Buying when off feed

I'm looking to buy my first ball python and came across this forum while doing my research. So, as the new guy, I was hoping someone could tell me if it is ok to buy a ball python that is off feed? I recently passed on an otherwise nice snake at a reptile store because they told me it was off feed for the winter.

I know they can go off feed for a variety of reasons and that would not be unusual. What I didn't know was if I should purchase one off feed since I would be new to owning BP and getting it to eat might be tricky.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

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Let me be the first to welcome you! I am new at this too but would guess that any snake that is off feed now will let you know when hungry. Surfing the cage at night along with some other signs. And if it was an established feeder before now then I wouldn't worry.

For me it would be a matter of age, sex and size, if someone told me the animal is 250 grams and under and of feed I would pass.

If there's a snake you're really interested in and they're telling you that it's been off feed but appearance-wise it looks healthy I would purchase it and take it straight to the vet for an exam and fecal to check for parasites.


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If it doesn’t have good body condition and is anything under a year old, I’d recommend passing if you don’t already have experience with ball pythons. In my opinion, anything under a year old doesn’t typically go on a winter fast. If it’s an adult or sub-adult with good body condition, then I’d probably make the purchase. They can be picky feeders, especially if their setup is off. Other causes could be illness or physical problems like parasites or impactions.

Speaking from recent experience, I have had three purchases in 2018 that were difficult feeders. Two of the three have eaten, but even with years of experience I find it stressful. :(

Thank you everyone for the advice. The snake I was looking at was already sold. It was a good snake and it was active. It seemed to have a good body weight and good muscle tone. I know better for the next one.

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