Hi, I've been researching ball pythons for a few months now, and am ready to purchase one in the next few days. The only problem is, I'm being told different things and do not know what is better, or recommended. First off, I'm looking for a baby ball python, normal, no morphs or anything, and most importantly, a captive bred one. I originally set my mind on a female, since reading they grow a little longer, and are "beefier." So is there any other major difference between the sexes? Is one more aggressive or the like?

Okay, now for the story...there are two pet stores nearby which are telling me two totally different things (Don't worry, they're not Petco, etc., they are actually privately owned, and each seem very intelligent, especially in regards to reptiles, but each is telling me something different.

The one store is offering me for about $145 (snake included) a whole setup. The reason I didn't go for it right away, is because they only have baby males. Now this is what they recommend: A light/lamp as opposed to a U.T.H. They then tell me that the UV lights replicate the sun, and it's the closest thing to nature.

They then, without hesitation, talk about feeding live. They then go on to talk about, how it too, is what happens in nature. I then asked about possible damage if a bite were to occur from a mouse...they then said, well in the wild, there isn't a First Aid station...lol...funny, but I agreed. They then said as long as you do not leave the critter with the snake unattended, you will be fine. The reason the price is sort of high, is because they charge $100 for the babies...because they are all captive born & bred...and all eat terrific, and then they told me they have to force feed about 3 per week from people who bought their snake from Petco, etc.

Now the other store, has totally different beliefs. They actually don't have any baby ball pythons in stock, but would sell me a cage setup for around $50. Unlike the other place, they recommend U.T.H. as opposed to any UV lighting. I asked about the lamps, and how they replicate the sun, etc. and they actually had a good counter-defense for it. They said well, technically, since ball pythons are nocturnal, the majority of their day is spent in burrows, obviously avoiding the sun. The burrows are what is heated, and thus, closely replicates a U.T.H.

Now, they also feel differently about feeding. They believe f/t is the best way to go. Not only because it's cheaper, but it's easier also. They did say however, small, young, ball pythons are OK to be fed live, but later should be switched.

Also, If I decided to order online, which sounds like a pretty cool idea (Your package is here...oh really, open it up...OMG, snakes! lol) what are the best sites to consider? I've called many up, like Reptile Depot and several others, and they only have "farm" raised, which I want no part of. If I do keep my mind on a female baby ball, I would have to order online, because no one around here has any, at least for a few months...so I would just need a highly reputible site which deals only with captive born and bred pythons.

Any feedback on these concerns would greatly be appreciated. Thanks much!