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New here.... a few questions

W

White99z

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Hi everyone. I am relatively new to the BP world. I havent yet gotten my first ball python but have been doing a lot of researching. I have decided that I want a female normal BP for my first one. I have the cage for it but I am still aquiring necessary parts (UTH, thermostat, hides, bedding, reliable local place to buy food until i get to f/t,etc.) I was going to purchase my snake from Ray's Reptilia until I stumbled on this site tonight and, fortunately, read the bad things about his practices on the board of inquiry. So I was wondering, where would the best place be to by my normal bp female baby for under $100 shipped? Thanks for the help guys. I will be sure to post pics of it when I get it.
 
Oh yeah... another question (I couldnt find the edit button sorry). Does anyone know of any reputable breeders in Michigan either in the Grand Rapids or surronding area or in Flint or surrounding area? I would much rather drive an hour or two to pick out my snake personally rather than having it shipped here
 
Jeremy, Alex Hue is in the GR area, BHB, John Apple, Nature's Spirit and others are still in michigan but further away.

BHB is in the 586, and I think John Apple is in the Ypsi Arbor area with me. Good luck finding your ball python :)

-Whit
 
Hi Jeremy,

I have read alot of good things about Joe Dembinski. It also seems he has alot of animals for sale right now. I know I found one with 14 female bp's for sale. If you look in the classifieds I know you will find him as Dembinski Reptiles. You can also read the good guys ads for others.
 
White99z said:
Hi everyone. I am relatively new to the BP world. I havent yet gotten my first ball python but have been doing a lot of researching. I have decided that I want a female normal BP for my first one. I have the cage for it but I am still aquiring necessary parts (UTH, thermostat, hides, bedding, reliable local place to buy food until i get to f/t,etc.) I was going to purchase my snake from Ray's Reptilia until I stumbled on this site tonight and, fortunately, read the bad things about his practices on the board of inquiry. So I was wondering, where would the best place be to by my normal bp female baby for under $100 shipped? Thanks for the help guys. I will be sure to post pics of it when I get it.
Click to expand...




First, Welcome To Fauna.

Thank you for not supporting those who ship snakes through the post office.
The alternative suggestions already made are all solid people to do business with.
 
White99z said:
Hi everyone. I am relatively new to the BP world. I havent yet gotten my first ball python but have been doing a lot of researching.

I will be sure to post pics of it when I get it.
Click to expand...

Jeremy, I commend you on taking the responsible route of not only researching the animals requirements before you buy, but also for researching where to purchase an animal from.

It seems like you have a number of options for breeders, and I wish you the best of luck in finding what you're looking for.

Welcome to the hobby, and most of all, welcome to Fauna!
Please do post pics of her once you get her home. :cool:
 
Thanks for the overwhelming response. Does anyone have any contact info for Alex Hue in GR? I found Evan's website last night from this forum but didnt see normals on his site. I guess he posted them all here. I sent him an email before I found that out. The pics of his look amazing. I will check out the Alex since he is closer and would be able to help me should problems arise. Its good to know there are some reputable breeders nearby. I currently live in Allendale (Grand Rapids) since I am away at college but will probably stay in my apartment here next summer. Home is Flushing (Flint) so neither of these two breeders are far from where I live.
 
Welcome to Fauna! :)

It's always refreshing to see someone who does all of their research BEFORE buying their new reptile friend, and thinks about all of their future needs as well!

I think you'd be very happy getting your new girl from Alex.
 
Thanks for alex's info. I didnt see any normal balls on his site. I will give him a call on monday when I get back to school. Good news.... I went to cedar point and ended up getting free tickets so that frees up some money to put towards the rest of my supplies!!! And also my girlfriend's grandma let us take her high mpg car instead of my 10 mpg jeep and that freed up a lot more cash.... hopefully enough for the snake!!! I may get it this week if I can get the cage set up and keep temps steady!!!
 
Just picked up some reptibark, a ceramic dish, and a hide today. Now I need to get my flexwatt tape and a dimmer switch for it. What do you guys think is the best/cheapest place to get flexwatt? Is there any special things I need to order with it for ease of wiring/safety reasons? Also, does anyone know where of a place that has many different sizes of screen lids for my aquarium or custom make them? The dimensions are 24"x18"x14". Well... I guess the dimensions I need are 24"x18".
 
Oh yeah... I also need a thermometer too. Has anyone used this thermometer before. It appeals to me because of the dual probe and the inexpensive price (looks good to a college student lol). But I know that sometimes inexpensive price can mean low quality. Heres the thermometer.

Thermometer
 
OK a few more questions (this should be it for a while)
First of all....can I edit a post on here and how do I? I cant seem to find an edit button.

Second of all. I have found the ZOOMED Repti Temp 500R Thermostat for a very reasonable price and have decided to get the thermostat. I will have just as much money into a thermometer and dimmer switch. I found it for $22.99 plus shipping here

Is this a decent starter thermostat?

For my next question I am wondering if I should still get flexwatt with this thermostat or just a reptitherm or other UTH.

Also, for my tank dimensions (24"x18"x14") what dimensions should I be looking for for my UTH?
 
Hi Jeremy,

I just wanted to touch base with you on the thermostat. I purchased I "less" expensive model and it has ended up costing me more. It went out on me within a few days of purchase and almost baked my snake! :hot:
I suggest holding off on the snake and put that money towards a quality thermostat. In the long run it will save you time, money and probably your snakes life! I know it is easy to get excited and want to get the snake , but make sure everything you do will benefit this snake.

The more reliable the system the more joy you will get out of the snake! :)
 
Whew, ok here's some stuff for ya, Jeremy.

I like MG reptiles for heating supplies, you can do a search for MG Reptiles or Matt Graybeal on the BOI, here's his website. http://www.mgreptiles.com/

If you use heat tape there are clips to connect the wiring with the tape that you can clamp together with a good pair of pliars (I use jeweler's pliars, both for their delicacy, and because that's all I have ;) ) I would also get the 3 inch heat tape for that size of a tank, but a UTH would work equally well.
 
Jeremy, you want there to be a heat gradient of low to mid 90s (degrees F) at the hot spot, high 80s/low 90s on the warm end, down to high 70s/low 80s on the cool end. For that, you only need to cover one end of the tank with heat tape. I would also recommend getting a digital temperature gun at Walmart or other store (they run $30 at the inexpensive end) so that you can get an accurate reading of the various temperatures.

-Whit
 
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