Tips on what to look for in buying my first BP would be appreciated!

[Breezy]

Hey all, I am very new to reptiles and after weeks of research and years of only being able to love snakes from a distance I feel ready and prepared to buy my first BP. Through manuals, forums, and other helpful sources I have learned a great deal about husbandry. I already have a tank set up with humidity sitting at 60% and with my warm hide hanging out right around 90F (heated w/ UTH w/ thermostat) and the cool side around 80ish. I'd like to buy a younger snake and have a 10gal set up and ready and a 20gal on standby in case I end up getting a snake a little older/bigger.
I plan on going to a reptile expo next weekend to check out the BPs there to see if I can find one. I find myself most worried about one thing in particular though... There are so many morphs out there and I have some in mind that look beautiful to me, but most important in my opinion is buying a healthy animal from a reputable breeder.

So, in short, my question is: what are things you look for in buying a healthy BP? Also, what do you look for in a reputable breeder?

Thank you all in advance for any tips on things to look for or avoid!
(If this is something that has already been asked/answered, my apologies. I'm new to the site and couldn't find anything similar using the search but I probably missed something.)

[Rikoku]

When you get to the show, most breeders names will be listed in their booths, do a quick check on a couple of BOI's to see if there is any reputation for those breeders.

Fauna Classified: http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/foru...splay.php?f=13

Check around the eyes to see if you can spot any signs of mites. Make sure the snake is flickering its tongue and has a nice pink/reddish color to it. No stuck shed. You are going to want to make sure the snake looks overall healthy.

[cletus]

Ask the breeder/seller specific questions about the feeding history about the animal. Make sure you get an established feeder. I wouldn't buy anything that hasn't been feeding consistently for at least 4 or 5 weeks. I'm sure others will chime in on that as well. I would also take a look at Morph Market to get an idea of morphs are selling for so you have an idea of prices in advance. If a deal seems too good to be true, be wary.

[Breezy]

Thanks so much! Very helpful site.

Thanks for those tips as well!

[bcr229]

When you get to the show, most breeders names will be listed in their booths, do a quick check on a couple of BOI's to see if there is any reputation for those breeders.

Fauna Classified: http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/foru...splay.php?f=13

Check around the eyes to see if you can spot any signs of mites. Make sure the snake is flickering its tongue and has a nice pink/reddish color to it. No stuck shed. You are going to want to make sure the snake looks overall healthy.

Exactly this. If you can find the show promoter on Facebook they usually list a vendor list so you can do some research before you attend the expo.

I would also have the quarantine enclosure set up and running for several days before the expo to make sure you can care for your new critter before you bring it home.

[Breezy]

Thanks! Will do

[Eru_Iluvatar]

Just like the others said, look out for mites, ask for the feeding response of the snake, if it eats frozen or live, take a look at the mouth and nose just in case you don't happen to see any mucus coming out (really improbable), and keep a visit card of the seller, if he doesn't have on make sure to at least have his e-mail or other way to make sure you can contact him just in case the worst happens.
Other than that, make yourself A BUDGET, how much you want to spend on the snake, because its going to have a cost to keep it aswell. If that's not a problem then choose the morph you'd like to admire even when it grows (as some tend to change their initial colors that had as babies) or the morph you've always liked!
I hope you will have fun choosing your new snake

[Sallos]

...choose the morph you'd like to admire even when it grows (as some tend to change their initial colors that had as babies) or the morph you've always liked!
I hope you will have fun choosing your new snake

This really is huge, unless you plan on getting multiple snakes. Many of the morphs do change pretty dramatically as they age, so you could search morph market or world of ball pythons to find what morphs you prefer, then try and google an adult snake in that morph to get an idea of what it will grow into. This is a companion you will have for maybe 30+ years, might as well take your time and get one that pleases your eye.

When you go to the Expo, resist the urge to hold anything unless you are highly considering buying it. It's likely that at least some of the tables will have mite issues, and you could potentially transfer them to your purchase or the other animals you hold.

Oh, and have fun! I personally picked out an animal on morph market, went to the biggest expo in the area, then went back and bought the snake online. You can also contact any local breeders, most will be happy to show you their animals before the show.

[Breezy]

This advice is great, thanks guys!