My first python...

[abhorrent]

I'm not sure if this is the right forum for this, as I'm a new member, sorry if it's not. I also tried the search, but for some reason I'm terrible with those and can never find anything from them.

A friend of a friend is moving and does not want to take her ball python with her, and is offering it to me for free. I told her that I wanted to have a look at it on Wednesday, and she agreed.

I've spent the past few months reading about their care, housing and all of that on the intrntz (was considering buying one with my Christmas bonus, but decided against it as my financial situation was grim at best), so I do have a fairly decent idea about how to house, feed and care for it.

Basically I'm asking for some friendly advice as to what I should look for when I go, as far as handleability, general health and signs that it wasn't cared for properly by the original owner/possible health risks. Any red flags that would indicate the snake could be more trouble than it should be? Any signs that it's been underfed/doesn't eat as it's supposed to, all of that?

Thanks!

[Colin Manning]

Well I just got my first ball python and its gorgeous. I cant pretend to be an expert but I can offer you some advice I picked up.

The snake should be in a clean, properly kitted of home. The ex-owner should show knowlege of the animal to show that they have cared enough to find out.

As far as the snake is concerned you should be sure it is feeding well. Ask to see it feed if you wish. The snake should be perfect to look at, i.e. no evidence of injury, smooth body etc. There are probably more qualified people to tell you what to look for here.

Make sure you handle the snake to see how you react to each other. These snakes ARE as placid as they are said to be, I could belive this myself until I held it the other day.

Apart from that, it seem that in the few days I've had my snake, it was a great desision to buy it. Any other question I will help with if I can, as a fellow new comer to snake owning

[nathaniel]

If the snake is wheezing or whistles when it breathes then there is something wrong. A ball that doesn't eat is not an abnormal ball either these snakes are know to not eat for long periods of time. Also if you decide to get the snake your going to want to allow it to acclimate. This means not handling it for a while after putting it into its new enclosure. And some will say you will want to handle the snake daily so it stays used to you and doesn't get scared.

[starmom]

I'm not sure if this is the right forum for this, as I'm a new member, sorry if it's not. I also tried the search, but for some reason I'm terrible with those and can never find anything from them.

A friend of a friend is moving and does not want to take her ball python with her, and is offering it to me for free. I told her that I wanted to have a look at it on Wednesday, and she agreed.

I've spent the past few months reading about their care, housing and all of that on the intrntz (was considering buying one with my Christmas bonus, but decided against it as my financial situation was grim at best), so I do have a fairly decent idea about how to house, feed and care for it.

Basically I'm asking for some friendly advice as to what I should look for when I go, as far as handleability, general health and signs that it wasn't cared for properly by the original owner/possible health risks. Any red flags that would indicate the snake could be more trouble than it should be? Any signs that it's been underfed/doesn't eat as it's supposed to, all of that?

Thanks!

It's good that you've done some research so that you already have an educated eye when you see the snake. Check the temps and the humidity of the enclosure that it's in. Make sure the tank or tub has the husbandry items that balls require. Ask to see the feeding and shedding records.
Look at the snake: Is there any stuck shed? Are their stuck eye caps? Is the skin loose from dehydration or nice and tight? Are the muscles tight and solid? Can you see the ribs as a result from poor weight? Does it curl into a ball when you hold it and then come out of the ball showing some curiosity? What is the vibe you get? (I know, very unscientific, but valid none the less...!)
Let us know what your decision is! Good luck!!

[abhorrent]

Thank you guys very much.

I'll make sure to check back for more advice a few times before I go and scope out the snake, and will let you know how everything went when I return.