggestions on feeding sizes or options for a baby? Is it better to start them on rat pups? sm adult mice? does it really matter? they'll be going to adult rats after all as they get older, so would it be better to start them out on rats to begin with? I hear of people using both for babies and was wondering if one is better, or if there's any trouble switching say, from mice to rats.
 
I love royals - I have a 3 year old male. For me, the ONLY downside of them is the odd feeding fast, and I think that bothers some people more than others. This Tuesday just gone Chester broke a 2 and a half month fast. It is actually quite exciting seeing them eat after a break. :)

They are WONDERFUL to handle IMO. Chester is by far the sweetest snake I have ever come across. I say go for it, if you want one. Lovely snakes.

Here's my big boy:

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If only I had an antiquate income to support my habit. I love my corns and have plans for more but I have been looking into these guys too. It would be nice to have a "lap dog". I am sure one day I will be adding one of these to my zoo as well. Great pictures guys they are really beautiful.
 
When they are fully grown they need a minimum of a 36x15x15 viv but personally I would get one a big bigger.

There is no difference with getting a male and female.

Don’t worry at all if they go off there food because they can go 8 months with no food.

I don’t give my BP's extra humidity and I have never had a bad shed from this at all.

They are quite forgiving if you make a mistake with the heat; just make sure that you put the UTH on a Thermostat.

They are also much more affectionate with me than the corns.

They will also have a wonder on the floor and not hide if you let them.


Here is one of them for you to see...... I have 3

Pat Butcher (female)

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mele2511 said:
There is no difference with getting a male and female.

Don’t worry at all if they go off there food because they can go 8 months with no food.
Sorry, I dont want to sound like an a** but there is a difference bewtween males and females.
Felames grow a big bigger (like in other snakes)
and male are more likely to go off feeding for no reason.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
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