New to site and thinking about getting a ball python

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Originally Posted by tmurph17

Ive read that they can fast. You just have to watch their health and weight if they decide to do it. Also read to try to avoid anything side mice or rats. Like bigger rodents so they dont totally refuse mice again. Also starting with a young one whats the best for them? Frozen or live? Also do you guys feed them in their cages or in a separate area?

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Welcome! I totally agree that these snakes are the "gateway" snake. I'm all about only having one of each animal and am now plotting my 2nd snake. :rolleyes: Addictive for sure. They do fast but there are TONS of posts on here about how to handle that. This is a great place for hands on advice you can't get from any caresheet. I've actually never really heard of feeding BPs anything other than mice or rats. The frozen/live debate is honestly a personal preference thing. I like live because for me, part of owning the snake is watching it's natural behavior. You don't get much more natural than feeding time. I agree with what someone else said though; being from Alaska, feeding live may be an issue due to availability. The big box stores like Petsmart/Petco only have frozen available. You would have to find like a Ma and Pa or just locally owned chain store that sold them. F/T you can buy via the WWW and have shipped which therefore provides an unlimited food source. It's generally cheaper as well. Also, I agree with purchasing your snake via a breeder. BTW, snakes can be shipped via Fedex so there's no need to find a local breeder. :gj: A reputable breeder will generally provide healthier animals and for most people it's important knowing the general background of the animal. With big box stores you don't get that peace of mind. I think most would agree proper husbandry is the key here. The best research you could ever do is for proper enclosure set up IMO. Good luck to you.

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Originally Posted by reptiliachnids

Amazing. I couldnt have been happier when I got my first! But its true you can not stop at one its impossible. In as little as 3-4 months I have 5 ball pythons now.

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I'm just going to add, your fine with one until you join a reptile forum lol

Thanks for all the advice guys! I will look into where i want to get the snake then. I do want to start with a pretty young one so i can watch it grow over the years. Im currently looking for a vehicle to buy but once i have that my sights are all on getting my first bp. Till then ill just keep researching and checking the awesome advice i am getting here. I feel i did the right thing when i found this site!!! :rolleyes:

I work in receiving for a place in alaska so i know the rates for fedex shipping to here and its a ghastly cost. I think im gonna take my chance at petco and nuture my new love as much as possible. If i lived in the lower 48 i would think more about it.