Hi

I have been researching on the internet in preparation for buying my first ball python. However, I am finding conflicting views on two subjects:

a) Vivarium size. Most sites recommend that I start with a small vivarium and increase in size as the snake grows. Other sites however rubbish this idea. Instead having the view that it is fine to start with a larget vivarium providing it is adequateley equipped with hides, water etc.

b) Number of snakes? Some sites state that pythons should be kept singularly, whilst others say it is fine to keep two snakes together.

Your oppinions on the above would be most appreciated.

Regards,

Dan

i think its fine to star with a larger viv, but if you want to start with a smaller viv it just means you will have spare vivs for more reptiles as your snake grows.
you can keep more than one python together as long as they are of similar sizes. it is your choice in this matter. if you are experianced in keeping snakes and other reptiles it shouldnt be a problem if however to someone who is new to keeping them i would stick to one to start with.

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The Wanderer
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pliskens_Chains well you made a statement accusing some of being racist on this forum, dont you think they have the right to know what you are calling them?

Well you for start . As to backbone, I think I've had enough running battles on here of which you are al too aware. If the cap fits wear it. Maybe a nice SS one.

Thanks. And in terms of the viv itself, would you recommend a 'proper' vivarium or to start with a RUB? And for what reason??

if you want to display your snake go straight for the viv, you will save money in the long term. Vivariums with front opening doors are far harder to escape from, i think everyone here has probably heard stories of snakes forcing the lids off various kinds of boxes and getting out. not only that you can buy flat pack vivs at far cheaper prices than already assembled ones. it really depends what you are looking for, honestly.
some people that keep snakes start with vivs and then end up keeping their snakes in tub racks, it really is a personal choice.

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The Wanderer
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pliskens_Chains well you made a statement accusing some of being racist on this forum, dont you think they have the right to know what you are calling them?

Well you for start . As to backbone, I think I've had enough running battles on here of which you are al too aware. If the cap fits wear it. Maybe a nice SS one.

All my royals when young start off in boxes, usually tesco klip fresh ones but the 08s have a vision rack, they then go into 9L RUBs and then to large conticos though some are in 3ft vivariums. I use tubs just because i find royals tend to feed better when they feel more secure e.g. packed into a box which is darker than a viv and a lot smaller.

Rach

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www.regalreptiles.co.uk



2008 Corn Snakes Available (Aztec, Caramel, Charcol, Hypo, Hypo Stripe)

2 Male Royals Avaiable: 1 Proven Breeder, 1 66% Poss Het Pied Ready To Breed

thats hows i looked at it when i bought my first 2...bought a small clear tub and after a few months they out grew it so i said meh and moved them indiviually into a much bigger tub which i put 3 home mades hides

i have 2 hatchings that are from the same clutch 1 male and 1 female that are housed together and they love each other always snuggling haha "they are maybe a foot long each"

but as stated if you arent to familiar with royals then stick with one for the moment

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My Royals1.0.0 Spider1.0.0 Mojave 1.0.0 Yellow Belly 0.1.0 Normal0.1.0 Reduced Pattern

The Rest Of The Critters 2.0.0 Beardies0.2.0 Border Collies0.1.0 Australian Cattle dog0.1.0 Pomeranian and a bunch of fish

Ours both started in smaller plastic vivs, although we already had a couple of 3 ft vivs ready for them, so the small vivs containing the snakes, lived inside the bigger ones for a little while, until they were ready to go into their permanent homes.

If it was me......I'd always house Royals separately. Even if they "get on" with each other, they will be competing for the best spots in the viv, and if one regurges, or does a funny looking poo, you'll have no idea which one it is.
Also, it's not been unheard of, for snakes to have been wrongly sexed, and if you've got a couple from a shop, and they've just mentioned that it's a male or a female, but not actually probed them, can you be absolutely sure of their sex? The last thing you'll want is for them to be breeding prematurely.

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/|\ Rapunzel )O(
1.0.0 striped Snow Corn. 1.0.0 Amel Corn. 1.0.0 Anery Corn. 1.1.0 Royal Pythons. 1.0.0 husband. 0.4.0 cats

Thanks for your help and advice guys. Today I called Predators Reptiles in Hull to arrange to pick up my first snake (in fact my first reptile) on Saturday. I have now finished preparing it's home and am now looking forward to collecting her on the weekend!

Although I've done plenty of research, any other tips or advice for my first snake would be most welcome!

OOOOhhh Dan. Did you get your new pride and joy? Tell us please, we"re dying to know!!!!

Yeh Yeh Yeh!! Didya?

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3 Cats,
Pond full of Koi,
Henry the Elongated Tortoise.
Queenie the Royal Python