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I just picked up a decent sized African ball python today, I was wondering if anyone here knows a spot or has access to live feeder rats/mice? Also if anyone has good habitat recommendations as well I would also be interested to get some input. The setup i have is too small so I am thinking that I may be upgrading tomorrow.

I used to, but been many many years. I owned Redtail boa, and a pair of Colombian Rainbows over the years. Std pet stores not carry white mice anymore? Check craigslist for people getting rid of fish aquariums. Just realize you will likely have to come up with a better and sealed top for it. Old fashioned glass ones are great, they used to make screen mesh tops for them and clips to hold them on. Ball Pythons are not normally as large as the other species. How long is it now? It would be nice for the snake to be able to stretch at least 1/3-1/2 it's length in the cage if possible, but have to balance that with room in home, etc... constant handling and being out of the cage helps with that.

Have you been around snakes before? A few tips..

• Handle them often and as much as possible. If you don't they can get wild on you. Have to keep them used to and trusting people you have to handle them often.
• Do NOT try to handfeed. I know people all know this, but yet they try anyway and get bitten..
• Check the eyes before you reach in. When they are getting ready to shed their eyes get clouded over and they cannot see, they go on smell and instinct and will strike at you.
• bedding: we used corn cob bedding, it was moisture absorbing and made for easier cleaning, again that was 15yrs ago..
• heat: you need to have a heatsource, check around and check reviews for safety, in the old days some were not so great and melted. We used a heatlamp, but have to be carefull as sometimes the snake will try to crawl in/ on it and get burned or knock it down. Also have blankets/towels to put on the top of the cage if you have all screen to keep the heat in.
• shelter: Depending on size have a box or shelter in the cage for them, they like to hide in the dark when possible. Position the heat source so it is partially under the shelter if possible. Also make it so it is easy to remove so you can get to the snake when time to handle. Having a dark hiding place also helps when putting the snake back as just get the head into/close to the hole and they will usually go in on their own, no more fighting to get them to stay in the cage while you get the cover on..

Very cool! Sounds like fun.

I used to have a ball python. Very pretty colors.
Was so long ago I can offer no help in finding supplies; only encouragement.
Was coerced into getting rid of mine when "the baby" came home from the hospital and the in-laws had a fit...well he did get out of his cage when he got bored...usually found him intertwined in the heating/cooling coils behind the refrigerator... never found any babies back there.

Habitat should be easy: plywood bottom, back two sides and lid. Plexiglass front. piano hinge, a box of screws, some glue... done. Find a cool smooth, barkless tree branch for him to hang from.

leitung wrote:I just picked up a decent sized African ball python today, I was wondering if anyone here knows a spot or has access to live feeder rats/mice? Also if anyone has good habitat recommendations as well I would also be interested to get some input. The setup i have is too small so I am thinking that I may be upgrading tomorrow.

Send it to the white house, they have a bunch of half assed rats.

Nope. Snake is good eats though

And one word of advice, make sure his house is escape proof! and then triple check it to be sure it's escape proof. They are escape artist and they will be out at the slightest opportunity. Mine escaped 3 times, twice it took over a week to find him (found him once in the evaporator tray under the fridge, once on top of the dishwasher, under the counter top).

Note: your girlfriend will not come over until you find it.

Unless shedding or hunting ball pythons aren't really interested in large habitats. They like to be able to feel the walls on whatever "hole" they are hiding in. A pet store is your best bet to get healthy feeder rodents. Getting them of Craigslist breeders can be risky as you snake can pick up parasites from them. An aquarium makes a great habitat for snakes, but whatever you do, make sure you get a good mesh lid with really really good latches. Playing "where's my snake"is only fun in porn. I used to use coconut husk for substate. Plan on having to change that fairly regularly. Experts say you should feed the snake in a separate enclosure from where they live. I think this is supposed to prevent the snake from striking every time something enters it's habitat, like say your hand....

That should cover the basics. You might want to consider getting a species specific book.

A few years ago before I retired there was a 3 X 5 card on the bulletin board at work. Unusual pet the the unusual person "Black Cobra" with aquarium.

Make a mouse trap out of a 5 gallon bucket, beer can, and wire coat hanger. Catch the mice/rats live and there you go.