Look everyone! I've got my first Ball Python!

Congrats and enjoy! Glad ya found the right one :)

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Originally Posted by Crazymonkee

Congrats and enjoy! Glad ya found the right one :)

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Me too, haha. Don't get me wrong. The first one is still a beaut. I just like this one more. Not to mention the fact that this one is coming from a local breeder that I can actually meet, and see the parents.. etc etc.. Ya know!

Just my :2cent: I would not put them together even for one night. You never know what one of them may have and pass onto the other girl. I don't support Petco one bit because they don't take care of their pets really at all. However, since we are local I might be interested!! :D

Beautiful BP and beautiful set up too!

OK SO, HERES THE DEAL.... Richard Batson and Amanda Baron from 'Off The Rack Reptiles' just left my house. They brought a bunch of AMAZING BPs. It was awesome. Now, I showed them my pinstripe and they immediately showed me everything wrong with her. Apparently, she in no way shape or form was hatched in June. They said she was AT LEAST 4 months old and should weigh 200 grams. On the left side of her face, she has an abscess caused by broken teeth and an infection in the gums. She is stuck in at least one full shed, head to tail. They mentioned that she was emaciated. the spine was triangular, you can feel the ribs, and her yolk crease is from the normal spot all the way to the tail. That is caused by compensation. She is sucking in her belly so the outside of her belly scales can make solid contact with whatever she may be moving on. They said, 'I could have the most aggressive snake in the world but never know it because she is so weak.


Now, I too will never purchase reptiles from Petco again.


I completely thought I was getting the most healthy snake in the store. I did copious amounts of research before purchasing my first BP and i confidently feel that I'm responsible enough to care for it. BUT, what I also lack experience in is comparison from a sick snake to a healthy snake. It is like night and day. The new girl I picked up. She really did pip on July 13, 2013. So, shes a bit over a month old. The Petco pinstripe is AT LEAST 4 months old and weighs 97 grams. The new pinstripe, her skin.... ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS. The Petco pinstripe, not so much. its all shiny, dull and dark. I never considered the fact that she had an entire head to tail shed that she is stuck in. Now, head comparison. You can just tell that the Petco pin is much older. The head is almost twice the length. Not to mention the abscess on her nose. Richard Batson from 'Off The Rack Reptiles' without hesitation knew exactly what to look for.

Petco Pinstripe:
Abscess+Scaring on the nose and roof of mouth.
Broken teeth on left top of mouth.
Swelling inside, and on roof of mouth.
Emaciated.
50% length belly crease.
Spine and Ribs showing.

I wish i was knowledgeable enough to know what they were selling me. To me, it 'appeared' to be healthy. It's almost infuriating because I am exactly the type of customer that they want. Its all about the $$$ and numbers. They unloaded a snake and are carefree now. 15 day return policy is *not right* the breeders say because most problem dont show up until 30-90 days, that is IF they have something. Mine is already showing symptoms.


ANYWAY.....

I've taken the add down off craigslist.com

I cleaned everything. Top to bottom, left to right. Im sterilizing everything in the viv and putting new substrate in. That will now be her new home. The Petco Pinstripe is quarantined from the new addition in a separate tank. Husbandry is just right too.

I now have a breeder that will stand behind me when I do go to return the snake to Petco at 9:00 am tomorrow morning. Richard told me to just say I want my money back and if there are any issues to have the manager call him and he will put him in his place.


BEWARE Petco is not 'the place where pets go'! Its the place where emaciated sick animals are pawned off to customers.

I will post new pictures of the new girl soon. I don't want to stress out the baby. Here is one picture of her that the breeder had. I've also got pictures of the parents that I will post as well. Tomorrow is another day!
http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/x...g?t=1378277832

This is why I made my statement in my last post. Petco is horrible! I feel bad for the pinstripe that is sadly probably not going to make it. I bet petco will put it right back in the enclosure and try to sell it again. Please for the sake of other animals file a complaint with petco corporate.
On another note, congrats on the new girl!! Cant wait to see pics!

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Originally Posted by Ronin

This is why I made my statement in my last post. Petco is horrible! I feel bad for the pinstripe that is sadly probably not going to make it. I bet petco will put it right back in the enclosure and try to sell it again. Please for the sake of other animals file a complaint with petco corporate.
On another note, congrats on the new girl!! Cant wait to see pics!

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The terrible thing about it too is that this was my FIRST and LAST experience with Petco and reptile purchases. What are the odds? Go figure. I heard all the horror stories before, never thought I'd be a victim.

Very Beautiful!

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Originally Posted by Gessler

OK SO, HERES THE DEAL.... Richard Batson and Amanda Baron from 'Off The Rack Reptiles' just left my house. They brought a bunch of AMAZING BPs. It was awesome. Now, I showed them my pinstripe and they immediately showed me everything wrong with her. Apparently, she in no way shape or form was hatched in June. They said she was AT LEAST 4 months old and should weigh 200 grams. On the left side of her face, she has an abscess caused by broken teeth and an infection in the gums. She is stuck in at least one full shed, head to tail. They mentioned that she was emaciated. the spine was triangular, you can feel the ribs, and her yolk crease is from the normal spot all the way to the tail. That is caused by compensation. She is sucking in her belly so the outside of her belly scales can make solid contact with whatever she may be moving on. They said, 'I could have the most aggressive snake in the world but never know it because she is so weak.

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They brought some of their collection to your house?? :O:O At that point you need to QT everything you own, good thing its only two. I would even QT my dog now.
I would like to know how they "aged" your ball, it would be good information to know.
I wont bother with the rest of my quote because some of that is hard to tell in pictures.

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Originally Posted by PitOnTheProwl

They brought some of their collection to your house?? :O:O At that point you need to QT everything you own, good thing its only two. I would even QT my dog now.
I would like to know how they "aged" your ball, it would be good information to know.
I wont bother with the rest of my quote because some of that is hard to tell in pictures.

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Oh, I didn't know that was a big deal. They just brought the last clutch of babies that were available. All extremely healthy and gorgeous. None over 200g. It was about 6-7 different morphs that I've never seen in person. Do you really think it was a mistake for him to bring them over? he brought them all in tubs. He even has a heated enclosure in his vehicle for transportation to shows and venues. He completely legit. The ottoman that I have in my living room is where everything went down. After all the snakes were put away etc etc, I disinfected the area where we did the viewing. Its not like I had a zoo of snakes crawling all around my house, lol. Should I be worried? These people are l.e.g.i.t, for real. I will only deal with these people for the time being. They're local, knowledgeable, experienced, and extremely nice people. If i ever have issues Richard himself said he would take care of it no matter what it may be.

As far as the age estimation... That was determined completely on their part. Im not experienced enough to do that but.. You can obviously tell just by looking that the Petco one is most definitely a more developed snake (minus the emaciation and the issues) the bone structure is most definitely larger than what I just received from them. The muscle growth, sadly wasn't there. What they were telling me was right in front of me, I just didn't know what to look for when buying a new snake. The sad thing about it is, I thought she was the healthiest looking snake in Petco. Gives you an idea on the conditon of the rest of them. When I go there today, here in a little bit, I will take pictures of the snakes they have there for all of you to see. Not only will I post them here. I will take Ronin's advice and send an email to corporate along with said pictures.

Not to mention my dog had no part in this. He was in our bedroom when they came over. (Where my snakes NEVER go. THATS for my mancave. :) )

Do you really think I should be worried about him bringing over the snakes? I washed my hands after with antibacterial soap. As did everyone else. Then I used Lysol for disinfection of the surfaces.

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Originally Posted by Gessler

Not to mention my dog had no part in this. He was in our bedroom when they came over. (Where my snakes NEVER go. THATS for my mancave. :) )

Do you really think I should be worried about him bringing over the snakes? I washed my hands after with antibacterial soap. As did everyone else. Then I used Lysol for disinfection of the surfaces.

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You're fine. :)

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Originally Posted by rabernet

You're fine. :)

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Thanks rabernet, thats what I thought.

Congrats!! I'm quite new to all this stuff aswell, got my first ball python Saturday!!:D He hasn't got a name yet though :(. Good luck :)

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Originally Posted by Gessler

Not to mention my dog had no part in this. He was in our bedroom when they came over. (Where my snakes NEVER go. THATS for my mancave. :) )

Do you really think I should be worried about him bringing over the snakes? I washed my hands after with antibacterial soap. As did everyone else. Then I used Lysol for disinfection of the surfaces.

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The dog part was a joke BUT on a serious note, I don't and wont take any of my hatchlings to peoples house. It opens them up to potential issues.

very interesting thread

Ok so... Petco gave me a full refund and assured me that the snake would get the treatment it needs. (We can only hope.)


Now... What to name my new girl? :) Ive got a few in mind, maybe I'll start a poll :) Can I do that here?

Glad it worked out for ya! I hope it works out for the snake as well, but I don't have high hopes on that.
As for names... I'm sure you'll come up with something that represents her well :)

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Whenever my wife and I first saw her, I pointed out that she had a very nice olive color to her pinstripe. My wife was like, 'Oliveeeeee, THAT should be her name!'

That is one of two that I am considering.

-Olive
&
-Pandora (WHICH I ABSOLUTELY LOVE! Reason being, she has a very reduced pattern on her sides. But, there are a few small 'sketches' of things like a little triangle, teardrop, and a trophy. But there is a perfect little, quarter-inch by quarter-inch box that is center mass on the side of her body in her pattern. [You know, like, 'Pandora's Box'] Like I said before, she just got here and I'm not disturbing her just yet. I will let her have her own alone time for a few days before I handle her and take pictures for you guys. You'll soon see!)

I like both ideas but love Olive. My rabbits name is Oliver :)

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Heres what you've all been waiting for! She was just roaming around in her viv. i opened up the top, held my hand out, and she slithered off the tree into my hand and hung out with me for a little bit. Snapped a couple photos too. The first two are her parents.

Her Father
http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/x...psc63f4e4a.jpg

Her Mother (My baby girl is in one of those eggs in this pic!)
http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/x...psd1e5c44d.jpg

And now here she is!!!!
http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/x...psc9bb8b6f.jpghttp://i751.photobucket.com/albums/x...ps6aef55ee.jpghttp://i751.photobucket.com/albums/x...pse4e1eac7.jpghttp://i751.photobucket.com/albums/x...ps14834bd9.jpg

In the last picture you can clearly see the little white 'box' that I was talking about in her pattern. The whole reason why I was thinking of naming her 'Pandora'. My wife and I also like the name 'Olive', as I mentioned before. I just can't decide yet. They both seem to suit her very well.

What do you guys think? Which do you like better?

Olive or Pandora?

Post comments below!

Congrats! She's beautiful :)
I already cast my vote lol

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Originally Posted by Crazymonkee

Congrats! She's beautiful :)
I already cast my vote lol

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So its... Olive: 1 Pandora: 0



I thought I'd have a few more comments by morning :)

See I win lol

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I vote Olive!

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Originally Posted by LooptyLoo

I vote Olive!

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Olive:2 Pandora:0



I guess my wife's vote counts too. ;P




Olive:3 Pandora:0

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Originally Posted by Gessler

Olive:3 Pandora:0

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I think I see where this is going. :)

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Originally Posted by Gessler

I think I see where this is going. :)

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I showed my husband, and he has voted Pandora, lol :P

Pandora :)

Olive is such a little cutie. ;)

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Originally Posted by Badgemash

Olive is such a little cutie. ;)

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lol! I'll give it till tomorrow morning. Give the other members a chance to vote. :)



Currently...


Olive: 4 Pandora:2



Thanks everyone! Keep 'em coming!

Or, how about this... We will set the 'name game' score cap @ 10.

First name to 10 votes wins!

I vote pandora

Olive:4 Pandora:3

Anyone else? :D

Pandora

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Pandora!

Pandora takes the lead!


Pandora:5 Olive:4


Keep them coming! 10 votes names her!

Ahh dang. I've been watching this... I should vote. Pandora.

Just because there's a little quirk to her pattern that goes with the name. I like that.

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Originally Posted by kat_black181

Ahh dang. I've been watching this... I should vote. Pandora.

Just because there's a little quirk to her pattern that goes with the name. I like that.

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I know, right? Thats... Pandora:6 Olive:4

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/x...ps14834bd9.jpg

But, then again her stripe is very, very 'Olive'! :D
http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/x...ps6aef55ee.jpg

Keep the votes comin'! 10 votes names her!


[Disclaimer: Just in case anyone was wondering.. I love both names and I think both suit her very, very well. I won't be upset with either. Since I'm new here, I just thought I'd do something a little different on BP.net :salute:]

Ok Pandora!

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Originally Posted by ROACH

Ok Pandora!

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Pandora:7 Olive:4

Beautiful girl!
I vote Olive. :3

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Originally Posted by Kat_Dog

Beautiful girl!
I vote Olive. :3

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Pandora:7 Olive:5

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Originally Posted by Gessler

Do you really think I should be worried about him bringing over the snakes? I washed my hands after with antibacterial soap. As did everyone else. Then I used Lysol for disinfection of the surfaces.

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I know you already returned the snake but in this topic you don't need to be super worried but generally you don't mix other people's reptiles (and new additions) with your. Most likely they are all healthy critters but if one is sick all the rest can get sick. That's why you MIGHT have an issue. It's just safer to not mix them and then there is no chance of issues. From the problems you mentioned about your old snake really the other people would be the ones that would have to worry having their most likely healthy snakes around yours which sounded like it had a lot of health issues.

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Originally Posted by van_garret2000

I know you already returned the snake but in this topic you don't need to be super worried but generally you don't mix other people's reptiles (and new additions) with your. Most likely they are all healthy critters but if one is sick all the rest can get sick. That's why you MIGHT have an issue. It's just safer to not mix them and then there is no chance of issues. From the problems you mentioned about your old snake really the other people would be the ones that would have to worry having their most likely healthy snakes around yours which sounded like it had a lot of health issues.

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Yeah, I understand the risks involved now. I'm pretty sure everything is ok. There was no 'mixing'. Lots of washing hands and cleanup with Lysol. Not to mention I sterilized everything in the viv as well before my new girl moved in.