What I Wish I Knew BEFORE Getting A Ball Python
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- Опубліковано 1 сер 2024
- Good Morning, Reptilians! This week we're talking all about what I wish I knew before I got my ball python. It's also sort of a video about mistakes I made as a beginner to the world of ball pythons.
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timestamps:
0:00 Intro
1:05 Hunger Strikes
1:50 Finding Rats
2:59 Transitioning to F/T
4:15 Too Much Tank Space
5:16 Shedding/Humidity Issues
6:18 Finding a Good Vet
7:33 Different Temperaments
8:24 Body Language
9:20 Thermostats
10:13 Better Substrates
11:32 Outro
11:52 Sponsor - IHeartGeckos.com
12:35 Shoutouts
13:15 Bloopers
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Although I have a few reptiles, I am in no way a reptile expert. I just research a whole bunch and make videos. Please always do lots and lots of research before getting any pet! :)
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#BallPythons #BallPythonTips #ReptileMistakes - Домашні улюбленці та дикі тварини
Nice and helpful video. I did over 100 hours of research before getting my BP but it's not the same as learning form experience. I've had mine for almost 2 months and have already made mistakes.
I didn't look into where to get my rats before purchasing my ball python. I got lucky that there's a good local reptile shop not too far away that sells them. The first time I bought from them I think they heard frozen fuzzy mice instead of fuzzy rats so I got food that ways wayyy too small. I didn't know the difference visually and underfed for a short time.
I also got lucky that my BP didn't get hooked on mice as I've heard they can, and I'm fortunate that my BP is a great eater. He only refused food once so far. And that was when I first switched from paper towel to coconut chips.
Thirdly, I bought a combo of a small and medium hide since I wasn't sure which he would fit. I wish I had bought two medium hides because I learned I can stuff paper towel into the medium hide to make it an appropriate size. He already doesn't fit in the small hide.
Thank you! Over 100 hours!? That's awesome! Yea the experience is definitely very eye opening and so much problem solving. I'm glad you were able to fix the problems that you had very quickly/easily. 😊
Also, that's a really good tip about the paper towels and the hides.
I love this comment! You are obviously a very caring snake parent. I had to laugh because these are the mistakes we all go through. And there will be more mistakes. Research is great! But, there is always something that all that research didn't point out, and you just have to roll with it. You will be better than fine. I already know.
Between small, medium, large, and both mice and rats, what should you start a young ball python on?
@@Rob_Thorsman It really depends HOW young. Rats are better for a growing baby, but if they absolutely prefer mice, and won't eat rats, give 'em mice. I usually always went by the 10% rule for sizes of feeders, which is pretty reliable, IMO: so, If they're 100 grams, give the feeders that weigh about 10 grams or a little less. 200 grams, 20 gram feeders, etc... I stopped that at 1000 grams, because my spoiled brats didn't like the larger feeders, which stopped at small rats. If you are buying frozen feeders online, they usually have the weight of the different size feeders. If you're buying feeders at a pet store, ask them if they would weigh them until you get to know the weights of the different sizes...or buy yourself a gram scale. I hope I helped...Good Luck. You'll do great!
What type of enclosure are you using because honestly if the entire enclosure is big enough and completely dark the hole thing can work like a hide ball python live in termites mounds or other under ground nests in the whiled so by giving them let’s say a medium hide in a large but all glass enclosure unless you’re ball python is super not shy then you’ve kinda limited you’re animals to living in a small as heck hide this is why ball pythons do well in racks because the entire bin is one roomy hide for the snake also if you’ve only got one defiantly use a large bin or something not all reptiles have to be displayed and snakes are easily stressed out in glass enclosure...
things I wish I knew before getting a crested gecko: he is scared of spoons lol
🤣 spoons?
@@ellesreptiles YES 😂🤣
Same with my Mourning Geckos! Of all the things to be afraid of, I certainly wasn’t expecting the scoop I use for their CGD to be on the list.
Lmao 🤣.
🤣
Ball pythons don't dislike big enclosures; you can never have an enclosure that's "too big" for an animal. They are frightened in *open* spaces because they're jungle animals, adapted to densely packed forest understories rather than the wide open spaces of Kansas. As long as the enclosure has enough cover then they'll feel safe and secure, no matter how big :)
Hey there! Ball pythons actually aren’t native to jungles- but instead sparsely wooded plains, dry bushlands, and savannas! They aren’t native to areas with lots of cover, and most prefer the burrows of small mammals! Not all ball pythons are the same, my female loves to adventure and have a big tank (she has a built in wall enclosure that takes up an entire 12 foot wide 10 foot tall wall), and she’s all over the place. Meanwhile my male did NOT like that enclosure at all, he didn’t leave his hide for months and didn’t even want to eat (has never happened before) I switched them around and she thrives in the big terrarium, loves climbing and adventuring while he thrives in the 55 gallon. He also prefers his tank under 80 but above 75 or he’ll try to escape, while she wants hers 92+. They’re the same morph but their personalities and likes are much different. Some ball pythons just truly don’t like/need a lot of space!
@@destinyrain222hey there! Larger enclosures are actually better for all bps!
@@mma4nerds you truly thought you did something with one sentence 🤣 Reading comprehension isn’t your strong suit ig 🤷🏼♀️
In case people don't know, they can live up to 30 years. Its important to know that when you sign up for one - especially if its a baby!
Yes! I’ll have mine til I’m like 60! Thats the plan 🙃
Yes! I’ll have mine til I’m like 60! Thats the plan 🙃
Yep 20-30 years. You should plan for that age range, although not always accurate I had a beardie that died of cancer at 7, I was told they live 10-15 years but the trusted vet I went to said that most of the beardies she has to put to sleep are under 10. Just food for thought.
Yes, my BP is 33yrs old. I got him when he was 12wks old
As a first year vet student at Tuskegee University I am so glad they’ve added exotics to our curriculum. After our reptile lessons a couple of my classmates and I went to a reptile expo and purchased snakes and lizards so we can have even more knowledge on how to take care and treat medical issues owners will run into.
Does the university accept donation ball pythons for study?
You and ur friends should look into the spider gene, for what ever reason any morph with the spider gene have neurological issues known in the snake community as “the wobbles”
I disagree on the too much space thing. it entirely depends on how well you decorate the enclosures, I can tell you that. I put my juvi ball python (like 8 months old, around 200-300 grams) in a 4x2x2 foot enclosure with absolutely no problems. it's because it was very well decorated and cluttered.
Yes totally I hope Elle sees your comment because that is so true and its such a common myth
I agree with you 💯% i put my bp Taz in a 40 gal breeder tank that i had set up before i got him and he was fine. I did put black poster board over the back & sides of tank tho. He was little over 2 months old and 100 gr when i got him and did Perfectly fine. Eating and shedding week after week like a champ. So I do believe they can go into a larger tank even as a baby You just have to clutter it up so they don't feel exposed And they'll do just fine 💯% 🙂🐍 My Taz is a healthy 1500 g today 🐍
Agree, it's good for ball pythons to hide
It really depends upon you individual ball python. Every ball python is a little different. Some will do fine with a large enclosure and plenty of hides. But some wont.
It's about doing what makes your snake comfortable.
Unfortunately what works for you. May not work for others and vice versa. It's about knowing your snakes.
I agree, if you clutter a large enclosure enough then it will be fine for whatever size snake lives in it.
I got my ball python today and hes never in a ball position when i hold him. He's so small and i expected him to bite me. But so far nothing he just legit tickles me with his tongue. Oh and his name is Monty 🙂
@jess8861 jess8861 I highly recommend only if you truly are positive about getting one. They can live for a long time. My monty is still as cute as ever not problems all good.
hii! its 10 months later? hows your python? i really do want to get one but i'm just worried about the commitment since they do live for a long time! im also worried about how big they get, i heard its about 3-4 feet whichhh is a littleeeee concerning for me buttt
@@bellaaa9539 Hey ! Montys doing great!. After 7 months I had to get him a bigger tank. He's still friendly loves to be held. The grip he has is a lil stronger now so that's something to watch out for kinda got me off guard but it was all good. There was a month where he didn't want to eat at all so money for food was wasted there. After that 4 weeks of not eating my boy started eating again. I would still recommend getting one! Love my boi 💙 also if you do plan on getting a one and the shed doesn't go off in one piece what I would do is give him a warm bath. Water should reach half of your figure nail and I would use a wet cloth to remove the the part of the shed. Not with force. Just gently hold the snake and let them slither through your figures. I only had to do this once.
Wait....ball python...monty.....monty... Python....nop doesn't ring a bell
@@joseantoniocamposdehoyos5779 👁👄👁🤷♀️ lol
Just wanted to touch on the humidity issue! I learned from the people at snake discovery that you can just put in alittle humidity box in theyre tank and they'll use it if needed you just fill it with some sphagnum moss and sprits it down with water and its good to go.
I've seen that video too! Just remember that you only need to use a humidity box if the rest of the enclosure isn't humid. Putting a humidity box in a humid enclosure is a little redundant.
@@SnowKat-mn9qh how often do I change sphagnum moss and how often should I wet the hide? I have a screen top so it don't do well with keeping humidity in.
I put one in Medusa's vivarium when she was still a juvenile and she straight up refused to use it. Can't explain why. So I removed it. It puzzles me that she didn't. Maybe I have a strange Ball Python for a pet. Or it could be that I didn't have it set up correctly. How big should it be for a five foot Python? Maybe it's time to reintroduce her to one.
a humidity box should only be temporarily fixed while you fix your humidity issue. You shouldn't have to use a humidity box if you keep your enclosure right
My favorite Sterling pose..... Upright, curious, and aware. Have a great Sunday!
Haha yes! I love that pose so much. Enjoy your week! 🥰
@@ellesreptiles Thank you...
The one thing I heavily disagree with is the "too much space" thing... If the enclosure has enough hiding spots the size will not be an issue for the snake. I personally keep my BP in a 6x3x3 enclosure and have kept her like that ever since she's been a juvenile. Her enclosure is a jungle and she can dig, climb and hide in every inch of it. She adores it.
Its very important for the snakes to feel secure and you can achieved this through clutter. It may not always be the prettiest or the most well designed enclosure but making it look like a messy jungle will make the snake happy.
Although snakes kept in racks for years are harder to accommodate as it has been shown they tend to be more fearful and their learning part of the brain harder to activate, still with dedication and care they do wonderful in large enclosures.
I've kept my BP happy like this for pretty much 6 years now and counting. My blood pythons also seem happy in large enclosures. Bigger is better for all animals as long as all their needs are met!
When I was just getting into keeping snakes (corn snakes, but this applies to any snake) I got a lot of good info by asking at shops. One of the owners actually had me bring my snake in so he could help me figure out if I should go up in size for feeders or not. Definitely only ask at specialty reptile/exotic pet stores, they're usually keepers as well.
Love that! My local reptile/exotic shop helps out that way, too. Great resource 🥰
@@ellesreptiles I'm super lucky to have 2 right near me, definitely super helpful on all levels. Especially now since I'm getting into isopods too lol
Would a reptile store be a good place? I was going to get my snake and enclosure there but I'm getting the snake online now.
Are you kidding!? That vet outcome infuriated me! She should’ve had her license/position revoked! Never to work on another animal again. I’m so sorry 😢
Also loved this video, it’s incredibly helpful!
Some morphs can have neurological issues called wobble im experiencing this with my newest baby girl genetic stripes. Mostly spiders, champagne, spotnose and alot of others. Also some have small eyes or bug eyes. This is something i wish i knew
Spotnose champaign and spider are kill genes. Spider to spider the babys always die. Sorry to hear, people shouldn’t buy spider or breed them. And people need to speak out about it.
OMG - scissors to remove a retained eyecap ! - simple DIY job with a little sticky tape around the end of the finger. Lightly roll it over the eye will lift the old cap away !
Hello. Does the tape not rip at the healthy skin? Or do you take away some of the stickiness first.
I love how much you care about your animals. It’s been a while since I’ve owned a ball I now have 2 relics and a juvenile burm. Keep the videos coming I actually love watching them!!!!
I'm getting my first BP this weekend, and I made sure to ask his breeder what he's eating and what his appetite is like. If you're not sure it's always a good idea to ask!
Its been a year, how are things? Getting one soon and im curious
@@Inkaddiction906 He's doing great! Eating frozen thawed medium rats once every 7-10 days and living his best life. :)
I plan to upgrade his tank when I can afford to, I think he would like having more width to explore. I also can't wait for it to start getting warmer so I can bring him outside with me, he loves exploring the yard.
@@TheSilverVixen so thankful you responded 🙏🙌☺️ that sounds awesome! Im so excited to get mine, ive slowly been ordering all the supplies needed beforehand (except rats of course) so I can have a tank with the right temps and humidity levels ready for them to come home to
Thank you for this video! My home is all-gecko at the moment, but I always appreciate folks educating owners (and future owners!) on the things that don’t get discussed as much.
I don’t know how well it applies to BPs, but something I wish I knew before getting my Mourning Geckos: keeping appropriate humidity once it gets colder out is brutal. By the time they were starting to predict snow, I was having to mist every 3-4 hours to keep it at/above 50%.
Humidity boxes were always monitored and fine, but I couldn’t expect them to sit in there all day, every day and most methods of humidity monitoring get quite difficult in baby enclosures of their size (18x18x24 and bigger is somewhat difficult to escape-proof for 2” geckos, so I was planning to wait until they were full-grown). Misting every now and then might seem like one of the easier parts of reptile keeping, but no aspect should be overlooked, no matter how trivial it seems.
I got really lucky with my bp. The breeder had him on live for his whole life, so before we purchased we asked to see if he’d take frozen. He’s such a great eater, he’s only ever refused food once and that was when he was sick. Even when he’s in shed, he’ll eat.
Ball pythons can do great in large enclosure even starting from hatchings it’s just important to have lots of clutter and properly sized hides. The idea that ball pythons need such a small space is a myth and I understand that is different from your experience but by blacking out 3 sides having lots of clutter and hides they will thrive and explore the entirety of a large tank.
i think its better to say that they dislike open spaces and prefer more crowded spaces, rather than that they dislike large spaces.
Exactly right, once I put rocky/jungle background in my terrarium, my ball python is eating better, and doesn't get as startled as before. Lower stress = A more healthy snake, I had one stressed by the placement of the terrarium (high traffic) Ultimately stopped eating and died.
I have been doing my research for about a year now. There was quite a bit you mentioned that I had find out, and there definitely was a few things I didn't. What I think is great shit your video is it puts what took me several videos to learn into one. Excellent video.
Man. Your stuff is VERY helpful and well presented.
also as a texan i love how your voice sounds!! hearing southern accents always makes me happy :)
I did hours and hours months of research and honestly I’ve learnt more from watching her and having her then on actual research pages!
Great video, I bought my first ball phyton female she is great with food so far never refused a feed (on Jumbo mice), gaining weight every week. Still experimenting with the humidity part (current 60%-70%) changed today 1/2 enclosure to aspen and 1/2 coco husk to raise humidity a bit, last shed was not great. She is extemly docile and never hising or tagging. Great tips thanks again for sharing.
Thank you and congrats on your ball python! 🎉
Thank you! I just got my Ball Python Nagini a few days ago and you have helped me TONS!
Omg!! I just got mine a few days ago and I named my snake Nagini! Lol
Thank you!!! :D I’ve been researching ball pythons and will be getting one in the next couple of months, and this video was sooooo helpful! :) x
This was incredibly helpful! I just got a cryptic ball Python and she’s beautiful, but she’s been sleeping since yesterday evening lol, I’m letting her rest since i had gotten her. She was actually really nice while I was holding her waiting for my cousin to bring the tank considering she just arrived and was in blue (still is).
my bp athena is SUCH a sweetheart - I feel like I really lucked out with her because I've had almost no problems with her. Though it HAS only been a few months so I guess we'll see. I moved her into a nice spacious 4x2x2 recently and she's only about 5 months old and she seems to LOVE the space - though i also gave her plenty of places to hide, which I've heard can help with bigger enclosures. Recently she's been much more timid than usual but I think it's just because she's in blue.
Really cool video! Bringing my first baby snake home this weekend, and while I've done a lot of research, some of this was still new!
Thanks :)
Hey Elle…..thanks for this video. I just got my first BP over the weekend!!! I’m heading over to your “body language “ video!!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Thanks for the tips!! I always enjoy learning more about reptiles from your channel!.
Thank you so much! I'm glad the vidoes are helpful 🥰
@@ellesreptiles Yeaa watching your videos always teaches me something new about reptiles!
How do you tell if a ball python is going on a "hunger strike" as opposed to just starving itself to malnutrition?
I am considering getting a ball python but I am a worrier and nothing worries me more than my pets. So I want to make absolutely sure I'm not killing my animal, or get to a point where I have to give it up to save it.
For hunger strikes, they usually last a couple of months. Also check the temperature of your enclosure, and your house. Believe me , BP can be very picky.
Also , keep an eye on the snakes weight. If you start seeing rapid weight loss, talk to your vet who specializes in exotics
Loved this video. Will try the prococo and coco mix for both my balls and corn snakes. Very good advice on the pythons. I like researching the reptiles before I get one. That is why I like your channel you have very good advise. Keep up the good work. And thanks for the shout out. GOD BLESS you and your family.
Thank you. 😊 It makes me so happy when I hear that people are researching before getting the animal. And you're very welcome! 🥰
Just found your account and subscribed!! Love your content cant wait to watch them all!
Thank you so much for this information seriously 🙏🙏🙏
Excellent video! Really covered everything :)
i am getting my butter pastel ball python tomorrow i have been a snake owner when i was 15 and i cant wait to have another one. it is already full grown. this video helped out a lot thank you so much.
Super amazing and helpful video!!
This is such a great video. Im a new baller owner and she hasnt ate in a month. Ive watched a ton of vids and this is the best and most explanation ive seen. Thank you
You have to be from a southern state! Me too! Alabama..I just subscribed after the enclosure build off, but I'm so glad that I did. 😊❤
I just got a Ball Python recently, and i as much research as i could. But i always love to learn more and how to take care of my baby! So thank you!!!!!
This is a great video for beginners!... that eyecap story made me shudder. One of my 4 balls (Orion) has shedding issues he seems to need a completely unsustainable humidity level. He's always getting stuck eyecaps and dented eyes because he also refuses to drink... so whenever he's in blue or we spot a dented eye he has a sealed (ventilated) plastic tub that he spends 10 mins bathing in, once a day until the stuck eyecap can be removed with the softest swipe of a fingertip. 5 mins in the mini bath is enough to sort out eye dents also.
Now all I need to do is figure out how to stop the smallest derp from falling off the vines he climbs on 🤣
Keep his humidity at 70-80% (which is ideal for ball pythons) at all times, measured by a digital hygrometer. Give him a humid hide as well if necessary. He should be able to shed just fine if you make those changes.
Love the content. Ty for the info.
I’m loving the Sylvanas game reference!
Thank you for this video. It’s very helpful.
Excellent video! I have a super pastel spider 50% het clown coming soon and I have cypress mulch. I will definitely be checking out the substrate you recommended!
Great video and love the t-shirt!😄
Love your videos. Keep up the good work. 🥰👍🏻
Thank you so much! 🥰
Great hints especially about the feedings. I was looking to get one this year but holding off. I have always wondered if a breeder will tell the truth about their snakes. I want one that takes frozen rather than live. Also I like the info about the humidity levels and what to look out for. Finally, I am sorry to hear about what happened with that vet.
I'm glad it was helpful. 😊 I would think most would be pretty honest, because they wouldn't want to tell someone that a snake was taking frozen, and then the snake starve because it actually wasn't.. But I guess it really just depends on the breeder. 😕
Fortunately ALL snakes can be switched to frozen of they're healthy and you don't give up 👍
I love your videos. You have helped so much with my lil Buttercup. You rock
Awww thank you! 🥰
Hell yea, very helpful thanks a bunch!
My baby boy kilo is a fancy ball python, only a couple months old. Thanks to you I’m getting humidity under control. Eye caps weren’t an issue at all, got them off himself. Hopefully next shed will be 1 big piece.
I have literally been waiting for sunday to come so I could watch your video!
🥰🥰🥰
Elle's Reptiles 😊
Great video :) Wish we knew what a struggle it would be to regulate the humidity and temperature, especially with changing climates in Indiana. Once we got things figured out for my son's BP (named Clyde) that he got in January, here comes Spring & Summer and the household temperature/humidity changes, which drastically impacted the terrarium as well. Your videos are very helpful! I didn't expect to ever own a reptile, but Clyde is a pretty cool dude. -Angie
hi! I just moved to Indiana! would you be willing to share whatever tips you have learned with regulating the humidity & temperature!?
@@jaelynnkupahu4738 We ended up buying a Zoo Med Repti Fogger to keep the humidity level consistent during the day. And we use a heat lamp (no light) in addition to the heat pad on the warm side during the colder months. It's been working well for us.
Ahh thanks again for another video to help me prepare for my ball python!!
I'm glad I could help! 😊
I work at a pet store where I care for juvenile reptiles. I just bought a 3 year old ball and he is a bit hissy. He's gorgeous though!❤
Nicely done!
I found this adorable ball python that looks like sterling who was given up from a previous owner. He's already let me handle him twice. I saw his set up and was instantly sad. I have a lot of reptiles and I knew I could make his enclosure way more enjoyable for him. I have him on hold and I am picking him up once I have his new home all set up on Wednesday. Thanks for your helpful videos on ball python behavior.
Love your accent! Binge watching videos ball Python videos because I’m getting my daughter one. Being from the south your accent made this video easy to watch.
Thank you
You said Bees Knees! Love it!
Yes. I watched to the whole thing.
I even lucky I researched for abou a year before I bought my ball python. I went with reptichip substrate from the start and never had problems. I also made sure , the ball python I bought was fed frozen thawed and so I never had feeding issues yet. I understand the veterinarian is so important and I have looked around town and found a couple that will look at reptiles.It amazes me where I live tones of veterinarian but most only look at cats and doge.
Thank you for the information, I've been watching videos about pythons for a couple days now as I'm planning on getting one and you helped me so much! Thank you, thank you, thank you!! alos, you gained a new subscriber :)
Good morning y'all👋🏿👨🏿💻
Good morning! ☀️
Just recently got my 2 y/o fireball pin ball! Love her to the moon and back, hasn't refused food since I got her, she's an amazing eater
Thats a hard agree on the temperament. I have a ball python that flat out hates being handled.
I just got through watching one of your videos. on Cinnamon Ball Pythons. And a lot of the things that you went through I learn on my own too especially about eating mines went 6 months without eating before and and it's not eating again and this time it's been about 2 months. And the betting that you use to give you splinters. That's what I'm using now but from here on out I'm more years for True using there thanks a lot and keep up the good work.
I enjoyed your video. I'm an experienced breeder of ball pythons. I like to go back and watch videos like yours. Just to see how other people keep them and as a refresher to remember some of the mistakes. I made with my first ball python. As for stuck eye caps, normally you can just soak them and they normally come off naturally. Or that worked for me. But I haven't had that happen in a long time. Also not all thermostats are made the same. Zoomed is ok. But I wouldn't advise anyone to go any cheaper. Herpstat digital ones are amazing. So are freedombreeder. Vivarium electronics. Work well to. But all the off brand can have alot of problems. Every thing from just stop working or fail in the on position and cooking your snakes. Just letting you know.
9:02 adorablest noodle everr
They're more likely to eat late at night. Mine enjoy eating between 10pm-12am. Love your videos
In West Africa, the humidity is pretty high, and in ball python burrows (well, small animal burrows that ball pythons use), the humidity is definitely high w/o the soil being wet unless it has rained. So a glass tank and screen top in a temperate zone home does not capture those conditions well at all. Coco husk substrate helps a lot, as it holds a good deal of humidity. The husk chunks work better than ground coconut husk. Stuck eye caps is a humidity problem as you have seen. Plastic cages w/o screen tops are better in that regard.
a little tip that i learned about shedding, if you provide a humidity hide that has a higher humidity while the tank has a lower humidity the snake will use it as needed. And specifically ball pythons are great about using humidity hides without using it to much.
Humidity boxes are insufficient for ball pythons. They need high humidity throughout the enclosure (at least 60%, ideally 70-80%).
From my vet... best substrate is... PAPER TOWELS. Lol. You can change them easier, keeping the tank clean, as well as keeping them wet & no impacting issues if they eat a bit.
Ur Awesome...Appreciate this Video!
Best information video I have found so far! Thank you.
Thank you so much! I'm happy it was helpful 😊
@@ellesreptiles About 10 years ago I had a corn snake and then I got a Ball python, I had them both for several years but had to give them away during a divorce. I really want to get another Ball python but I live in a small town in Arkansas and never see any local. where do you recommend getting them online?
@@cnshunter check morph market, just research the breeder before buying. Avoid large scale breeders, look into smaller hobbyist breeders. You can also look for ones being rehomed.
@@nightinggale6470 Thank you.
Idk if there's an "I wish i had known" with ball pythons. But I wish someone had told me you don't HAVE to buy a ball python, lol.
I spent a whole summer gathering information to make an educated decision on which species of snake I wanted, and made a list. At the top was Mexican Black Kingsnake (didn't realize how popular they were, i just loved the glossy jet black look). But there was only 1 MBK there, and she was display only. So next on my list was a bullsnake. Thanks to Dāv Kaufman and Snake Discovery, I fell in love. But there were no bullsnakes. So, 3rd on the list was ball pythons, and of course half the vendors were ball pythons. So after looking at every single ball python, and making a mental earmarking 3 or 4 that i really liked that i could afford, I went back to a 1.5 yr old desert enchi. The contrast of the dark brown patterning against the goldenrod background just blew me away.
I wouldn't say I regret buying him. But I wish I had just walked away from the show empty handed and waited til one if my dream snakes was available. Still don't have a MBK, but I have 3 bullsnakes in the morph that I wanted. So, yay. The start to my own breeding group that I'm raising up.
They still look really nice and u can still impress ppl as he grows. I waited and looked for my anery type 1 Colombian boa (bci) female for a very long time. Had empty enclosure all set up I finally got her after searching everywhere. My first snake too.
My Ball Python fell into my lap. I took one look and couldn't say no. Medusa came to me as a juvenile when my younger brother was unable to care for her any longer. I had to learn a lot in a very short time. I didn't have the opportunity to research before adopting her. I can say it was and continues to be a learning experience. Happy Herping.
Good morning! Got my coffee and ready to watch this
Good morning! ☀️
I just got a ball Python! She’s a super pastel super stripe! She’s not a test yet and ate when she needed too! She was super gentle and very sweet!! I’ll check in again later!!
I hope my new one sheds ok, I used aspen shaving at first then switched to cyprus mulch right away after researching.
Had my Ball Python for almost two years and he is doing well. He eats great but is definitely lazy. He has a hide that he absolutely loves and pretty much stays there. I love him but he will definitely be my only Ball Python. I also have two hognose and if I ever decide to add to my collection I would get another hognose because the take up less space and have lower humidity needs. Also your eye makeup is 😍😍😍
It still breaks my heart when you talk about the baby that lost his eyes. I KNOW you shed many tears from that, Girl! There are some amazing herp vets around, but it's a shame we have to sacrifice our snakes or their eyes to realize who IS NOT an amazing herp vet. I mean, all they have to say is, "I don't have experience with this type of issue, but I can refer you to someone who does." You know?! Even doctors don't know everything, despite what they or others may think. Edit: Which prococo do you get for your BPs? It looks like there are 3 types. I have been using aspen for years, but I would love to change it.
i love your accent! awesome and informative video
All great info, great for ppl that have no experience with these sweet animals
Ty so much for this video I'm doing my research and have been for at least a month by now I'm your 1,000 like XD anyway I'm also gonna watch some of your other videos to ^w^
Yeah the to much space thing
Last year when I found that out I was shocked I never knew it was a thing
A little late but ball pythons are fairly easy with some advance knowledge. Although they are not great for viewing, using a tub works really well for bp as it much better at holding humidity. coco husk also absorbs smells and holds humidity much better than other substrates. Using a taller tub, like a 72 qt and there is vertical space to explore as well. Use a hide on the cool side and the warm side. If you have an ambient humidity in the 40% range you don't need to wet the coco husk. Heat tape or a heat pad with a thermostat works really well. If they decide not to eat, it is fine as long as they are not losing significant body mass and tone. But it is very stressful for the owner without prior experience. A 15 minute soak in lukewarm water than is 2/3 of the way up the snake's body will do wonders for stuck shed.
Heat mats/tape are not a good heat source. A halogen flood bulb connected to a dimmer/dimming thermostat is the most natural and beneficial option, Arcadia’s deep heat projector is the second best option. They produce IRA and IRB like the sun, heat that penetrates deep into the skin tissue and heats them far more effectively than heat mats. Whereas heat mats only produce IRC, which only heats the surface of their skin.
Ball pythons need at least 60% humidity, ideally 70-80%.
Bins generally aren’t big enough. Adult ball pythons usually need a 4x2x2’ enclosure or bigger to thrive.
I have my baby ball python in a 40 gallon tank but I have it taken up so there isn’t a lot of big spaces she’s doing amazing I’ve only had her for a week and a few days she has her first meal Thursday and ate it in no time
Great vid! Awesome shirt lol
Thank you!😊
@@ellesreptiles I csnt wait to get one of these beautiful animals. stuff like this is so important. Thank you
Great video. I have a friend whose Ball Python died a couple of days ago. He was really sad. The snake felt cold at times and my friend was desperately trying to buy a heat lamp for it. I purchased two lamps from Amazon and had them delivered to his house yesterday Monday. It was too late though, the snake had died Sunday my friend told me later. He told me that he's gonna have everything that's needed prepared this time before getting another ball python. I recommended that he watch this video which he did and he's learning a lot from it. Thanks!🙏🏽
New ball owner thanks for the info
Okay..Alabama too! Yay!! Decatur is only an hour away from me! ❤
Oh that's awesome!
As a BP owner I really wish I knew that BPs went on hunger strikes. I feel like it isn’t talked about much and I’m glad it was your first point. My snake went off of food for maybe 3 months and I just remember the stress of the whole situation driving me insane. I’m glad to know it’s normal now that I’ve been through it. But it’s always so stressful when it’s not mentioned 😂
We keep our ball pythons in tubs an never had feeding issues or trouble switching them over to frozen. Never had a problem with shedding or anything. I however had a ton of issues when I previously kept balls in glass tanks. I will never keep a ball in a tank ever again.
thx for the infromation
No problem! ♥️
I'm getting my ball python tomorro I'm so excited thank you for this useful information
hihi! the only info from their vid so far (im abt halfway thru) that i wanna clarify is the space!! large spaces do stress them out, but having a big enclosure with lots of hiding spaces is *much* better than a small enclosure:) i have my girl in a 98 gallon (shes 1yr old) and she has hella hiding spots. i would recommend a big tank with lots of small places to go ^_^ good luck w ur snake !! ball pythons are my favorite:)
@@vinyl1208 aw thank you I have the right vivarium for it since it's still a baby atm when I grows up will definitely get a bigger vivarium so dw but thank you for the information
Purchased my first BP last Friday🥰
Your accent is everything. Keep up the great work…
Haha! Thank you 🥰
Her curls are absolutely beautiful 😍
Good morning Elle, hope you have an amazing Sunday.
Good morning! I hope you do as well! 🥰
@@ellesreptiles thank you Ma'am 🙂
My bearded dragon had the old skin causing problems with his eyelid. If I remember correctly, I read that it helped very gently to rub a moist corner of a little towel over the eye, and it removed the old skin.
I have multiple royals, from my foot long baby banana morph to my big chunker female who is in fact a rescue from a neglect case. I feed them all live and have rarely had trouble with feeding. In fact I have yet for any of my snakes to go on a hunger strike, they’ve only refused food once then the next time it was offered it was taken quickly. So maybe i’m just biased, but feeding live ( even though there are risks of bites and scratches ) is much more natural and for me it has worked way better then when I used to try feeding frozen.