what's up with undersized snakes for sale?

So my girl wants to start a ball python project together and I'm looking around at various classifieds..

I can't BELIEVE how many undersized '08s and '09s I see posted. < 400 grams for a snake that is at least a year and a few months old, and possibly close to 2 years old? I'm not the only one who looks at ages and weights and thinks "gee, I'm staying far away from that snake because it's very likely a problem feeder", am I?

Oh man, yeah I would be afraid of an '08 that was under 400 grams. Either they aren't well taken care of or they are tough feeders. They do grow at different rates, but that is way small for an adult snake. I have late '10s sitting at or close to 400 grams. Although I do have a '09 that is barely 400 grams. He's a tough feeder and has been really sketchy about eating. If they are that small and the breeders aren't well known I would stay away from them.

Not all snakes grow at the same rate. Personally, I'd just contact the breeder. Maybe they feed their animals sparringly? Maybe the animal was a runt/boob egg? Maybe they don't have the age right? Maybe, maybe maybe. Ask and see or pass it by.

I know what you mean when I was going to get another "rescue" one you can call it. I was looking in the uncle henrys and craigslist and it was nuts. I talked to somone who was feeding there 4ft bp 2 mice every 2 weeks? I just gave up if the snake was free I would have took them all in just because I dont understand how people cat judge when and what to feed there animals.

when i see that from someone i dont know anything about i usually pass right by. some people get the habit of feeding less or smaller prey to save money and increase profits. thats why i look for hatchlings cuz i know they will be taken care of from the beginning, unless they have a good rep of course

I am the same way.

I ask to be sure, but not everyone will tell you the truth. So you have to word it carefully. Don't ask if it's a problem feeder, ask what it eats and how often. Some people are stupid, some are lazy a few are just mean, but now and again you'll find a pearl hidden in the muddy oysters.

Gale