Looking for a Piebald

[Ballpython007]

Since I am new too this, how do you go about shipping a snake? I am always afraid to buy any kind of animal online only because you don't know their temperaments.

[Rob]

Since I am new too this, how do you go about shipping a snake? I am always afraid to buy any kind of animal online only because you don't know their temperaments.

Call the breeder you choose and tell them exactly what you want. Most will be more then willing to help you find it. Then they box it up and the next day mr. Fed ex hands you your snake.

[Ballpython007]

I live in the middle of nowhere I am also afraid they won't make the next day delivery. Oh and how much does you ball weigh in that picture? I would like one about that size also

[liv]

You can also take your son to an expo to pick one out. That way you can see them in person and shop around a little. Plus, it's a fun outing and your kid will get to see tonnes of cool critters.

[Ballpython007]

How do I find out if there will be an expo? Sorry I have so many questions. We only have one snake and got him from a pet store so be using the Internet to learn everything.

[Rob]

You can also take your son to an expo to pick one out. That way you can see them in person and shop around a little. Plus, it's a fun outing and your kid will get to see tonnes of cool critters.

Yup, this is a great option as well. I'm taking my little guy to one in a couple weeks.
Also I'm not sure what he was weighing in that pic it was a while ago. But if your buying online, that size would be considered well started not a hatching.

[loonunit]

Shipping snakes is priority overnight with FedEx. That's the rule: FedEx will only ship them priority overnight. Most of us use ShipYourReptiles.com, some established breeders are certified directly with FedEx. Some who have been in the business a long time are actually certified with UPS. UPS doesn't certify to ship snakes anymore, so most of us ship via FedEx. SYR is basically acting as a proxy certified company doing the shipping through FedEx.

The animals *should* be shipped in insulated boxes, typically with either a heat pack or a cold pack, depending on the temperature. The animal is typically in either a deli container (with holes!) or a reptile bag, which is cushioned and kept a little ways away from the heat pack.

Part of researching a breeder is making sure that they're going to follow these guidelines. Good breeders know the rules. People with bad reputations often get them by shipping animals in uninsulated boxes with no cushioning or heat packs.

Generally living way out in the middle of nowhere is no problem. Packages very rarely lost... but you live someplace warm enough that the snake will be okay if it spends an extra day in transit. Some people in REALLY cold places just won't do business this time of year---I've had Dan Wolfe tell me "no" on a payment plan for a pied, because he's up in Montana and wanted to ship before the first snow. Probably the coldest place the snake is going to be is the FedEx hub. It used to always be Memphis, but FedEx has more hubs now, so it's hard to predict. Anyway, it's still worth checking the weather in Memphis. The snake would probably go Memphis to Fort Worth, and then spend several hours on a truck out to where you are.

[loonunit]

The North American Reptile Breeders Conference is one of the biggest expos. There's one in Arlington, TX, in a few weeks. I don't know if that's anywhere near you---it's a big state.

http://www.narbc.com/Arlington/arlington.html

Royal Constrictor Designs has a decent selection of ghosts:

http://www.royalconstrictordesigns.c...rarchy/13/1944

I've never bought from Garrick DeMeyer, but he has a good reputation.

[Rob]

I've never bought from Garrick DeMeyer, but he has a good reputation.

I have, he's another good guy to go with.

[Ballpython007]

We live about an hour and a half from Arlington.. Just talked to the kids an hubby and we are going in feb. yay! Can't wait!