Problem Feeder Pied. Should I Buy?

[D_ONE]

I have had my eye on a high-white male pied since April. It was born in October 2011 and was 160 grams in April. As of July 20th, he is only 200 grams.

The owner says he has been a problem feeder and only eats mice, when he eats at all. He said he has tried different things, except for getting him a hide (which is the first thing I will do if I get him). He is keeping him in a hatchling rack, and I would have him in a sweaterbox RBI rack.

As small as he is, I would likely use a divider to cut down on the space he has until I see if I can get him to eat.

I have hardly any experience with ball pythons (I just recently got my first - a male 400 gram Firefly) but I have had Boas and Corn Snakes in the past.

Just wanted to get some opinions on if I should get this snake (which has a decent price) or save some more money to get a hatchling and start fresh myself. I guess there is always a chance I could still end up with a problem feeder, but in this case I know that is what I am getting.

[kdreptiles]

I guess it would depend on the kind of effort you want to put into him. How would you feel if the snake still has feeding issues in your care? Personally, it would be too much stress and trouble for my liking.

[I-KandyReptiles]

IMO it would depend on price. If it's cheap enough, I'd go for it and keep trying with him.

But since you're new to bps, I probably would suggest finding one with no eating problems.

[rabernet]

Price is irrelevant. Don't get it. With very little experience under your belt - you shouldn't take on a problem feeder, just because it's a great deal.

[camel]

I am also very new to BP's, but had other snakes and reptiles over the years. I would not get a known problem feeder.
I have had a good few problem eater baby corn's over the years, and the stress on the snake and the owner makes it not worth it to knowingly put yourself through it.
Of course if you get one and it becomes a problem eater then you do everything you can, but I think if you can avoid it, then avoid it.

[EAC Reptiles]

If you are new to balls and don't have a lot of experience with picky eaters don't get him. They can be an absolute pain sometimes. I would save your money and look for one that is established.

[Salamander Rising]

If you are new to balls and don't have a lot of experience with picky eaters don't get him. They can be an absolute pain sometimes. I would save your money and look for one that is established.

x2

My second ball is my male Fire and though I love him dearly now, if I'd known what a feeding train wreck he was going to be, I'd have never bought him.

[he was also a "great deal". lesson learned; *never* buy a snake from a guy who practically shoves him in your face and immediately drops the price by 30% just because you looked at it on the show table]

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Price is irrelevant. Don't get it. With very little experience under your belt - you shouldn't take on a problem feeder, just because it's a great deal.

This!

[D_ONE]

Thanks for all of the advice. I think I was just caught up in thinking I could "save" the little guy since the current owner isn't having much success with him.

I will look elsewhere for a pied!

[decensored]

I agree with Robin,

Problem feeders take a lot of energy, effort, and knowledge to deal with.
There are also internal reasons that can cause a BP not to eat and frankly it's not worth the risk.

I don't think it's in your best interest, or the animal's to take that kind of plunge.

Best of luck,
Chris.