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If you have questions...We have answers...sometimes. |
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Q: What type of racks do you keep your snakes in? A: We are now using ARS Racking Systems as well as some hold over racks constructed out of melamine. We use 4 different designs ranging from extra large for our large adult females, to extra small for our hatchlings. Our melamine containers are Rubbermaid's and range in the following sizes:
Q: What do you feed your snakes? We feed all our snakes rats. Mice are not on the menu at MJBP. We start all our hatchlings on rats and they never look back. We try to match the girth of the snake with the size of the prey. The following is our feeding schedule:
If adults are on a feeding binge prior to the breeding season, we will offer them multiple feeds. We try not to get our snakes too fat. Q: Where do you buy your rodents? We raise our own rodents to insure the quality of feed that our snakes eat. We feed only the finest quality feed to our rats - Mazuri 6F. Many people feed dog food because it is cheaper. We feel that it is a short-cut to poor quality rodents. Only the best here at MJBP. Q: What is your breeding recipe? Check out our 'Breeding' page. Q: How long have you been breeding snakes? We got started in 1999. Our first breeding season was 2002. See our 'About Us' page. Q: Do non-reptile people think you're weird? Weird...strange...cool! I've been described as many things. Who cares! I love what I'm doing!!!! Q: Is doing what you are doing, a lot of work? More than you can imagine! It amazes me just how many hours go into doing what I do. Then again I like to stay very organized and I keep meticulous records. Organization is the key to success! I check each and every snake every day. We clean once a week - rats and snakes. And we create and maintain this web site. Ok I like to do everything myself. That way I can insure the quality control that goes into our stock. Q: Why would you recommend a ball python as a pet? Ball pythons come in many different morphs. Probably more morphs than any other snake today. They are gentle, non-aggressive snake that have personalities that are endearing. They like to be held and very rarely try to get away. They are quiet and with water can be left while going on vacation without a problem. They can be fed every 7 - 14 days without any negative effects and they only relieve themselves based on the frequency of meals. Some ball pythons have been known to be problem feeders. This I believe is as a result of hatchlings being started poorly on food. If you are planning on purchasing a ball python, I would strongly suggest purchasing one from a reputable breeder who has quality stock. There are some specialty reptile pet stores that sell quality stock, but most that dabble in all kinds of pets are not a good choice. Q: Are ball pythons slimey? No. For some reason the general public think all snakes are slimey. That's what hollywood wants you the believe. If they had it their way they would also want you to believe that all snakes are venomous and killers too! Ball pythons are dry to the tough and they are basically odorless as well. Q: What is your favorite morph? Tough question! My first love were Caramel Albinos followed by Piebald's, Pastel Jungles and Super Pastels. My list has grown over the years. Heck...I like them all! Q:What breeders have helped you get started? Greg Graziani probably gave me the most guidance. We've become the best of friends. I learnt a lot from reading the ball python forum on kingsnake.com and Ralph Davis always shared a wealth of knowledge on his web site. Q: What size aquarium should I use? The general rule of thumb is an aquarium that is 2/3 the length of your snake. Q: What kind of substrate is best? I have been using shredded aspen for 3 years now. I started with cypress mulch and switched due to cost and availability in large amounts. Some breeders use newspaper exclusively and are very happy with it. I find aspen the easiest. It is easy to spot clean once a week and I've never has a problem with it. I do start all my hatchlings on paper towel until after their first shed. Q: Do I need a hide box? I don't own a hide box! Although I would strongly recommend one if you are keeping your ball in an aquarium. 2 are actually preferred. One on the warm side and one on the cool side. Q: What temperatures and humidity do you recommend? An ambient temp of 80 is good with a hot spot of 90 - 92 F is recommended. Ball pythons need heat in order to properly digest their food. A basking light or under tank heat pad can provide a good hot spot. Try to purchase all your equipment from a specialty reptile pet store. They sell products that are specifically made for these purposes. A humidity level of 60% is recommended. Q: Can you please explain genetics? Please refer to our 'Genetics' page. Q: What got you into this and is this all you do? See our 'About Us' page Q: Who do you sell your snakes to? The most interesting people all over the world! We sell them as pets and to collectors. They are living pieces of art that are treasured all over the world. For more on the general care of ball pythons, please check out our 'Care' page. If you have any questions, please e-mail us at: markusjayne@ballpython.ca We will try to answer them to the best of our knowledge. Thank you!
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