So I want to get a ball python....

First off, hey everyone!

I'm going to be moving into a new place soon, and I'd like to get a pet ball python. I'm parting ways with my snake phobic roommate -so I've been looking into it.

I'd like to get a non wild-caught, captive bred ball that feeds on pre-killed mice.

I guess my question is, should I look into buying from a breeder to be sure of the health / feeding routines of the snake, or go to a pet store? I've found one ball breeder site so far ( http://www.rcreptiles.com/ ) - wanted to know if anyone else had some places they recommended, or had any experience with the company listed above.

P.S. I've already read a TON of stuff online about proper feeding and husbandry, but does anyone have any books they recommend?

Thanks!

Corey,
I have never dealt with RCReptiles before, so I don't know anything about them. As far as other breeders, many people on this site have their own sites and have captive bred babies available. Just look around. As far as any questions that you may have, ask away, also try the search feature, as most questions you have have probably been asked before. Also, there are stickies at the top of most forums, dig around in those for a while, and most of your questions will probably be answered.
Welcome Aboard.

Welcome! I would recommend that you read our care sheet. It has all the correct husbandry info.. some of the care sheets that you find online have incorrect info.

http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules....warticle&id=52

Definitely get a ball from a breeder and NOT a pet store. Pet store animals are frequently unhealthy and many are wild caught.

Corey,

You've picked a great message board to join. There is a ton of info on this site. If you follow the advice Tim gave, you will be able to more than prepare for getting your BP. As far as books, I personally have read "The Ball Python Manual" and it turned out to be a great resource for me. Another book I have seen mentioned on this site is "The Complete Ball Python" by Kevin McCurley. Owners of the book seem to like it and i'm probably gonna buy it in the future.

Good Luck and Welcome

Welcome! Where are you located? That might help us help you find a local breeder.

Jamie

Hi, Corey. I'm new here as well, so welcome!

From my very limited experience, I strongly suggest buying from a good breeder. I only have 2 baby balls, one bought from a pet store and one from a breeder. The pet store snake is very sickly, has required quite a bit of medical care, and I'm really not sure he's going to survive. My breeder bought snake is fat, sassy, and eats every week like she's been waiting for me all day.

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Originally Posted by jglass38

Welcome! Where are you located? That might help us help you find a local breeder.

Jamie

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Jamie,

I'm currently living in Bowling Green, KY for school. My parents residence is in Nashville, TN.

Thanks!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Vex

Jamie,

I'm currently living in Bowling Green, KY for school. My parents residence is in Nashville, TN.

Thanks!

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I know Rabernet (Robin) has had good experiences with Will Bird. He is in Kentucky. http://www.ectotherms.net/ecto-cms/index.php .

I also have a nice 05 male that will make an awesome pet if you were interested (I always like to pimp myself :) )

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RockSolid

"The Ball Python Manual"

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I bought this book and found it a terrible disappointment, It sounds like it was written in the 70's and the overall tone I got from it is "Your ball python is probably going to die 5 minutes after you get it home anyway but may as well try but if it lives it WILL get mites and an RI! Happy trails!"
Plus this image freaked me out:
http://img394.imageshack.us/img394/1136/p301841dz6.jpg
:o those nails!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jglass38

I know Rabernet (Robin) has had good experiences with Will Bird. He is in Kentucky. http://www.ectotherms.net/ecto-cms/index.php .

I also have a nice 05 male that will make an awesome pet if you were interested (I always like to pimp myself :) )

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I will be nice here Jamie ;) .Next time watch out lol.