Questions to ask a dealer

[ivylea77]

I'm looking to get my first ball python. Does anyone have any questions I should ask the dealers? Has anyone heard of Ralph Davis? I'm looking to buy through him since he's in the neighborhood. I'm a little scared ordering something over the internet. Any help is appreciated. Thanks

[Mojo]

Make sure there captive bred!

[daniel1983]

Ralph Davis is a good source to get a ball python from He is one of the biggest and most respected ball python breeders out there. Buying from a breeder is great because they generally enjoy helping you out when you have questions.

If you are getting your first ball python, my suggestions would be to do as much research on their care as possible, set up the enclosure for the proper conditions, then go shopping for the ball python. That way when you get your new snake, you can just bring it home, put it in its enclosure to settle in, and have no worries about your setup.

I know there was a good list of questions to ask when you purchase a ball python somewhere around here.....i just have to find it Where you at Joanna?

[ladywhipple02]

A good way to check out people's reputations (and to find good breeders) is to look on the BOI.

This will tell you different breeders that it would be okay to get a BP shipped from.

The big things you want to ask a breeder: Are the babies eating, what are they eating, how are they being cared for, what are they living in, are they captive bred and born. Ask for pics of the baby, plus pics of the parents. That should help you on your way, and reassure you that the breeder knows what he's doing.

[frankykeno]

I have that document somewhere here Daniel but it's not "official" or anything. Just my thoughts on things I thought important to look at when picking a breeder or a pet shop.


Ivy, Ralph is a very reputable breeder, you won't go wrong there. The Fauna BOI link is a wonderful resource. So is asking as you have in a forum. I'd think you'd want a breeder that has a passion for his snakes, far beyond a "business transaction". Someone that knows their morphs, knows their "normals" and values both as beautiful. A breeder that will be there before, during and long after the transaction. It's a relatively small world really and the good breeders shine and the cruddy, rip off artists don't seem to hide for long from what I've seen in the short time I've been around.

If you are looking for a het for something be especially cautious as you can't see what genetics are being said to be there and are going basically on the breeders say so and their record keeping. We went with Adam Wysocki of 8BallPytons for our first het because of all of the above...his sterling reputation, his knowledge, his perfect record keeping, his willingness to answer any and all questions and in the end his obvious passion for royals.

We are very happy and I think that's how one should be after purchasing from an established breeder whether a "big boy" in the industry or a smaller operation, you should always get what you paid for and in fact in our case, the het for albino exceeded our expectations.

Never feel wrong to ask direct questions from a breeder. Ask for references, check online, don't fall for a slick sales pitch. You don't have to buy a snake overnight so take the time to make a really informed decision and I'm sure you'll be thrilled with the results.


~~Jo~~

[jglass38]

I think the BOI is an excellent resource and so is word of mouth on this forum. I always like to deal with people that others have had good experiences with. Also, ask questions. If the person is willing to answer them and be friendly and up front, that is a good sign.