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  1. #1
    Registered User humpee316's Avatar
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    Age of BP,S that are bought at petco or petsmart

    Is it me or do all of these stores seem clueless about the age or sex of the baby ball pythons that they sell..So basically you have to guess.Or find a vet willing to check out the animal for you.I am of the opinion that they need to get better at information about all the animals that they carry and sell..They are very good at blank stares and saying'I dont know'.So i had to sex my snake by comparing photos of both genders and guessing her age by her length 30.5 inches.which in my mind is 8 to 10 months old...im probably way off so any help would be great.and what stinks more is the only vet around wants $75 just to walk in the door..ouch

  2. #2
    BPnet Veteran Karbon's Avatar
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    Problem with Petco and other big chain pet stores is that they just sell the snakes to make a profit.

    They won't sex the snake because it's a waste of their time and money to do so.

    Problem with guessing their age is that depending on the store, the snake could have been malnourished and it's growth might have been stunted. The snake could be older than it looks.

    I'm not saying all chain pet stores don't take care of their animals, but I have seen some deplorable conditions at some Petcos and good conditions at others.

    My first BP is actually a Petco BP, however it was when the store had first opened and their BP's were fat and happy. Now not so much. I'd rather buy from a reputable dealer and that's what I did with my second.
    0.1 Ball Python - Guinness
    1.0 Spider Ball Python - Gizmo

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    humpee316 (08-21-2010)

  4. #3
    BPnet Veteran DesignerBP's Avatar
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    Well the suppliers dont send any info with the snakes so the lack of knowledge has nothing to do with the individual store or people. I pop the ball pythons for customers when they ask for sex and give a good guesstimate about age but let them know that the approximate age given is assuming they have eaten appropriate sized meals on an appropriate and steady schedule. and yes I've to other stores and people rarely know much other than general husbandry from a care sheet- shame- so i guess its not just u, but it is the source of the snakes who dont feel it necessary or worth it to include details.
    Last edited by DesignerBP; 08-21-2010 at 10:24 AM.

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    humpee316 (08-21-2010)

  6. #4
    BPnet Veteran Karbon's Avatar
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    It depends who works at the store too i guess.

    You could get someone who is really into herps and knows all about them and takes good care of them. That's what happened with me when I got mine.

    Sadly now, that person is gone and no one in the store seems to care any more.
    0.1 Ball Python - Guinness
    1.0 Spider Ball Python - Gizmo

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    humpee316 (08-21-2010)

  8. #5
    Registered User humpee316's Avatar
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    Smile Re: Age of BP,S that are bought at petco or petsmart

    Quote Originally Posted by DesignerBP View Post
    Well the suppliers dont send any info with the snakes so the lack of knowledge has nothing to do with the individual store or people. I pop the ball pythons for customers when they ask for sex and give a good guesstimate about age but let them know that the approximate age given is assuming they have eaten appropriate sized meals on an appropriate and steady schedule. and yes I've to other stores and people rarely know much other than general husbandry from a care sheet- shame- so i guess its not just u, but it is the source of the snakes who dont feel it necessary or worth it to include details.
    I did do alot of research about popping and watched numerous video in the popping technique and waited till i was confident i wouldnt hurt my snake .did it myself and came to the conclusion that she was a female based on pics of both sexes when popped,obviously she survived me,and i didnt try it again and just went with the results.allthough i will always have doubt about my diagnosis.so its either wait and see just how big she gets or spend the money and clear my concious..anyway thanks again to all

  9. #6
    Steel Magnolia rabernet's Avatar
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    Re: Age of BP,S that are bought at petco or petsmart

    Quote Originally Posted by humpee316 View Post
    I did do alot of research about popping and watched numerous video in the popping technique and waited till i was confident i wouldnt hurt my snake .did it myself and came to the conclusion that she was a female based on pics of both sexes when popped,obviously she survived me,and i didnt try it again and just went with the results.allthough i will always have doubt about my diagnosis.so its either wait and see just how big she gets or spend the money and clear my concious..anyway thanks again to all
    Look for a breeder in MA and see if they'll sex it for you. Most breeders will do so for free. And it's a good way to find other herpers in your area.

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    humpee316 (08-22-2010)

  11. #7
    Registered User humpee316's Avatar
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    Re: Age of BP,S that are bought at petco or petsmart

    Quote Originally Posted by rabernet View Post
    Look for a breeder in MA and see if they'll sex it for you. Most breeders will do so for free. And it's a good way to find other herpers in your area.
    thanks.will do....i imagine google would be a good start.just a thought..do male and female BP,S feed differently in frequency...my bp fed two times in 2 days on 20 gram mice..never done that before...and im still a newbie at this and u seem to know your stuff...thanks

  12. #8
    Steel Magnolia rabernet's Avatar
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    Re: Age of BP,S that are bought at petco or petsmart

    Quote Originally Posted by humpee316 View Post
    thanks.will do....i imagine google would be a good start.just a thought..do male and female BP,S feed differently in frequency...my bp fed two times in 2 days on 20 gram mice..never done that before...and im still a newbie at this and u seem to know your stuff...thanks
    Adult males are more likely to go off feed in the winter than females. Babies that are set up properly will eat more frequently and willingly - as it's in their best interest (in the wild) to grow as quickly as possible (to become less of a prey item to predators).

    MABalls is a member here - you can contact him and see how close he is to you and see if he can help you.

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    humpee316 (08-23-2010)

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