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Help Needed Please

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Ball Python Forum ]

Posted by Krystal19_85 on May 12, 2003 at 20:01:35:

In Reply to: Help Needed Please posted by BenSambrook on May 12, 2003 at 18:28:33:

Do you know if it is a male or female?

:The guy in the shop has recommended a vivarium that is about 2.5ft long (0.75metres I think) and is fairly shallow and has said that this will last for the whole of its life.

The shallow part is fine as BPs are terrestial. As for 2.5 feet... Ummmmmm I would say for now OK, but not for the whole life of the BP, EXPECIALLY if it is a female, I would say a minimum of 3' with 4' being a nice size.

:He has also recommended just using a lamp instead of heat pads for providing the warmth.

I would say use the head pad on one side of the cage using a thermostat, or at least a good thermometer.

:I asked if the snake would burn itself but he said that they will not venture that high (bear in mind that he has recommended a fairly shallow cage). I have just read a care sheet off the net and it said that pythons are very susceptible from burns off these types of lamps.

I would say if you had a bulb without some type of guard, the snake could burn itself very easily. A BP can put up to 3/4 of it's body off the ground, standing on it's tail.

:I have ordered The Ball Python Manual by P. de Vosjoli which I have been told is very good but I just wondered what your opinions would be on this stuff.

GREAT IDEA! That book will let you in on all the important details.

:The guy in the shop seemed pretty knowledgeable but I thought I ought to get more than one opinion as I am just starting out.

Most people in petshops THINK they know it all! THEY DON'T 80% of the time!

Finally in the care sheet I read about it mentioned Inclusion Body Diesease which it said is always lethal in pythons. Is there any way of telling if a snake is affected or not (the snake I am buying is captive bred).

Buying CB you just made a big difference, they have a lot lower risk for disease,ect... (provided they get proper care)



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