Where should I get my ball python from?

[hylian]

I'm getting my first ball python really soon. I have two options.

I found a pet store that's family owned, and I went there to check out their ball pythons. It wasnt like petco or petsmart. The reptiles seemed healthy and the ball python that I held had a good temperament and it was eager to check me out and crawl up my arms. The lady said they were 10 months old.

My other option is to order one online from BHB reptiles. It would be the same price as the petstore, but I wouldnt be able to look at the snake before hand to make sure it has a good temperament and is healthy. Also, the shipping would stress the snake out. The upside would be that I would know for sure that it's captive bred and I would be able to pick it's gender and it would be a bit younger than 10 months.

If I got it from the petstore, I would have no way of know if it was male or female. The gender matter to me because males are smaller and I'd prefer a smaller snake. And there could be a possibility that it's not captive bred.


Which one should I do?

[carlson]

Most petstores around by me have only male snakes. I got my first at petco ha just a little normal male I over paid for but still my original so I love him ha.

[Royal Hijinx]

The pet store should know whether it is male/female and if it is captive bred. If they do not, then I would shy away from buying from them.

Snakes do just fine with being shipped. I think it is a lot more stress on us than it is on them.

BHB is a great breeder, but there are a TON of others. Take a look at websites and the adds on Fauna and Kingsnake.com as well.

Are you wanting a morph male? If so which morph?

We can help direct you from there.

[hylian]

I'm not looking for a morph. I just want a regular ball python. I'd get a morph if I could afford it BHB is like, the cheapest i've found so far. I'm still looking, but I'm pretty lazy. haha.

[Royal Hijinx]

You can afford a morph I will bet.

Male YellowBelly, Spider, Pastel can each be had for $100 or less sometimes.

Often this level of morph is just wholesaled to pet stores and not even advertised. You could email BHB and ask if he has any morph males in your price range.

I highly suggest a morph male for 2 reasons:

1. If you decide to breed later it is MUCH better to have a morph male
2. If for some reason you decide later you need to get rid of him (for whatever reason) it will be WAY easier to re-home a morph.

[jcoylesr76]

going to a pet store you can be paying $50, $100+ or more for a normal, going through a good breeder you can get a "morph" for about the same price. don't be lazy look around, ask your questions, etc. these animals can outlive cats and dogs by years, given the proper care. not a lazy animal to keep.

[hylian]

I would pay for a morph but they only sell normals at pet stores for $80. Online I can get a normal for $32 but I have to add $50 for shipping. Thats $82 right there. Its okay though, i'm not looking for anything fancy. I just want a great pet.

[hylian]

I really dont think i'll be breeding him. And I'm not looking for anything fancy. I just want a healthy, great pet.

[Royal Hijinx]

Honestly, if you look around and ask, you may be able to find a normal male for basically the price of shipping. Especially once the hatchlings start emerging over the next few months.

[Mike41793]

Honestly, if you look around and ask, you may be able to find a normal male for basically the price of shipping. Especially once the hatchlings start emerging over the next few months.

x2 Or even better just find a local breeder to you and I bet they'll give him to you for free or for very cheap. Like $10-$15.