Hi all. I purchased my first snake (a young female ball python) over nine months ago. Unfortunately, less than a month later she died from IBD. We're ready for another snake, but I want to try my best to ensure something like this doesn't happen again. Now, I've heard you're not supposed to buy a snake from chain stores or breeders, so I'm on the forums to see what other option there is (or if buying from one of the two is okay, why?).

Thanks for reading, can't wait to get another snake!