Hi, new person with a question

Hi, I am new and dont have a ball Python yet. I am dong a bunch of reading on the site and learning as much as I can. I was wondering if people find temperament differences between male and female ball pythons.
Thanks for any help you can give
Christine

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Originally Posted by Christine

Hi, I am new and dont have a ball Python yet. I am dong a bunch of reading on the site and learning as much as I can. I was wondering if people find temperament differences between male and female ball pythons.
Thanks for any help you can give
Christine

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I have had nice ones of each sex and snotty one of each sex :P.Its best to handle the ones your looking at as it kinda helps to show thier tempermants.

I have not personally seen any difference between males and females as far as temperament. I've had a few nasty ones from either sex but with handling they have calmed down.

I agree with Joe, always try to handle a Ball python if you're thinking of purchasing it to see the temperament. Whether it's a male or female it doesn't matter, either sex can be docile or mean. Normally Ball pythons are docile, but there are some nasty ones out there. If you're purchasing from a breeder, inform him/her that you want a docile one, and I'm sure they'll find a docile one for you.

I was wondering this same thing. Figured females would be more temperament

I have both males and females and to me it doesn't seem to matter. What it does seem to matter are a couple of variables. The age of the snake (hatchlings can be a little snippy), how many times its been handled, and feeding habits.

Since it sounds like your considering on getting a bp. I think you should ask yourself a few questions so you have a better idea what to aim for.

1. Do you plan on breeding your bp?
2. Do you want a normal or a morph?

The reason its important is so your aware of somethings. I wish I planned a little better myself. I first just wanted a pet and than later, I jumped into wanting to breed. So:

If your planning on breeding it takes 3 yrs for a female bp to be ready for breeding. Females cost more than males, so if your planning on just a pet I would aim for a male.

Morphs are beautiful, but depending on your budget they can break your bank. Normals are less expensive and just like morphs make wonderful pets. Many people get normal females in the intention to breed them to a male morph to get lots of morph babies, because males are less expensive. ;)

Good luck and hope to see pics of your new baby!

I've found that sex doesn't matter too much on temperament. There can be hellions in both sexes, as well as very calm ones in either sex!!:cool:

I see so many beautiful snakes for sale but wasnt sure if it made a difference on what sex to get.I am glad I asked. Thanks a bunch for the advice about handling and asking the breeder for a docile animal.

Also, not sure if it would make a difference when choosing your snake, but the females do tend to get somewhat bigger than the males!

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Originally Posted by CoolioTiffany

I agree with Joe, always try to handle a Ball python if you're thinking of purchasing it to see the temperament. Whether it's a male or female it doesn't matter, either sex can be docile or mean. Normally Ball pythons are docile, but there are some nasty ones out there. If you're purchasing from a breeder, inform him/her that you want a docile one, and I'm sure they'll find a docile one for you.

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One very good advice when it comes to purchasing herps; not just balls but I guess it also applies to other snakes like retics, kings, etc.

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Originally Posted by Evilme5229

I have both males and females and to me it doesn't seem to matter. What it does seem to matter are a couple of variables. The age of the snake (hatchlings can be a little snippy), how many times its been handled, and feeding habits.

Since it sounds like your considering on getting a bp. I think you should ask yourself a few questions so you have a better idea what to aim for.

1. Do you plan on breeding your bp?
2. Do you want a normal or a morph?

The reason its important is so your aware of somethings. I wish I planned a little better myself. I first just wanted a pet and than later, I jumped into wanting to breed. So:

If your planning on breeding it takes 3 yrs for a female bp to be ready for breeding. Females cost more than males, so if your planning on just a pet I would aim for a male.

Morphs are beautiful, but depending on your budget they can break your bank. Normals are less expensive and just like morphs make wonderful pets. Many people get normal females in the intention to breed them to a male morph to get lots of morph babies, because males are less expensive. ;)

Good luck and hope to see pics of your new baby!

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Right now I am just looking to purchase my first. So breeding isnt on my mind but ya never know anything is possible. I do like the morphs and have a little money saved up for something special. I guess I will just have to see what appeals to me. I have seen a few that are real pretty. I also was thinking of going to the long island reptile expo.I want to educate myself as much as possible before I buy anything.The other thing I want is to try to find a animal that is feeding on frozen feeders. Just to not have to deal with live animals.
So the search begins LOL, and I will totally post a pic of the new baby when I get one.
Thanks
Christine

Having f/t or prekill mice/rats do have their downsides just as much as live. A lot of bps will take either, some will only take live, and some prefer f/t prekill. I haven't daveled in prekill or f/ts. I'm afraid of throwing away the investment if they don't eat it, and not warming it up correctly or over doing it. At least with live if they don't eat it, you can save it for another day. If you get like me, theres always another snake that will eat it. Live can have its downfalls too. The snake can get bit, especially if your not supervising your snake. But, I haven't had a problem with any snake getting bit and most of my friends whos have gotten bit was nothing serious. Most were because it was a small or medium rat (which are way more curious and sometimes more aggressive). Good luck and enjoy lots of information and tons of beautiful bps out there.

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Originally Posted by Christine

Right now I am just looking to purchase my first. So breeding isnt on my mind but ya never know anything is possible. I do like the morphs and have a little money saved up for something special. I guess I will just have to see what appeals to me. I have seen a few that are real pretty. I also was thinking of going to the long island reptile expo.I want to educate myself as much as possible before I buy anything.The other thing I want is to try to find a animal that is feeding on frozen feeders. Just to not have to deal with live animals.
So the search begins LOL, and I will totally post a pic of the new baby when I get one.
Thanks
Christine

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Good job on doing your research first! The best advice I can give you is if you are planning on going to a reptile show, have an enclosure up and running before you go. Ball Pythons are magical and they will all be casting a love spell on you from the moment you walk in the door and there is about a 97% chance that you will be taking one home... :D If you do only want to go to look and educate yourself then leave your cash and credit cards at home. Oh, and wear a tinfoil hat to resist their little Ball Python Mind Tricks...:rofl: