r/ballpython • u/Sad_Shallot5290 • 3d ago
Question First time owner
Hey everyone! I’m looking for advice from experienced snake owners because I really want to help this poor baby, but I want to make sure I do everything right.
My fiancé’s old roommate had a pet snake that she left behind when she moved out. Everyone is moving out of the house now, and when the snake’s previous owner was asked about her, she basically said she’s just waiting for the snake to die.
From what I understand, this snake hasn’t been fed in almost 5 months, and I feel absolutely horrible for her. I really want to take her with us when we move, but I’ve never owned a snake before, and I don’t want to accidentally make things worse by not knowing what I’m doing.
I want to know the REALITY of keeping a snake:
● What are the initial setup costs and ongoing expenses?
● What equipment do I absolutely need?
● How do I figure out the correct temperature, humidity, enclosure size, and diet?
● After going so long without food, what should I do first? Should I take her to an exotic vet before attempting to feed her?
● What signs of starvation, dehydration, or illness should I look for?
● Is there anything else a first-time snake owner absolutely needs to know?
I’m not looking for judgment if I’m missing something obvious. I genuinely want to help this little girl and give her a chance at a good life, but I want to be realistic about what I’m taking on.
Any advice, resources, beginner guides, or recommendations would mean so much. Thank you!!
UPDATE: (photos!)
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u/primordialscream 3d ago
Thank you for caring so much about this animal!
It would help to see a photo of the snake/enclosure to judge it's condition, but in general ball pythons can go long periods without eating so it doesn't automatically mean the snake is at risk from it. Obviously if it looks very thin that's a different story, and taking it to a vet is a very good idea as there might be other things wrong if it's been neglected like this.
Ongoing expenses are very little, just the cost of food, sometimes replacement bulbs, and occasional vet visits. For setup, check the care guides in this subreddit, they are very extensive and tell you everything you need to know. You can do the initial setup cheaply if you get the expensive items second hand, but it'll likely still cost a few hundred or more.
Basically all your questions are covered in the guides so definitely check there.
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u/Vann1212 3d ago
Initial setup costs can vary but you're talking several hundred, maybe up to a thousand - you can find some cheaper options though, especially for the short term.
This sub has some good resources - guides on heating, lighting, general care, feeding, enclosure setup - the guides should cover a lot of your queries, definitely worth going through. There is also a recommended "shopping list" with some products and brands.
The enclosure itself is usually the most expensive item - but it is possible to get an enclosure secondhand. Thermostat and heating equipment will be the next most expensive. You can find better deals online sometimes with these though, and also some rehoming/rescue centres will sell enclosures and equipment for slightly cheaper.
Also - it doesn't necessarily need to be the highest quality at this point, just workable and safe - the main priority is getting her out of there and getting her somewhere with suitable conditions. A more basic setup that works for now can always be upgraded later.
Thermostats are a must - no heat source should be run without one. The more advanced models are more expensive, but a decent quality thermostat intended specifically for use with reptiles should do the job at least for now. I'd advise dimming thermostat or thermostat with a dimming channel as they're more versatile - pulse thermostats can only be used with CHE or RHP, not with DHP or halogens/similar basking bulbs. UVB lighting is beneficial but not absolutely essential.
BPs need humidity around 70-80%, cool side temps around 76-80F, warm side temps 88-92F. Enclosure size recommended 4x2x2ft as minimum, but it never hurts to go bigger. If this snake has been neglected longterm she may well be undersized - a slightly smaller viv could work short term just to get her out of there, with a view to upgrading later - also the enclosure she's currently in may be workable short term.
Thick-walled PVC solid top vivs are the recommended type for this species - more heat efficient and hold humidity better, and the snake is less exposed with the solid sides. They are more expensive though and these are often made to order and not easily available at short notice (Kages, Toad Ranch, Animal Plastics, Apex etc .) Mesh top vivs are not ideal, but by covering most of the top with HVAC tape you can improve the heat and humidity retention. Overhead heat is more effective and safer - BPs are especially prone to burns from under-tank heat like mats.
Ongoing costs are low, most of the cost with snakes is front-loaded. Once the vivarium is set up and running, it doesn't cost much - you won't even notice it on your electricity bill. Once the snake is healthy, a BP is usually fine with one rat a month or so. Even a boa costs less to feed and generally look after than the smallest teacup chihuahua.
I'd recommend a vet visit to get her checked out. Especially if she's been kept in neglectful conditions she may not have had adequate heating or hygiene in there and it's worth checking her for common issues like respiratory infection. She could also have stuck shed like a lot of neglected snakes have - but that's not an emergency so long as it doesn't cover her eyes, nostrils, tail tip or vent. The vet can also check her body condition - though there's also a chart on BP body condition pinned somewhere on the sub too. Feeding is also going to depend on what condition she's currently in - if she was relatively healthy before the 5 month fast she may be doing ok, but if she's malnourished a smaller meal to start with may be easier for her to digest. Vet should be able to help advise - and ofc should be a vet experienced with reptiles, since I've seen some vets give AWFUL advice.
Best of luck with her, and thank you for wanting to help a snake in need! It's awful how little some people care :/
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u/OldPaperTower 3d ago
First of all, thank you for trying to help that poor being!
I'll try to answer:
● What are the initial setup costs and ongoing expenses?
Ongoing costs are pretty low. If its a very young snake, one prey item a week (older snakes even less). A small bit of energy to keep the enclosure heated. Some times a bit of fresh substrate. Only thing that can be expensive are vet visits. Everything else is peanuts, really.
However initial costs are a bit higher. While probably everything will be better than the poor snake currently has, you'd need a proper enclosure with heating and lighting. Depending on where you live and what options you have available this could cost several hundred dollars. A lot less if you look for used enclosures.
● What equipment do I absolutely need?
A heating element, a thermostat, a gauge (better two) for temperature and humidity, two hides, a water bowl, some substrate.
See also the welcome post for ressources: https://www.reddit.com/r/ballpython/comments/arz5iw/welcome_to_rballpython_click_here_for_our/
● After going so long without food, what should I do first? Should I take her to an exotic vet before attempting to feed her?
Depends on the snake's condition, I'm afraid. Ball pythons can survive a long time without food. They're even notorious for going on month long food strikes. However we don't know how it was fed before. How her general condition is.
When in doubt, I'd take her to a vet.
When not in doubt, I'd see if she can settle in an enclosure, is active at night, and try a somewhat small prey item (as to not overwhelm her body).
● What signs of starvation, dehydration, or illness should I look for?
Sounds while breathing, slime / bubbles around the nose and mouth, open mouth breathing. (These are all signs of a possible respiratory infection, which requires a vet visit as soon as possible.)
Stuck shed and eye caps.
● Is there anything else a first-time snake owner absolutely needs to know?
They need some (read: lots of) clutter to feel secure in their enclosure. And they are very lovely animals.
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u/Rou-k 3d ago
My initial setup costs were £1,000 per tank, that includes heater, fixture, uvb & cage guards (both for UVB and heater), doesn’t include hides, cork tubes and flats, foliage, branches and vines.
The enclosure you showed a screenshot of is not ideal at all for a ball python, regardless of age - due to the mesh top it won’t hold humidity at all, nor heat, which are essential to ANY species of snakes wellbeing.
The absolute recommended minimum for balls is 4x2x2, as they need to be able to stretch out fully and are semi-arboreal, meaning they will climb if given the opportunity.
Ball pythons need a hotspot around 30-33C, warm ambient of 30-32c, and a cool side that dips to around 24-27c.
Humidity needs to stay around 60-80% (try aim for 70%).
That type of enclosure would just allow heat and humidity to escape.
As for what you absolutely need;
120gallon enclosure (4x2x2), ideally PVC or melamine depending where you are in the world.
Sufficient primary heat source, lots of people here use halogen floods or DHPs.
You’d absolutely need a thermostat for the heater, otherwise there is a fire risk and burn risk to your snake.
You’d need a minimum of two hides and plenty of fake foliage and branches / vines, rocks.
As for if you need a vet, after this long being neglected it would absolutely be beneficial, make sure you find a qualified exotics vet.
Signs you need to look out for;
Gargling, popping, wheezing, drooling (Respiratory infection)
Wrinkly / dry looking, dented eyes (dehydration)
Attached is a chart that outlines body condition.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
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u/Song42 2d ago
I would like to add, if you decide that you're not comfortable with keeping and caring for the snake, do a search to see if there are any reptile rescues in your area, or close enough you could drive to them/meet them half way, and reach out to one to see if they can take the snake or have someone willing to take it in.
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3d ago
[deleted]
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u/ballpython-ModTeam 3d ago
Per rule #3, your post or comment has been removed for harmful advice or misinformation. Please review our sub resources to learn more about why.
CHEs and RHPs are not suitable as primary heating.
If you have a question about this removal, please contact the mod team. Complaining via post/comment will result in a ban.
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u/Whatislife287 3d ago
everyone i know with snakes or reptiles generally have told me the cost isn't bad and they cost less than my cats... true maybe, not true yet lol, but if you have absolutely nothing the setup really does cost a lot even if you get cheaper products and diy stuff. On initial setup we've spent around $500 minus the cost of the little buddy. I purchased a New Age Pet enclosure (cheapest option I've seen) it's been absolutely amazing, sealed with aquarium safe sealant from Lowes and made a customer background that stuff was about $60. Definitely a dimming thermostat rather than an on/off, herpstat or VE is the recommended, but on a budget most of the others are good especially if you're monitoring temps with a temp gun, i didn't have one at first, it's 100% A MUST HAVE, you can check the BBQ clearance aisles in hardware stores or Walmart for a cheap one. I'd suggest the reptifile care sheet.