Considering Getting A Rosy/sand Boa

So me and my sister have both decided we want a ball python. I decided to ask what the general cost of a python setup is, how much upkeep costs, and how much the cheaper morphs usually go for (we don’t mind a standard but would prefer a fancy) Additionally any tips on python care would be helpful, what to feed them, etc.

These are the morphs we’re looking at:

How much might these go for, and what are some other morphs on the cheaper side?

*Thought I would mention this is not happening for at LEAST a year, almost certainly more. This’ll give us plenty of time to prepare.

 

Have you looked at rosy or sand boas? Why a ball python? Just curious.

 

I have not, but I will take a look! Ball pythons are just the only ones we happened to know of, and we saw a REALLY cute one at the pet store earlier.

 

Hehe, I kind of figured. It’s why I asked. Don’t get too hung up on a single species. Definitely check out the sand boas, as well as other species of constrictors. Even corn snakes and garter snakes I find to be more interesting than the ball python. Not trying to sway you away from them, but broaden your research. I think in the end you’ll eventually decide on a different snake. Or not. Look around.

 

I REALLY like the look of the rosy boa, yeah. I’ll keep looking into other snakes. Same with sand boas. I love desert reptiles and the ability to keep one on sand would be REALLY nice.

 

Initial costs


Right off the bat, I would get a Zoo med snake setup. It is a little pricy but it has everything you need. The basics are

Substrate (usually spagnum moss or some form of wood bedding. Make sure it’s safe for snakes)

Heat (usually a heat pad. Can use a light has well. Stand clear of heated rocks)

Cage (ball python babies can do fine in a smaller tank but will need NEED at least a 40 gallon while there adults)

And then at least 2 places for it too hide

Also recommend a thermometer, humidity gauge, and a few extra locks on the top. Ball pythons can and will escape if they are allowed.

Water bowl that’s big enough for him to get his whole body inside


Setup

Make the substrate a few inches deep, just enough to let the plant bury itself.

Add the heat pad to one side of the aquarium. This is going to be the warm side, and the other part will be the cold side. Being cold blooded, this allows them to where they feel most comfortable.

Add a hide for them to live in on each side of the aquarium

Add water dish to the colder side. The water should be deep enough that he can get half way submerged.


Upkeep

Food is fairly pricey, but it also depends on location. It could cost 10-30 dollars a week, more when older. They eat pinkies when there babies (new born mice) and larger size mice has they get older. They should get fed every day when baby’s, then gradually decrease to less and less as they grow.

Clean there tank at least once every 2 weeks

Pick up the poop when you see it


Morphs


Look at Bhbreptiles.com. They have a very large variety and can get cheap. If you want something that you can show off, aI'm for a 200 or so dollar snake. Look at ghost ball pythons those might be what your looking for.

 

Thanks a bunch! Looking at the prices any morph can go for is making me think more and more we should stick with a sand boa/rosy boa. Care for them is similar, yes? I expect humidity will be less important.

 

They are pretty similar. You can get them for cheaper and they don’t get has large. Sand boas also hide almost 24/7 and only peak there head out once in a while. A sand boa would also not wrap around you and try to get away a little more while bp will curl up with you. It’s pretty much just personal preference though.

 

Right, right. I’d probably go with the rosy boa, especially because the wild-types are still pretty nice looking.
EDIT: Would this tank be acceptable for a rosy boa or sand boa?

I’ve heard Rosies can get rostral abrasions from screen lids, can anyone confirm this, and if so what should I use for a lid instead?

 

I keep my kenyan sand boa in the highly recommended size for one adult

A 10 gallon aquarium

They truly don't need more unless you get the above average sized female than can up to 20

 

Thanks! It’s still a long ways off and there’s no guarantee but I’ve decided to go with the rosy boa if I ever do get one.

 

A few more questions on rosy boas I thought I might ask:
Can rosys be kept on sand? I’ve seen mixed info and I’d really prefer to keep them on a sand/diet substrate rather than a wood bedding. If there’s too much risk involved I’ll skip it, though.

Are they as sociable as ball pythons? When I started looking into snakes I was hoping for one that’s reasonably chill and willing to sit on my shoulders while I do other stuff. Will a rosy do this, or are they more skittish? I don’t really mind if they are but I can’t seem to find any good info on the subject.

Where can I buy them for a reasonable price/who are some good breeders? I’m not picky about the locality but I do prefer the bluish ones with orange stripes to the Mexican rosys.

Where am I supposed to find frozen mice, how much do they usually cost, and how long do they last in the freezer? I travel often and I think they would do fine in the care of a sitter, so long as I know how long they last and how much to set aside for a sitter to use to buy more.

Lastly, what are my options for viviscaping? I know they don’t NEED a well decorated tank but I’d like a little more than the basic two hiding spots with a water bowl and basking spot. Which items conventionally used in aquascaping are safe, and which aren’t?

Thanks!

 

https://www.morphmarket.com/us/ Check out this website! It's the #1 sellers site for morphs of any reptile really, so you can budget that way! I spend hours scrolling through that site. **Watch out for Kicks Balls and BHB (this is that Brian guy's breeding business)**

If you want a snake that's easy to hold, go for a BP. I have a sand boa and a ball python, and because of their nature, ball pythons are super easier to hold. I feel I always stress out my lil boa when I hold her. Ball pythons are notorious for being docile and easy to handle, but no two snakes personalities are the same!

For frozen mice you can either find them at reptile conventions or online! I use https://www.laynelabs.com/frozen-mice but the shipping is pricey. All the info you need should be on there!
EDIT: rosy boas are gonna be a LOT cheaper than ball pythons, especially if you want morphs. My boy Frenchie cost me upwards of $400 But I don't regret it.

// I realise this is an old post but nobody responded so I thought I'd help! Sorry if I bothered you!

 

Just curious, is this the right forum for this?

 

Just curious, is this the right forum for this?

There are different subjects other than fish,!! Check them out, they are interesting too!!

 

Ah, thanks! It’s no problem about the necro, I was kinda hoping someone might respond.
I appreciate the info on ball pythons, however I think I’m gonna wait on one because rosy boas are quite simply easier and cheaper to care for than a ball python, and I’m already near my limits for pets so I’d rather not push it with a large and somewhat finicky pet, what with their humidity requirements and all. Plus, I’m really fond of rosies anyway.

Again, thanks for the help!

 

Rosies are super cute, and I hope you can find a little slithery friend that makes you happy!
I got my sand boa before my ball python, actually. She was way easier to take care of and super fascinating to watch. Corns, Kenyans, and Rosies are PERFECT starter snakes, and they do take up a lot less space. aaaand when they grow out of their tank you can use their old habitat as a fish tank like I did B)

 

Thanks! Mind you, this IS going to have to wait a few months due to potential traveling (plus I want to avoid getting one too close to brumation season) but I’m really looking forward to it. 20 longs are acceptable for adult rosies, yes?

 

Yep yep yep!