Should I buy this Caramel ball?

[Metaphor]

Hello,

I'm new to the forum and pondering buying a caramel ball and his 20 gallon long setup. I've been without snakes for over 10 years now for various reasons and my boyfriend has agreed to one snake(I hope to talk him into maybe a couple more ). I've had a rescue normal ball before and this guy would be my second. He was apparently taken from a girl who had him in a "tiny tank with no heat source" and had no idea how to care for snakes. He also has a "slight neck kink"(not visible in picture, asking for more pics) which I know is common in caramels and the seller says he eats fine with it/is very active. I now live in the middle of nowhere so the opportunity to buy a ball outside of a pet store(expensive/unethical imo)/online doesn't come up very often. The seller is asking $150 for the snake, tank, heat lamp, under tank heater, hides, decor, etc. I've been out of the hobby for quite awhile and none of my current friends are snake people so I'd greatly appreciate your opinions. I was going to post a pic but the ad was flagged tonight. The seller is sending more pics and I'll post them asap.

[The Serpent Merchant]

That price is pretty good if the snake is in fact a caramel, and not sick.

Pictures would help.

Make sure you read these 2 threads, they should get you up to date on care

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ius)-Caresheet

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...t-Thermometers

Almost all reputable breeders can have a snake shipped straight to your door so if this doesn't work out I'm sure you can find another.

[BHReptiles]

As long as the snake eats and defecates fine, I don't see why it can't be a pet. If it does have a kink, I wouldn't breed it. However, I think it would be great for just a pet. The price sounds good. Just make sure the snake looks overall healthy.

[Metaphor]

Thanks for the replies. He's definitely a caramel and looks healthy but the picture didn't show the kink so I have no idea of the severity. He won't be used for breeding and the seller claims he has a good temperament(important because my boyfriend is a bit afraid of snakes). I'll post pictures as soon as I receive them. I've had snakes(rosy boas/corns) shipped to me with no problems before and I'll probably go that route if I don't adopt this guy.

[Metaphor]

http://ball-pythons.net/gallery/brow...mageuser=31260
Here are the pictures that he sent me.

[meowmeowkazoo]

http://ball-pythons.net/gallery/brow...mageuser=31260
Here are the pictures that he sent me.

Those pictures are really not that great. Holding the ball python in front of such a bright light doesn't show his colors very well at all.

[Metaphor]

Those pictures are really not that great. Holding the ball python in front of such a bright light doesn't show his colors very well at all.

Yeah, the original photo in the ad did not have the same lighting and he actually looked better. I'll see if I can get that one from the seller or I'll just take some myself when I see the snake in person.