Getting a new ball python this weekend off Craigslist - suggestions welcome

[Tricon7]

I'm meeting with someone this weekend to buy their juvenile BP, which he said is about 1 1/2 feet long and maybe a year or two old. Although I've worked and owned snakes before, is there anything I should look out for before I actually fork over the cash for it? I intend to handle it to make sure it's not super-aggressive or something, though he's only selling it because of upcoming baby expenses (he says). It comes with a large aquarium, heat rock, and some kind of hollow dome where it can go in and hide. The bedding looks like some kind of chopped-up shredded material. It also comes with a lock-lid, water dish, and heating pad. But I want to make sure the snake is healthy and easy to handle, since I have small children.

[liv]

I wouldn't get it just from your description. Someone that uses a heat rock is not someone I'd purchase an animal from-- it says to me that they haven't done an ounce of research on husbandry, because what would the point be if they already had a regulated heat mat?. There is a good chance it has burns.

If I were you, I would get an animal from a nice breeder so you can be almost certain that it will be free from health problems. Just my 2 cents.

[JLC]

If you buy all that and bring it home, take the hot-rock out and throw it in the garbage before you do anything else. Also, make sure you have a thermostat for the heating pad.

As for checking out the snake, examine its belly closely. A faint pink hue along the entire length of the belly could indicate a oncoming shed cycle, and is normal. But a bright or dark pink...or a splotchy pink...would indicate serious burns from that hot-rock or an unregulated heating pad. Also look for flaky, crusty scales or blisters, which could indicate scale rot from being kept in a wet, dirty enclosure.

Make sure the eyes are clear and bright. The overall scales of the animal should be smooth and shiny. Some old bits of stuck shed can be removed, but a dry, wrinkled snake or one with multiple layers of old, stuck sheds will be at risk for other longer-term health problems.

The body should be firmly muscled and rounded. If it is triangular in shape with a prominent spine, or seems weak and unable/unwilling to grip very tightly or roll into a tight ball, it may be seriously malnourished.

Check the mouth and listen to its breathing. A faint whisper of sound is normal, but a clear whistling or crackling sound is not and means the snake is sick with a respiratory infection. Another sign is mucus in and around the mouth.

In general, ball pythons are docile pets and perfectly suitable for homes with small children. However, you may or may not be able to judge a specific animal's temperament in that initial exam. If it's sick, or being kept too cool, it may be lethargic and SEEM docile. After some time in a healthy environment with enough food to provide proper energy, you may see an entirely different personality.

I'd be far more focused on the overall health and physical appearance of the animal, as well as keeping an eye out for the general cleanliness of its original enclosure. Also ask questions about what, exactly it has been eating and how often. (Mice or rats? What size? Frozen/thawed, pre-killed, or live? How often?)

Good luck.

[danojeno]

Normal Ball Pythons are so cheap through breeders and reputable reptile stores, I'd be inclined to pass and go that route. Do some research here on caging and equipment, then pull the trigger. If I would have waited and done research, I would not have an empty glass aquarium and heat pad under my bed. That said I can only imagine the excitement in the house and if the snake is healthy, it' all good.

[Tricon7]

Sorry - I thought he had a hot rock, but it turns out he had a heating pad under the aquarium. The picture of his snake in the ad looks good at least. I would add a photo, but it doesn't look like I'm allowed to in here.

Btw, I've tried many times to upload a profile pic here, but it fails every time, even when the photo is really tiny. What am I doing wrong?

[JLC]

Sorry - I thought he had a hot rock, but it turns out he had a heating pad under the aquarium. The picture of his snake in the ad looks good at least. I would add a photo, but it doesn't look like I'm allowed to in here.

Attachments are turned off for the whole site. It's not just you. Host the image someplace like photobucket or imageshack or even our free galleries here, and then use the [IMG] tags to place the image into your post.

Btw, I've tried many times to upload a profile pic here, but it fails every time, even when the photo is really tiny. What am I doing wrong?

I don't know. There's nothing about your account settings that would prohibit you using a profile or avatar picture. Make sure the image is a .gif, .jpg, or .png

[Tricon7]

Attachments are turned off for the whole site. It's not just you. Host the image someplace like photobucket or imageshack or even our free galleries here, and then use the [IMG] tags to place the image into your post.



I don't know. There's nothing about your account settings that would prohibit you using a profile or avatar picture. Make sure the image is a .gif, .jpg, or .png

I'm mystified. Dunno what the issue is.

Edit profile picture > Upload image from your computer > Save changes > Upload of the file failed. Happens every time.

[JLC]

I'm mystified. Dunno what the issue is.

Edit profile picture > Upload image from your computer > Save changes > Upload of the file failed. Happens every time.

I dunno either. Have you tried to upload an avatar picture? Or tried uploading an image to our gallery space?

[Tricon7]

I dunno either. Have you tried to upload an avatar picture? Or tried uploading an image to our gallery space?

Unable to upload an avatar, also, and get something about a URL problem when trying to upload an image to your gallery space. I tried with both IE and Firefox. Oh well. Thanks anyway.

Addendum - hey! I see it now. Weird.