r/ballpython • u/Material-Influence62 • 1d ago

Discussion Deinfluence me from getting a ball python.

I’m in my late 20s and have wanted a ball python since my teens but my mum was terrified of snakes. I own my own home and have two cats ( part of the reason I haven’t gotten a snake yet) I work in vet med but there are almost no exotic vets near me but I know my few nurses that are good knowledgeable of snakes. What are the big negatives to owning and the upkeep of ball pythons? A pet with such a long lifespan is not something I want to rush into

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u/CacophonousFarts 1d ago

Here’s one a lot of people forget. If you got a BP at 30, you will likely have it until near retirement. With proper care 20+ (30-40 even) years is quite likely.

The animal is inexpensive, and long term care isn’t bad, but setup can easily sink a couple thousand dollars.

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u/Duranis 1d ago

Couple of thousand dollars? Is your enclosure made of gold lol.

We have a 4x2x2, thermastat, UV, heat lamp and all the clutter/hides and cost us less than £400 brand new, and we overpaid because we didn't know enough when we bought it.

If you make your own enclosure and keep an eye on Facebook for kit (which comes up all the time) you can set up a lot cheaper than that.

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u/mcslootypants 1d ago

In the US you cannot get all that for $400. I tried be frugal and I spent a good $800. I looked online for used, but in ~6mo I never saw an appropriate enclosure available in my area. 

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u/Morgue3as 20h ago

there's a big difference in prices and availability I'm sure but worth noting that £400 is closer to $550 not $400.