Newbie2Snakes

[ravenchilde]

Hello, all... I'm completely new to snakes, never owned one before, and up until last year, had never handled one.. then i went to the flea market called 'White's' in Ypsilanti, Mi, and happened by their reptile area... where they had ball pythons... and fell in love LOL... i stayed there like half an hour, holding/handling the snakes and enjoying every second...
so my query is this... what should i get, how should i go about acquiring a ball python? i do NOT want to go in 'unprepared' and give the snake a bad time/home...
thanks in advance for any advice
Newbie2Snakes

[Shelby]

First off, welcome and congrats for choosing to find out more BEFORE buying!

I assume you've decided that you want a ball python, and not another snake species. BPs are nice starter snakes, altough not without their challenges!

The only way to get a good ball python to start with is a captive bred animal from a breeder. There are literally hundreds of ball python breeders, some of which post right here! It is actually very safe to ship snakes through fedex and is a great way to recieve your snake.

Have your enclosure all set up before the snake comes home. A baby ball python can be housed in a ten gallon tank, or a similarly sized rubbermaid/sterilite plastic tub (not as pretty, but easier to get temps and humidity correct)

Here is our care sheet: http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules....warticle&id=52

[frankykeno]

I'll second Shelby's words! It's great you are doing the research first. Sort out what you want and it's needs for it's entire life (including eventual mature size) and what sort of housing you will provide then get the snake from a reputable breeder. There are a lot of lovely normal ball pythons for very reasonable prices as well as hets for various morphs, morphs, etc. depending on what you wish to spend. Often for a pet a nice normal male ball python is a great option!

I have some balls I got from local pet stores/rescues but in the end a well started baby ball python from a reputable breeder is just so much less worry and possible vet bills, etc. is very well worth any extra it might cost (which isn't often much difference really).

Best of luck with your decision. You're certainly starting out the right way!


~~Jo~~