New BP Purchase

[Syleron]

I just purchased a new BP from a new Petland that recently opened in my town. First time I had gone in I really enjoyed everything I saw. It seemed like everything was taken care of above standards. I also noticed the reptile section and a BP that someone had been holding. That same BP would be the one I would purchase a few days later. In the time between though I had been debating to buy a different morph from a breeder. I also noticed the price for the BP at petland was significantly more expensive than the the same kind of BP from a breeder. I ended up as stated going with the one from Petland. Today I have been googling reviews about Petland and they have been somewhat shocking. Horrible reviews about snakes being left to die and imported from africa.

Now really what I want to ask is have I made a major mistake? The snake looks fine to me other than what seems to be a bite mark on the side of its neck next to its face(Well at least thats what I think it is it might not be anything). I was told at the time of purchasing by one representative that the snake had been fed frozen-thawed but when I went back later with questions I was told it was fed live which now seems a little fishy. I was also told that the snake was from a local breeder and from what I have read online its usually a lie. The snake is a baby and doesn't seem bothered to be held. It does move around within its enclosure and as its tongue out like there is no problem.

I also read about mites... Is there a way I could check myself? Should I even bother? How about taking it the vet for a check up?

Please let me know what you think.

[psdsimon1689]

One thing you have to realize is that Petland is an independently owned franchise and is not completely dictated by the corporate office, if someone is not taking care of animals, its usually the individual owners and employees fault rather the Petland as a corporation. When it comes to getting the pets Petland sells, they interview all of their breeders and ask a lot of questions about the animals and how their kept, so that they feel comfortable about what they buy. Also each animal is checked extremely well before accepting the animal into the store, ie mites, bites, missing or ripped scales, Respiratory infections etc. If they are not healthy and eating Petland will NOT accept them. The particular Petland that i think you are referring too does get its reptiles from a breeder located in the city its located in. They are great breeders and have a passion and love for the animals they breed. (www.leopardgecko.com) go to his contact, orders page, then to all other reptile orders and look at his address towards the bottom. If a ball python is too small to eat average sized live mice, and if small enough live mice are not available, they attempt to feed frozen if the snake will take it. If not we try to get mice that are the right size. Some times people unfortunately mis communicate about what gets fed what. Make sure what you read online is valid. Mites will usually appear around the eyes of you python or around his face, if he has them you'll be able to see them. You'll also see them in his water bowl because he will soak a lot to try to drown them. If a store has done something wrong, again i state it is the owner as an individual and their employes , who have neglected to care for their animals or reptiles. That statement does not directly reflect on the store your talking about, though unfortunately we share the name with the store who has failed to upkeep the hight standards in pet care that the corporation as set.

[Saboduh]

i am in the same situation but i got mine as a present from petsmart. the next day noticed he has mites, and he is dehydrated. so i was contimplating taking him back. i bathed mine in warm water and cleaned his tank

after reading up alot and talking to people here who were in similiar situations i am definatly going to keep mine. alot of people in the same situation as us kept their snakes and properly cared for them and now have wonderful pets. things like mites and dehydration and other not so serious problems are fixable it takes patience. 3 days since i had him i have not seen any mites since so now i am leaving him to his cage to relax, get adjusted prob for 2 weeks or so and i will try to feed him. mine came with a feed chart and he had ate a week before i got him.

now i just need to take care of his dehydration. id say dont worry and just give him the proper care and im sure we will have wonderful pets for the next 20-30 years...good luck!

[Saboduh]

oh an easy way to check for mites.... get your python in a well lit room where you can really see his face and watch it for some times. if you see little white things run in and out of his nose mouth or eyes about the size of a period he has mites. their fast

also if u wanna take precaution get a plastic tub let him soak in some warm water for 5-10 min get his head under water a bit..use a dark towel to dry him off...gently let him go through the towel. they drown and should come off on the towl