Where to buy my first BP?

[Pickenprod]

Hi everybody, I'm Pickenprod. Recently I have been seriously considering buying a ball python, since I have wanted one for years, and it seems I can afford to care for one now. It will be my first pet snake (aside from the garters I constantly brought home as a kid ) but I am pretty sure I picked the right species for a beginner.

Here's the deal: A couple of days ago, I saw a beautiful Butter morph ball python in my local pet shop - and, of course, am now obsessing over it. I know regular old pet shops aren't exactly the greatest place to buy animals... but this snake is so darn cute! I'm falling into the old trap and I need to know if it is even a remotely good idea to go down this path... so now some thoughts:

-the pet store in question is very well-maintained, for the most part. All the snakes look healthy on first inspection, and the cages are clean. However, this may be the case simply because these animals are from a recent shipment. I plan to visit the shop once a day and keep an eye on the reptiles, to sort of monitor the conditions.

-the ball costs $350. As far as I can see, this seems to be a reasonable price for a Butter.

-I have located a vet in my town who deals with reptiles, so that's covered.

-if I decide to go through with this, I plan to really interrogate the pet shop staff. I'll be asking where the snake came from, how old it is, and whether it's feeding.

-I want captive-bred for sure, so I won't have to worry about complications as a new owner. I am guessing a Butter wouldn't have come straight out of Africa? Other than that I'm not too worried about knowing its ancestry, since this would be my first one and I'm sure not ready to start a breeding program yet!

-the one thing that truly scares me is the possibility of IBD. I don't know if there are any early warning signs I can look out for... all the snakes in the shop seem fine, no wobbling or spinning. The Butter is however housed in a plastic Critter Keeper, which is within another tank. Some of the tanks had Boa constictor imperator in them as well; I can't remember if the Butter shared airspace with them... would this be a red flag?

So, what are your thoughts? I've really enjoyed looking through the posts here so far - some spectacular looking snakes!

-Pickenprod

[The Serpent Merchant]

I got my first BP from a pet store and she is doing great. It sounds like you should be fine getting this snake. Chances are everything will work out fine just make sure you handle the snake and look for mites/signs of Respiratory Infection. Also look carefully at the enclosure the snake is kept in: is it dirty? The cleanliness of the enclosure can show how well the guys that run the shop take care of their snakes.

If you decide to find another ball i would suggest buying one from a breeder directly.

Here are a few well known breeders:

http://www.jkobylkareptiles.com/index.php

http://www.ralphdavisreptiles.com/

http://pythonregius.com/

You really couldn't go wrong with any of these guys; and remember if you don't see anything you like on their websites just contact them and ask if they have what you are looking for. These guys have hundreds if not thousands of Ball Pythons so chances are they have one that's just what you are looking for.

[jjmitchell]

I am by no means going tell you not to buy from a local pet shop, alot of them carry quality animals. Look at the store and see if animals are clean and appropriatly kept that will tell you alot. I personally prefer the buying experience and friendships I make buying from fellow herpers, besides who could tell you more about the animal than the breeder that produced it? Good luck on what you decide to do and Congrats on joining the addiction

[Emily Hubbard]

A butter is for sure a captive bred animal, and you are very wise to insist on captive bred. If the pet shop is reputable, if they can answer all of your questions, and the animal is healthy and kept under the right conditions, then of course, it is fine to buy from them.

I got my ball from a breeder, just because I personally wanted to buy from someone who specializes in snakes rather than a pet shop that dabbles in everything. That is a personal decision, not a hard fast rule. It is up to you.

If you do want a breeder recommendation, I got mine from BHB Enterprises
http://www.bhbreptiles.com/

I really like them and my snake is perfectly healthy and was shipped fast and correctly. There are countless other breeders out there that would be just fine as well.

However, I know that once you see an animal through the window with your own eyes, the attachment can be instantaneous. It sounds like you already have your heart set on the butter, and if it is healthy and well cared for, no reason why it shouldn't be yours!

[meowmeowkazoo]

I think the best option for a new snake buyer is to visit a reptile expo. That way you can see all the amazing morphs that are available, and you will have more than one animal to choose from if you still want to go with the butter morph.

Also, a breeder at a reptile expo will be able to give you detailed information about the animal you want to purchase, while a pet store likely won't have the experience or knowledge that a breeder does.

IBD in ball pythons doesn't tend to incubate long. The symptoms show up early and are severe. Boa constrictors can incubate the virus for much longer without showing symptoms, but IBD isn't as common as you might think.

[Evenstar]

I really wouldn't worry too much about IBD. Meowmeow is right that it really isn't as common as you might think and if this ball has come into contact with it, I am reasonably sure it would be displaying symptoms right away. Pythons cannot incubate the virus long at all and, while every animal and every situation is different, I just don't see it harboring the virus if it still appears to be healthy.

I was going to suggest you look for a reputable Reptile Rescue in your area if you're just looking for a nice pet. I got my first ball from a rescue and she was absolutely perfect in every way from day one - healthy, well-established, strong eater, etc. And this is a nice way to give a home to an animal that really needs one - the rescue can make room for more animals in need when they are able to adopt out the ones they have.

BUT it sounds like you've fallen for this butter! If that's the case, you should get him. There is something about having your heart set on one particular animal. I can tell you from personal experience that you may well regret it if you don't get this little fellow. A long time ago, I passed on an animal in our local pet shop because it was the "logical" thing to do at the time. I fully regret it now and I always will. It sounds like this particular pet shop is pretty decent. There's nothing wrong with a pet store purchase - they aren't all bad! I sure wish my local shop would get a few morphs in once in a while!!!

Good luck with everything! If you have the funds available and you've got your set up ready, I'd go get him today! I adore lessers/butters and that's a great morph for your first ball. The combos you can make with them are outstanding. A butter and a butterbee are near the top of my wish list! We'll want pictures!!

Oh, also $350 is not a bad price for a butter. It's about the going rate. Perhaps slightly high if it's a male, but maybe a little low for a female so really, not bad at all! Again, if you like that animal, the price is well-worth it!

[Pickenprod]

Thanks, everybody, for all of your help! I will likely go and inspect the Butter tomorrow. I'm pretty excited about this!

[mattchibi]

Just wanted to note that the OP is in Canada so those big US breeders wouldnt be able to ship to him. PM me if you still want a list of breeders in Canada who will ship.

And in case it hasnt been mentioned, check for RI's by looking at the nostrils for mucus, or peeling down the lip. Here's a video of how to check a snake's mouth:



Good luck hope you get him

[Pickenprod]

Just wanted to note that the OP is in Canada so those big US breeders wouldnt be able to ship to him. PM me if you still want a list of breeders in Canada who will ship.

And in case it hasnt been mentioned, check for RI's by looking at the nostrils for mucus, or peeling down the lip. Here's a video of how to check a snake's mouth:



Good luck hope you get him

Hey thanks Matt, pm'ing you now!

[seeya205]

I would get your first Ball Python from a breeder! As a first time snake owner, you may not have the experience to know what to look for! I would go with a well known breeder! Henry Piorun is in your backyard! Markus Jayne is in Ontario and has really nice snakes! Just Goggle Canadian Ball Python breeders and you will get a list of them! I know Canadian Reguis has a Butter for sale! Make sure you do alot of research and have a home ready before you select a Ball Python! Good Luck!