It is my dream to own a ball python, should it be in a tub or a display terrarium?

Question

All i need is reccomended tub or terrarium size for ONE normal ball python, how much should the snake cost me on average. how much to care for monthly

what kind of tub,under tank heater, thermostat how much will all this likely cost me?

Answer 1

Personally, I always suggest tubs. They hold humidity well and give your snake the privacy it wants. I'd at least start with tubs, and depending on the snakes personality and once it gets accustomed to you and its surroundings you could try moving it into more of an appealing enclosure such as a terrarium.



You can get a baby male normal ball python for $50 or less (females up to $75), sometimes you get even find them for free! See if there are any reptile expos in your area, as this is where you'll get the best deals. You can also look for breeders in the area, but I would avoid pet stores!



The thing about tubs is that they are really cheap to upgrade size as the snake grows. The common problem ball python owners have is giving the snake too much space, and it feels insecure and stressed and stops eating.

Here's a rough guide to tub sizing:

A young ball python should be in a 15qt tub until it reaches 500g. From 500-1500g the snake can upgrade to a 28 or 32 quart tub. Most adult males will be fine in a 28 or 32 their entire lives, but some bigger females will eventually need a 41qt tub.



Under tank heaters come in a few varieties. I use heat cable, and haven't had any issues with it :) Heat tape and heat pads work just as well though. The most expensive thing will probably be the thermostat, but you can get a cheap light dimmer that will do the job too! Monthly costs are only food (I pay $2 a week for a rat), and whatever your hydro bill increases by. It won't be much for just one tub though :)



Don't forget to buy 2 thermometers (one for both the hot and cold side of the cage) and a hygrometer. Good luck! You'll also need 2 hides. You can make these for free from home using old tupperware dishes or food containers. You'll also need a water bowl large enough for soaking.

Answer 2

genuinely for a toddler ball python it fairly is plenty to special, yet its suited for while its an person. A to special tank will stress the toddler snake becuase they might wander away interior the tank and that they'll sense to uncovered and that they are going to be extra scared to return out of there hiding spot. and a few ball pythons even couldnt discover there water and died cuz there tank became to special. i comprehend it fairly doesnt make experience that the cage is to special cuz for many pets greater is extra useful yet no longer for toddler ball pythons. in case you have the tank now in basic terms save it for while its an person and purchase a 10 gallon tank at walmart for like 10 dollars.

Answer 3

Now here is the price

Cage/housing

Forget the aquairum they are hard to maintain proper temps and humidity

Buy a good cage like Boaphile, Proline, Animal Plastic $200-$500

Build your own $150 or less

Or use a plastic storage box like this or bigger

http://www.sterilite.com/ProductDetail.h…



Heating-

flexwat heat tape plus wiring kit about $10, basking bulb about $10, at pet stores heat pads run $20 and up



Thermostat -

I like Big Apples BAH-1000SC its about $50 including shipping.



thermometer/hydrometer-

from simple to digital $4 -$20



Lighting (not for heating)-

under cabinet fluorescent about $10

I provide UV lighting for my snakes, Ge plant and aquarium bulb are about $6( provide UVa, UVb, and Infrared)



substrate-

No pine or cedar, and avoid sand as well.

aspen, eco earth, reptibark, cypress $5-$20



Water dishes, hides, fake plants and other decor are going to quite variable-small tupperware storage containers ,cat litter pan, medium or large plastic food/water dish about $5. the naturalist hides and water/feed dishes are about $12 -$20 each. for my juvinle boas i used medium dog dishes about $1.20 at walmart that serve as both hide and water dish.



Food-

$2-$10 per mouse/rat

but cheaper when bought from online suppliers





The care is all in the link below

http://www.ballpythoncare.net/