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Originally posted by Shivers

Hello everyone, I'm Sammy, I live in Edinburgh/Scotland. I am looking to purchase my first ever Ball Python (also my first ever snake!).

I have tons of questions for you guys since I like to study and research everything I purchase, even more so with something which is living.

I'll just throw the ones that are currently in my head at you all, since from my scanning of these boards you guys are a knowledgeable and helpful bunch.

- First of all, it seems that the females are more expensive than the males, is this due to breeding (something I currently have no interest in) or also due to things like temprament etc?

There is no noticeable difference in temperament.

- At what age do they become fully grown?

About 3 years old, but they never actually stop growing.

And in relation to this, is there an ideal age to purchase it?

If you want to see it grow, then I would advise a hatchling that has had at least 5 feeds.

I want it from as little as possible, but I don't want it from an age where it could for example be extremely high maintenence and fragile (I don't have any experience behind me yet so I want to play it safe). I was planning on getting a vivarium etc ordered, but I guess until I know what age I'll be buying my snake at, there's no point?

Vivs are usually too large for hatchlings.

Or is it possible to house a little one in a vivarium also? (I've seen many people putting them in little lunnchbox type things.

Small vivariums/faunariums would be ok, but as you say, a 9L RUB is a good starter size and very cheap.

- What do you guys use (if anything) to accurately display the current humidity in your vivarium's?

I have a digital hygrometer, but I don't use it.

- I hear terms like 08 and 09 Royal's etc used a lot, is this just the year that they were born? If so is the same type of snake that they've had for a shorter period of time cheaper due to the owner having spent less time/effort/resources on it?

Yes and yes, also, as they get older they get nearer to breeding age so are worth more.

- I was looking at something like www.888reptiles.co.uk/productdetails.php?ProductID=1591&ProductGroupID=818 , but then I noticed the 'Royal Python Python regius CF09' which I assume means it's been captive farmed, I'm hearing mixed results on this and as I understand captive born is the way to go?

Personally I'd advise CB (Captive Bred).

That's all I can think of right now (But the others that have slipped my mind will soon re-surface! )

I look forward to your replies and thanks in advance!

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quote:

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Originally posted by Shivers

Hello everyone, I'm Sammy, I live in Edinburgh/Scotland. I am looking to purchase my first ever Ball Python (also my first ever snake!).

I have tons of questions for you guys since I like to study and research everything I purchase, even more so with something which is living.

I'll just throw the ones that are currently in my head at you all, since from my scanning of these boards you guys are a knowledgeable and helpful bunch.

- First of all, it seems that the females are more expensive than the males, is this due to breeding (something I currently have no interest in) or also due to things like temprament etc?

mainly due to breeding i believe

- At what age do they become fully grown? And in relation to this, is there an ideal age to purchase it? I want it from as little as possible, but I don't want it from an age where it could for example be extremely high maintenence and fragile (I don't have any experience behind me yet so I want to play it safe). I was planning on getting a vivarium etc ordered, but I guess until I know what age I'll be buying my snake at, there's no point? Or is it possible to house a little one in a vivarium also? (I've seen many people putting them in little lunnchbox type things.

a snake never stops growning but there is a point where it almost stops think its aroun 3-5year mark also depends how well they eat. i would get a snake from a breeder that can supply records of a snake that has had at least 5-9feeds
you will probably want to house a hatchling in a 9L RUB to start off with and move up to a viv

- What do you guys use (if anything) to accurately display the current humidity in your vivarium's?

you can get a digital hydromometer or dial ones(not as accurate)

- I hear terms like 08 and 09 Royal's etc used a lot, is this just the year that they were born? If so is the same type of snake that they've had for a shorter period of time cheaper due to the owner having spent less time/effort/resources on it?

younger snakes tend to be cheaper so an 09 will be less than an 08

- I was looking at something like www.888reptiles.co.uk/productdetails.php?ProductID=1591&ProductGroupID=818 , but then I noticed the 'Royal Python Python regius CF09' which I assume means it's been captive farmed, I'm hearing mixed results on this and as I understand captive born is the way to go?

i would personally go for a captive breed rather than a captive farmed

That's all I can think of right now (But the others that have slipped my mind will soon re-surface! )

I look forward to your replies and thanks in advance!

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Originally posted by Shivers

Wow great help guys, thanks for the clarification! I find it really interesting reading up on these snakes and getting a peek into your worlds :)

I'll go for a hatchling then! (With a 9L RUB), do you upgrade it to a bigger RUB before it transitions to a vivarium?

the next step would be 18L RUB and then possible a very well packed out viv

A couple more questions!

- Snakes can't be seen by normal vet's if I'm correct? If so, what's the name of that type of vet or person that a snake is taken too should you have problems, I just want to know so I can see where the nearest one is from my location :)

some vets will care for reptiles but not all just ring around.

- How long can they last without food? I heard someone on Youtube (Most reliable source ever - lol) saying his went for 9 months without food, this seems crazy, but is it true? Afterall snakes can already do some crazy stuff!

just had a royal go 6months with out food and it was only 4months old when it stopped eating

- I'm slightly worried about the electricity consumption of having something heating 24/7, how do you guys find it?

the heat source will be on a stat so wont be running quite 24/7 and they are not high power heaters

Thanks again guys, you're great :)

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quote:

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Originally posted by Shivers

Wow great help guys, thanks for the clarification! I find it really interesting reading up on these snakes and getting a peek into your worlds :)

I'll go for a hatchling then! (With a 9L RUB), do you upgrade it to a bigger RUB before it transitions to a vivarium?

A couple more questions!

- Snakes can't be seen by normal vet's if I'm correct? If so, what's the name of that type of vet or person that a snake is taken too should you have problems, I just want to know so I can see where the nearest one is from my location :)

- How long can they last without food? I heard someone on Youtube (Most reliable source ever - lol) saying his went for 9 months without food, this seems crazy, but is it true? Afterall snakes can already do some crazy stuff!

- I'm slightly worried about the electricity consumption of having something heating 24/7, how do you guys find it?

Thanks again guys, you're great :)

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The only Rep shop at the moment is Aquacadabra in Lower London road, but they dont breed Royals.
Best place to go for Hand reared captive bred Royals is...Derek Rintouls in Bathgate!!

You could also check out Water Wonders in Dalry Road Edinburgh, as i beleive they are getting into Reps again, but i havent been in, so no idea what they have!

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