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Because I know some of you guys keep ball pythons

BloodyBaroness

BloodyBaroness

Captain Titsworth
Because I know some of you guys keep ball pythons I had a few questions to ask about them.

I've been doing research and trying to plan/get cage going before I buy one.

From the different care sheet and web sites I have read some confusion has set it. Maybe I'm trying too hard and over thinking everything.

Cage heating:

Do you recommend an UTH for belly heat or ceramic heater for more ambient air temps? Or both? I keep finding sources that say use a UTH and basking light also.

Also do you guys have particular site or book for research you recommend as a good source? I've read a ton of stuff but I still feel lacking a bit.

Also in regards to the Spider Morph and the wobble. I really think spiders are nice looking but are they worth the risk? I know even really good breeders still have issues with wobblers from time to time.
 
You'll find everything you need here, www.ball-pythons.net.

The search button will yield answers to all you've asked but feel free to post your questions too. They're pretty friendly over there.
 
As far as heating goes, I'd definitely suggest using a UTH. Ceramic heaters are notorious for drying out a tank within a few hours.

That being said, I'd recommend cypress mulch for the substrate. It holds humidity a LOT better than aspen without molding over. Keep in mind to put down a nice thick layer, because they do like to burrow.

As far as spiders and the wobble go, I think that was only an issue when the spiders were first coming on the market. I think they've been out-crossed enough to where the wobble is pretty much nonexistent in most babies nowadays.
 
Good to know, thanks Robbie, I appreciate it.

I'll make sure I get good info from the breeder if I decide to go with a spider.
 
DO NOT USE UTH with Ball pythons.... The weight of the snake can induce burns even with a thermostat, plus a UTH will not raise the air temperature... Try it, hold your hand about an inch above a UTH and you cannot feel it....
Ceramics will warm the air and without warm air you can get RI's as these snakes are tropical......
Just my opinion, but I have successfully kept Balls for a number of years....
Ceramic will not dry out the air... Just move the water bowl until you get the desired humidity....
 
I have always used UTH with my ball pythons, and I have not had any problems. I think the issues with the snake getting burned is more related to the overall power output from the heater, eg. a baby ball does not need a 40g size heater.
 
You guys are free to do what you want with your snakes... I don't really care as they are not my snakes... ;)
But I would try my UTH test first and think about where they come from... I know I am right on this and can only pass on good advice... You need to remember that some people have central heating on 24/7 and some people live in very warm areas naturally.....
A cold chill or a sudden drop in air temps can make a hell of a difference....
But like I said, it's all up to what you want to do and will no way effect my snakes who are RI free.....
 
RobbiesCornField said:
As far as heating goes, I'd definitely suggest using a UTH. Ceramic heaters are notorious for drying out a tank within a few hours.

That being said, I'd recommend cypress mulch for the substrate. It holds humidity a LOT better than aspen without molding over. Keep in mind to put down a nice thick layer, because they do like to burrow.

As far as spiders and the wobble go, I think that was only an issue when the spiders were first coming on the market. I think they've been out-crossed enough to where the wobble is pretty much nonexistent in most babies nowadays.
Click to expand...

I also suggest an UTH over the ceramics for the same reason and cypress mulch has worked great for me for both my BPs and boas but I also keep the room temps no lower than 80. I've never had any issues with the UTH as long as there is thermostat and thermometer hooked up to it. I also keep mine in bins, so if your planing on keeping it in a tank I would probably use a CHE to keep the air warmer just make sure to keep an eye on the humidity.
 
snakewispera snr said:
You guys are free to do what you want with your snakes... I don't really care as they are not my snakes... ;)
But I would try my UTH test first and think about where they come from... I know I am right on this and can only pass on good advice... You need to remember that some people have central heating on 24/7 and some people live in very warm areas naturally.....
A cold chill or a sudden drop in air temps can make a hell of a difference....
But like I said, it's all up to what you want to do and will no way effect my snakes who are RI free.....
Click to expand...
Of course the UTH isn't going to emit much heat above it... it's made to be attached to something and radiate heat from the surface it's attached to.
 
Pepper said:
Of course the UTH isn't going to emit much heat above it... it's made to be attached to something and radiate heat from the surface it's attached to.
Click to expand...
OK attach your UTH and try what I said...... Words are cheap....
I'll stick with reptile radiators and ceramics for tropical species.....
You can do what you want.....
All I can do is give out advice based on 30 yrs of experience.......:sidestep:
 
snakewispera snr said:
OK attach your UTH and try what I said...... Words are cheap....
I'll stick with reptile radiators and ceramics for tropical species.....
You can do what you want.....
All I can do is give out advice based on 30 yrs of experience.......:sidestep:
Click to expand...

I can say that I've gotten amazing advice from you in a time of need...and the information I couldn't get from you, was provided by someone around you. Not only that, but confirmed by a vet shortly afterwards as well...your information is solid. Your experience speaks for its self. :cheers:

To the OP: its up to you to figure out what will work properly for you. I'm sorry, I didn't see where you're located, but I think it depends on what the room temp is...and what you feel most comfortable keeping.
 
RosieReal said:
I can say that I've gotten amazing advice from you in a time of need...and the information I couldn't get from you, was provided by someone around you. Not only that, but confirmed by a vet shortly afterwards as well...your information is solid. Your experience speaks for its self. :cheers:

To the OP: its up to you to figure out what will work properly for you. I'm sorry, I didn't see where you're located, but I think it depends on what the room temp is...and what you feel most comfortable keeping.
Click to expand...
Aww thanks..... But I am really an idiot who knows people.... LOL
I just get informed people to do the real work and bask in their glory.......
Herps isn't a real science.... It's all about trial and error....
I prefer others to do the trial and I can evade their errors..... LOL
And I'm nice to them so they help me again.....
OK so I cheat........ So what... LOL
 
snakewispera snr said:
Aww thanks..... But I am really an idiot who knows people.... LOL
I just get informed people to do the real work and bask in their glory.......
Herps isn't a real science.... It's all about trial and error....
I prefer others to do the trial and I can evade their errors..... LOL
And I'm nice to them so they help me again.....
OK so I cheat........ So what... LOL
Click to expand...

As far as I can tell...its the name of the game!! :cool:
 
LMAO...... Thats how we work things out........
Either pretend you're an expert or admit you had help from a better source......
This is a learning curve for everyone, if they are willing to be honest.......
I learn something new everyday...........
Or I try to....
 
I'm not going to get into the heating as that's been covered, but I would like to comment on Spiders and the head wobble. I've got an '09, and I haven't noticed much of a wobble with her. It can come on stronger with age, but it doesn't seem to affect their health. I've also noticed that it only happens when they are stressed or excited. All Spiders will have a wobble, but it varies on how much of a wobble they have. Some are very minuscule and some are extremely noticeable.

For what it's worth, I think they're incredibly gorgeous and definitely worth getting. The prices on Spiders are coming down quite a bit these days, and the combos you can get with them are phenominal. If I were you, I'd definitely get one. I'm biased, though. :)
 
If all spiders have some degree of wabbles, why are they still bred? Is there no way to breed that out of them?
I guess I'd shy away from getting a snake that has an obvious genetic defect that breeders are willing to pass along just for a good look.
I'm not trying to start a fight, but this does bother me. If I were to breed BP's and knew there was a genetic defect in them, I couildn't continue to breed that line and feel good about it. But that's just me I guess.
 
Do you recommend an UTH for belly heat or ceramic heater for more ambient air temps? Or both? I keep finding sources that say use a UTH and basking light also.

I honestly recommend cages not tanks. A cage such as boamaster or animal plastics(which I have) keeps the humidity and temps better. Mine have really benifited after getting them out of aquariums. They are heated with heattape.

Also do you guys have particular site or book for research you recommend as a good source? I've read a ton of stuff but I still feel lacking a bit.

The complete ball python book.
6508.jpg
It is truly an amazing book and gives you EVERYTHING you need to know and tons of incredible pictures.

Also in regards to the Spider Morph and the wobble. I really think spiders are nice looking but are they worth the risk? I know even really good breeders still have issues with wobblers from time to time.

Buying a spider who is a touch older (6 months and up) will ensure you don't get one with severe wobbles, however it does not affect the snake usually. I had one who only shook a touch when he reared up more than 5 inches. Most are like that. Just get one over 200 grams from a reliable breeder, or see the animal in person.
 
RobbiesCornField said:
As far as spiders and the wobble go, I think that was only an issue when the spiders were first coming on the market. I think they've been out-crossed enough to where the wobble is pretty much nonexistent in most babies nowadays.
Click to expand...

the spider wobble/spinning is actually still pretty common, and i think will only get more common, as people continue to breed them.

also, i use flexwatt to heat all my ball pythons, rainbow boas *WITH A THERMOSTAT (Herpstat)*, and corns, and i personally think it works fantastic. i would never go back to heat lamps. i also have a proexotics tempgun to monitor temperatures. temperature monitoring is absolutely ESSENTIAL when using belly heat.
 
snakemom1961 said:
If all spiders have some degree of wabbles, why are they still bred? Is there no way to breed that out of them?
I guess I'd shy away from getting a snake that has an obvious genetic defect that breeders are willing to pass along just for a good look.
I'm not trying to start a fight, but this does bother me. If I were to breed BP's and knew there was a genetic defect in them, I couildn't continue to breed that line and feel good about it. But that's just me I guess.
Click to expand...

People still breed sunkisseds randomly, although the stargazing gene is common in that morph. I guess its the same attitude as with the spider wobble.
 
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