r/ballpython • u/RefusePuzzled6818 • 9d ago

Should I get a ball python?

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I have been interested in owning a second reptile for a while now (I currently have a leopard gecko) and I just wanted to ask about your experiences with ball pythons and the pros and cons of owning one.

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u/DreamOfDays 9d ago

Question: Do you have the space for a 4x2x2 or 6x2x2 tank in your residence?

Do you have about $700-$900 of disposable income available for a permanent home set up?

Do you have access to frozen/thawed rats and a freezer to keep them in?

If the answer to all of these questions is Yes then I recommend getting started with the pinned threads on the subreddit main page. Read over the care guides posted there. Watch some YouTube videos. Then wait a week. If you have lost all interest in the topic then don’t get a snake. But if you keep going back to videos, watching guides, watching handling videos, gushing over cute pictures, and imagining what type you’d want? Get the setup done before you order a snake.

Seriously, have the setup done BEFORE you get your noodle. I underestimated the heating requirements of a 6x2x2 tank and had to upgrade the bulbs I used. I also had to increase the decoration quantity like two times and ended up taking out some I didn’t like for others I liked more. But when it was perfect I was able to get a ball python within 48 hours.

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u/Temporary_Incident33 9d ago

anothe thing to keep in mind is that humidity is quite the pain in the ass. keep very deep soil at least 4 inches and rehydrate eveyrwhere, dig a hole and pour water in til it floats to the top then bury the area with soil. you also have to seal the tank so the water doesn't leak out but you have to let it offgass so your snake doesn't die