Hi all you snake lovers!
I just adopted my FIRST snake ever, Prince on Monday. He's actually my first pet that isn't a dog or a bird.
I'm doing everything I have been told to.
His cage has everything it needs.
I am just questioning whether he is the right pet for me. I love him, and he's absolutely beautiful.
But at night, he tries to escape. Is it moral to keep a pet snake? I feel like he doesn't like his enclosure? I've been arguing with myself about this. Saying that his life will be good with me because I 'll provide him with food and shelter for the rest of his life ... but it is ethical to keep such an animal in such an enclosure?
I need your opinions!
I am a very tense person, and fear getting bitten by him. Although, I've manned up a bit and have been handling him when I feel comfortable (I have a hard time sticking my hand in the cage). Anything to make the process much easier? Once he is out though, I am perfectly fine handling him and I don't mind putting him back either.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com
Also, I am struggling with this whole light thing. I am scared to leave with house with fear that the lights I use may catch on fire? How do I prevent such a thing. I bought a kit from Petco that has two lights. A blue lightbulb and a purple light bulb. The blue one during the day (12hrs) and the purple one during the night (12 hrs). He also has a heat pad that I put on the side of the tank at the basking side where his den is for maximum warmth - about 85ish degrees.
Help help help! <3
Wow, where to start. OK chances are he was bred in captivity in the US, so you are not
harming the environment by owning this snake. The mortaility rate in the wild is so high
for snakes, chances are only a small percent survive. He will live a sweet and much longer life in captivity. Snakes don't need a large area to thrive like say a wild cat or bear. Now when you get tense the snake can pick up on that, not by magic, but by your skin temp changing and maybe your blood pressue. Balls are one of the least likely snakes to bite, they are very timid and he's way more afraid of you than you him. It gets easier as time goes for both of you.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com
Your temp and heating pad are right on. As far as lighting, you really don't need that. Pet stores are about making money, if you have a window in the room he gets enough light in the day and needs none at night. Balls are more active at night so he's just as much exploring as he is anything. Yes he will get out if not secure but he is much safer in his house than anywhere else. Hope this helps
you can email me with any questions or concerns. I was the Pres of a Herp society for 5 years and kept and bred a bunch of snakes.
Well its perfectly normal for him to try to escape, its not that he is trying to but hes getting used to it. If he coils up into a S shape when you put your hand inside the cage and he is just looking at you he'll probably strike but he'll get used to you eventually. Ball pythons dont need 24 hours of lighting so you could only use the daylight on for about 12 hours. I dont recommend a heat pad on the side of the cage but under is good. Make sure you have the humidity between 50% and & 70%.
