New Ball Python Coming!

Okay, thanks for the tips.

I've found a possible Ball Python. It lives in the Petsmart, and I was sure to inspect it, and it looks okay. There's tongue flicking going on. It sat curled up in a ball in my hand, and seemed mellow. I may be getting this one. D:

Can I start it in a 20 Gallon Long?

You can start it in a 10 gallon if you want (and might be preferred). From what I understand, they get spooked when they have such a big area.

If you go with a 20 long though, just keep it busy for him/her. Lots of plants, and at least 2 hides (1 warm, 1 cool).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kitedemon

the only additional thing I can mention is get the enclosure set up with the heat on thermostat substrate and hides basically everything including water in the water bowl at least ten days before the snake arrives so you can tune everything with out endangering your snake. A little patience will save tons of worry and grief later.

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^^what he said^^

Haven't seen this mentioned....get an accurite digital thermometer (like $10 at Wal-mart)...will be big help.

get your setup tuned (50-60 humidity etc,,) before getting a snake (as said before). Also, how much are they charging you and is the snake in its own cage in the store?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Brion99

Haven't seen this mentioned....get an accurite digital thermometer (like $10 at Wal-mart)...will be big help.

get your setup tuned (50-60 humidity etc,,) before getting a snake (as said before). Also, how much are they charging you and is the snake in its own cage in the store?

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They normally charge 80$, I believe (bloodsuckers). But, they're on "sale", so it would cost 50$ right now. And yes, it is housed in it's own cage.

Is there any reason not to just buy from a breeder? Either local or one of the online classified sites? Buying a animal from petsmart is just a really bad thing. I am not saying this is the norm but for me everytime I purchase any kind of animal from them it dies or is sick days later. You can probably get a normal from a breeder even shipped for less than $80. I know most pastel males are in the $75-$125 range. Just saying that if you are serious about keeping one you should probably look into getting one from a breeder that will have a great start on life vs petsmart. It will be healthy, eating, not costing you time & money for vet visits and mite treatments.

Just food for thought. I am not saying you will have the same bad luck as many do with them but is it worth the risk to get attached then it die from just being sick?

Personally I also would suggest a breeder. Generally speaking you will get a healthier animal and better advise and usually more support after the sale than you can get from most stores. Breeders need a good reputation to stay in business stores generally need a good location to stay in business.

I don't know any local breeders in my area, and my parents don't really want to. They seem to think the pet store is the "right" place. While I know that getting a Python from a professional breeder is probably better, I don't know if they want to deal with them. I'm really clueless on how to deal with breeders anyhow.

The employees at the store claim that the Python is eating without problems, and I got my Corn Snake from the same store, and it seems to be perfectly content.

Not all stores are equile some are really good some very poor. You have been in this one you have to judge it. Breeders are very easy to deal with generally you just call or send an email and tell them what you are looking for and they will often pick out a few animals they feel are appropriate and meet you somewhere and you can pick out the right one. Very easy.