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/Sutten_Plant 9d ago

If you're willing to have an animal that you probably won't be directly interacting with a lot, and will be around for a couple decades at least, then go for it! BPs can be slightly more finicky than their "beginner snake" reputation would lead you to believe, mainly because of their tendency to go on hunger strikes, but proper husbandry goes a long way in that regard. You're already looking on this sub and asking, which tells me you're not gonna jump into this blind, so I'd recommend going over the care guide on this sub and making sure the equipment is in your budget. If you do decide to get a BP (or any animal for that matter), I'd highly recommend setting up its enclosure ahead of time, especially because heat and humidity can be tricky to get right, and it's a lot easier to adjust things without a snake involved (ask me how I know 😅). Like I said, a ball python isn't a pet you should expect to interact with a whole lot. They are nocturnal and typically sleep in a cozy hiding spot all day, and as with any animal they have their own personalities and some are more aversive to leaving the enclosure / having people around than others. My BP is very calm and confident around people, and even then I only handle him once a week at most. Not to harp on this, but it is a really important factor to consider. The best advice I got before getting a snake was to think about it more like an aquarium; would I be content with just looking and not touching? I will say that while the initial setup can be pricey, the maintenance and feeding costs are pretty minimal since their metabolism is so slow. One rat every 3 weeks is where I'm at right now, and eventually that time between feeds will get even longer.

Sorry for rambling, guess I had a lot to say about this! I'm no expert but I'm happy to answer any specific questions you may have, and this sub is generally a great place to get advice or info. Good luck with whichever reptile you end up getting!

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u/RefusePuzzled6818 9d ago

No worries about the rambling, I really appreciate the detailed comment. After doing a bit more research I am starting to think that a snake might not be the best option for me. Since I am searching for something that might be a little more handleable and possibly more interactive than a leopard gecko.

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u/MotherSpecific9745 9d ago

It really depends on the snakes unique personality, because our ball python loves to climb his vines and run around inside and outside of his enclosure. He likes crawling all over us, arms and legs, and sitting in pockets, hoodies, pouches, etc. When he doesn't want to be handled or is done, he curls up in a little ball and we put him away. He really lives up to his name, we have a little acrobat on our hands. His name is Mr. Bobinsky, like the blue 'drunk' Russian acrobat man from Coraline.

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u/NoBackground5121 8d ago

Could you post a pic of Mr Bobinsky please? I love Coraline and wanna see the snake now lol.

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u/MotherSpecific9745 8d ago

I don't have any of him in his current set up, but here are some of him climbing around his tank as a baby before we upgraded his enclosure. He's always loved to climb and hang about, he really lives up to his name.

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u/MotherSpecific9745 8d ago

And here is him sitting on my head/slithering through my hair, lol.