They live for a long time. If you are just getting it for your kids, don’t. That thing will end up living with you for another 10+ years after they have left the house.

if you do decide to get one, Ball pythons are extremely docile. They would rather curl up into a ball when they are afraid vs strike out (hence the name ball python).

They are super easy to care for. Just get 2 separate tanks. One for them to live in and one to feed them in. You don’t want to feed them in their “home.”

Get a good heat rock as opposed to lamp. It’s easier to control. They also need a good bit of water. Something that they can completely submerge themselves in is best.

Before purchasing, make sure that you have some place close where you can easily get feeder mice and then rats when it’s bigger.

They can also get out of just about anything. You will need a tank that has a lid lock, and you will probably still need put something on top of it to hold it down.

Also, someone will need to take the snake out every day and handle it. It’s not something that you are just going to leave in a tank. So make sure you prepare for that.

This post was edited on 2/13/24 at 12:06 pm

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Posted by DByrd2

Fredericksburg, VA

Member since Jun 2008

8963 posts

Posted on 2/13/24 at 1:18 pm to BigBinBR

quote:
If you are just getting it for your kids, don’t.

No, I have an interest in them as well. The kids just had an encounter at a reptile show where they held one each and the looks on their faces were priceless! They keep asking for one, so I want to get them each one. Nothing expensive, but something cool they will like and grow to love.

quote:
One for them to live in and one to feed them in. You don’t want to feed them in their “home.”

Is this a psychological thing to keep them from getting “bitey”? Should I invest in a snake hook and use that only when moving them to/from feeding?

quote:
Get a good heat rock as opposed to lamp. It’s easier to control.

Never heard of one… I’ll look into that!

quote:
They can also get out of just about anything. You will need a tank that has a lid lock, and you will probably still need put something on top of it to hold it down.

I’m leaning towards a side-opening tank so I can put a standard slide-lock on it. Would that be advisable?

quote:
Also, someone will need to take the snake out every day and handle it. It’s not something that you are just going to leave in a tank. So make sure you prepare for that.

I think this is the main thing that draws me to them for the purpose of the kids caring for them. Handling and daily water care are a good starting point for realizing that you have to pay attention to things you are doing and working with.

Luckily my boys are very cerebral and naturally cautious.

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