Best Time to Buy?

Is there a time of year when it's better to buy than others? I won't be able to get a BP until July, but that seems a while after the hatching season. Do BPs get in short supply around that time of year, or are there plenty of "regular" BPs to go around, even then? Are there still very young hatchlings at that time? Or am I looking at several months old at least?

Edit: Any good breeders in the Colorado Springs or surrounding area?

Thanks!

I purchased Kashmire in July last year, and I had no problems finding him. I would think you would prefer a well-started baby that's a few months old that has eaten for their breeder a few times.


In fact, you can find ball pythons available most times of the year (maybe not in pet stores) but definitely when buying direct from a breeder.

I'm not sure about breeders in CO (is that where ProExotics is? If so, they have a good reputation), but I've not purchased any of my balls locally, all have been purchased from breeders or distributors out of state and shipped to me, except my newest aquisition, which is a pet store surrendered adult female.

July is probably about the best time to start looking. Most of the '06 babies will be hatched and established by then and you shouldn't have any trouble finding the one that is just right for you. :)

I checked out the ProExotics site, but they no longer have a storefront in Denver...

I'd really prefer to buy from a good breeder, and if possible I'd like to see the snake for myself as opposed to a "sight unseen" mail order purchase. Any breeder sites out there that have pictures of each individual for sale BP?

Unfortunately, looks like I won't save any money - even though the breeders sell males for $30, looks like shipping is another $45 since it has to be overnight, so I won't save any money over PetCo, but I really don't want to buy from PetCo if I dont' have to. (And Pet City and Pet Ranch are RIGHT OUT!!!)

Actually, July is the perfect time to find a nice normal BP, because a lot have hatched and have fed a few times, so it is when a lot of breeders are selling their babies.

While there have been certainly many people who have had bad experiences with big chain pet stores, we got our ball python from our local, albeit brand new and spotless, PetCo, and she has been purty darn perfect for us. Eats like a horse, settled in really quickly, seems comfortable, poops, pees, sheds, yawns and looks cute...=)

Just wanted to share a positive experience, although I know many have not been as lucky as Rick and I.

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Originally Posted by TraconSnake

I checked out the ProExotics site, but they no longer have a storefront in Denver...

I'd really prefer to buy from a good breeder, and if possible I'd like to see the snake for myself as opposed to a "sight unseen" mail order purchase. Any breeder sites out there that have pictures of each individual for sale BP?

Unfortunately, looks like I won't save any money - even though the breeders sell males for $30, looks like shipping is another $45 since it has to be overnight, so I won't save any money over PetCo, but I really don't want to buy from PetCo if I dont' have to. (And Pet City and Pet Ranch are RIGHT OUT!!!)

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Why don't you try contacting ProExotics and see if they provide pictures and if you can do pick-up instead of shipping?

We have great breeders here that visit this forum - Adam of 8ballpythons, Kara of NERD, Joe Compel to name a few. I know that Adam and Joe have pictures on their websites of what they are offering, and if you don't see what you're looking for, ask. I'm also pretty sure that NERD also shows what they have available.

Honestly, when picking out a healthy animal, you do get what you pay for. I'd rather pay a little more from a reputable breeder (those I mentioned would all qualify) and know that I'm getting a quality animal, than to try to cut corners and find a cheaper snake.

The other thing to consider is that you will have a healthy animal of known sex, when purchasing from a reputable breeder. Whereas if you purchase from a pet store, you will not know if it's eating and any history on it. Plus the post purchase support of a breeder can't be beat. ;)