First buy

The biggest problem with using something like Craigslist for a newer keeper is that they aren't as likely to know what to look for if the snake has been kept very poorly. It's not a good deal if you end up with a sick snake, are an inexperienced person and now facing vet bills and worry while you are still learning about how to care for a bp in the first place. Just my opinion really but I hate seeing a person's first experience with this wonderful species be one of worry, stress and unexpected vet costs. Some craigslist snakes are great but most are there becuase their previous owners just didn't care for them all that well.

I think, especially for a first snake, you want to go the route that will give you the best chance at a healthy, well started snake.

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Originally Posted by herrwest

I know some on here may say it's not the best choice but i got my ball python off of craigslist. You can find really good deals on ball pythons there, i got mine with two terrariums, heating pad and bulb for $40! Your also relieving the previous owner of there "burden", in some cases, not all. And in my case i helped out the snake, big time. It was in an unclean terrarium and now he's in a much better place with me. Just a thought when looking for your ball.

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While I have "adopted" (and I lose that term lightly, because most Craigslist posters are selling) several ball pythons from Craigslist, I would not recommend it for someone who has never had a ball python before.

My first adoption - which ended up truly being a rescue were two adult females that were so emaciated and malnourished, that the guy went from asking $150 for the pair, to giving them to me.

He fed them once every three months - when he "remembered" to feed them. They were supposed to be four or five years old, and they were 700 and 800 grams. They were so starved that they struck at any heat that moved past their enclosures.

I had the experience at the time, to know not to just keep feeding them as much as they could eat (they probably both would have eaten 5 or 6 small rats at one sitting if I'd let them). It was heart breaking to watch them constantly in hunt mode - NEVER relaxing, because they were starving and didn't want to miss a chance at another meal.

I did eventually re-hab them and re-home them.

Another Craigslist "adoption" was supposed to be three adult females and one baby female. One adult was male, and the balance were infested with mites. I am always prepared for mites, so I was able to deal with it swiftly.

It has not been my experience that Craigslist is where a new person to ball pythons should adopt from.

I will state however, that I did chose to use Craigslist to truly adopt out baby male ball pythons. Contrast my ad, to what you are used to seeing on Craigslist:

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/pet/794173196.html

As to the OP's original question - most of my collection has been shipped to me by FedEx, and I would not hesitate to purchase a well started baby from someone reputable. You can always inquire here in our inquiry section on someone's reputation if you are interested in buying from them.

buying online has been great for me. infact fed ex just visited me this morning at 9:30am with another one!