New to Ball Python scene - Handling

Okay, if you have read my 1st post you would know that i am new to the Ball python scene. Yesterday i went to the pet co and i looked at some baby ball pythons. I was going to pick one up but the 1st one that was picked up wasn't so happy so he was sat back down. The 2nd was doing fine until some guy asked to hold it. When this guy held it he really didn't know how to hold it because the snake was try to move around but he had his hands restrainig it, i felt bad for the poor snake and was kinda of madd because i wanted to hold it, but the guy already made it upset by trying to make it stay still... My question today is what are some good handling and behaviors tips that would be helpful in making Baby ball pythons accustum to be held and use to handling? i heard that handling them at least once a day would make them use to handling but i want to know what else is good for them too?

some handle them daily, and some not so often. Me, i don't handle them so often.

Now, look at the behavior that those ball pythons exhibited. Do you really want that? That, to me, sounds like a very stressed out ball python. chances are, when you take one of those home, it will not eat and you will get frustrated because you think you're doing something wrong.

My advice, stay clear from the pet stores. You'll have great luck with professionals online. After you pay S&H, the cost will even out....

Please do your research. Ball pythons are great, but can be frustrating at times.

Keep in mind that the babies at Petco are mostly stressed out from being poorly kept there.


My local Petco has 10 babies in one enclosure, all striking. They aren't mean, they are scared, and not offered proper hides (usually just have one HUGE 1/2 log hide).

I asked to look at one the last time I was in there, and the reptile person was too afraid of getting bitten and I had to reach in and get the one I wanted to look at myself.

For the same amount of money as buying one from Petco, you can find a well-started captive hatched or captive bred snake (including shipping).

Will Bird has some here: http://www.ectotherms.net

wow robin i love the way you think ;)

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Originally Posted by rabernet

For the same amount of money as buying one from Petco, you can find a well-started captive hatched or captive bred snake (including shipping).

Will Bird has some here: http://www.ectotherms.net

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I need your help here.
I am a little confused , propably bacause my English they are not so good.
How much it will cost me the shipping? (I live in Greece) :rolleye2:
+ Will they be alive when they arrive?

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Originally Posted by kostas

I need your help here.
I am a little confused , propably bacause my English they are not so good.
How much it will cost me the shipping? (I live in Greece) :rolleye2:
+ Will they be alive when they arrive?

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William,

I don't believe that Will ships internationally. Generally, shipping and CITES paperwork averages about $500.

they have petco in greece? wow. its true thats a new one to add the the list of store in americanized countries i bet theres a mcdonalds right next door. lmao. no i would never buy from a petco all i buy from there are my mice. there snakes are in horrible conditions recently my local petco had all of there bp's die from mights and dehydration (even after i told them what to do for the might and to get them hydrated they did nothing thats very disturbing to me it seems lik peoplee dont care unless an animal is fluffly and barks or meows) :mad:

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Originally Posted by sg1trogdor

they have petco in greece? wow. its true thats a new one to add the the list of store in americanized countries i bet theres a mcdonalds right next door. lmao. no i would never buy from a petco all i buy from there are my mice. there snakes are in horrible conditions recently my local petco had all of there bp's die from mights and dehydration (even after i told them what to do for the might and to get them hydrated they did nothing thats very disturbing to me it seems lik peoplee dont care unless an animal is fluffly and barks or meows) :mad:

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Okay, definetly wont buy from Petco but i would check out other local pet stores in the city of Brotherly Love

The BP we have was bought at Petco ( I'm sorry to say ). This snake stills strikes once in will after six month, but seems to be getting better with handling. Our next one will come from a breeder, but all in all it's in good healthy condition.

And if you need any other convincing, my healthy-appearing baby ball from Petco died of a disease a month after I bought it.. :( (sorry for everyone here who's sick of hearing me talk about it!) Do a little research on the store first!