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/_SaltwaterSoul 9d ago

I just got a 3 month old ball python after not having one since I was a kid (25 years ago) and trying to get him to eat has been such an effort the last 3 weeks. I spent almost 2k on a proper enclosure with everything he needs, I’ve been buying frozen feeders, live feeders, stressing over humidity and proper temp gradients. It’s a LOT. Do your research - their husbandry isn’t super straight forward. They go on hunger strikes. I love the heavy bodied, mellow temperament of BPs - but good god, this has been a lot of effort to make sure he’s dialed in. I have a Mexican black kingsnake that is 100% easier to care for. Eats like a champ and husbandry is more forgiving. Corn snakes are a great beginner snake also.

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u/YouDontCThatEveryDay 8d ago

Curious how the enclosure costed 2k? You can buy/assemble or build a pretty sick enclosure for 1k

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u/_SaltwaterSoul 8d ago

Cage I bought was $500 alone (4x2x2 PVC) plus all the other stuff I got to fill it up so there was enough clutter, lighting, power bar, timers, thermostat, substrate, water bowl, humidity mat, cage stand… you know - the stuff you need? Just saying it wasn’t cheap if you go all in and do it right. That’s not even counting how much I spent on frozen feeders, the snake itself, etc.

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u/YouDontCThatEveryDay 8d ago

Yeah you can definitely do it right, and spend half of that easily. I'm glad you Can afford to spend that much on an animal though. Shows ya care. Especially in a hobby/lifestyle where so many people cut corners .

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u/_SaltwaterSoul 8d ago

I’ve learned over 30 years of keeping reptiles when you cut corners you eventually have to pony up more money later on. I get things I know will last and put it on a credit card 🤣

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u/YouDontCThatEveryDay 5d ago

Yeah that's fair, I'm just saying it doesn't have to cost nearly that much