Hey guys, I have been doing a *lot* of research on having a ball python as a pet before deciding to get one, but I had some questions before making the leap. While I would love to have a new pet, I realize that this is a long-term commitment of taking care of one, so I'm trying to take it slow and not get swept up in the novelty of a new idea. I'm staying objective so that, if it's not a good idea, I don't go with it. However, everything I've read so far indicates that I'd really like having one. That, and they are just so cute.

So, a couple of things I haven't seen yet while bouncing around the forums.

Is it okay to buy a ball python at a pet store? I haven't seen a lot of strong opinions on other side of the argument, or it just doesn't come up at all. Personally, I'd prefer to buy one somewhere I can see them and handle them before buying, since I like to know what I'm getting myself into. That basically means a local pet store (either Pet Smart or a local shop if they have them).

Now I have read that those who are bred in captivity tend to do better in general, but what does that mean? Can the other ones be tamed just as well, but it takes longer or what? Also, what kind do they sell at major pet store chains anyway? Should I call the manager and ask where they get theirs from?

What size of tank is good? I've looked at the options, and I don't want a tub for my first one, so, yah, I'm sticking to getting a tank. I've read lots of differing opinions again that generally agree that smaller is better. The thing is, I don't quite understand *why* that is the case. And for that matter, what's the largest that you guys would recommend? I'm not going for a bigger is better approach but if it comes down to a 5 gallon versus a 10 gallon, I'd like to know what's best, or if in that size range it really matters.

The other question related to that is, would you go with a plastic enclosure or a glass tank? I've read pros and cons on both sides, where one is easier to heat or the other is easier to clean, but nothing really solid in either area.

What do ball pythons do all the time? I realize they're nocturnal so they only come "out" at night, but what do they even do then? Do they come out of their hides? What is "normal" behavior? (strangely enough, this is one topic I've never seen mentioned

What items is it absolutely imperative to not get poor quality on? I'm not cheap by any means, and I always err on the side of quality, but if there's something really vital to watch out for, what would those be? Everything I've read seems to indicate that the most important thing you can do is give them good hides and keep the temperature and humidity at the proper levels. So I'm guessing that means getting good warmers and temperature gauges and so on.

What are some small things you can do to make your ball python really comfortable and happy? Just curious if there's any small little tips of things to do or avoid. I figure a happy python makes a happy owner.

While I'm on the subject, how do you know if your ball python is happy and content?

One thing I was thinking of doing, wondering if this would help, is to cover three sides of the enclosure with a background so that they only have one area that they can see out of (and people can see in). Seems to me like that may make them feel more secure, but that's just me coming up with ideas ... dunno if that's valid or not.

Is it okay to "play" with your snake, and if so, how much? By "play", I basically mean, let out of his tank and just either crawl around me or wherever just to give him some free space. This is one area I have seen the most conflicting advice, across the board. Some people say to not handle them for more than a few minutes a few times a week, and some people say handling them every day is fine and it helps them get used to having humans around, too. Based on the polar opinions, I kinda get the idea that a regular level of handling is fine.

Do you do anything to let the python know that you're going to pick them up, take them out, or feed them? One video I found on youtube, the owner would gently stroke his snake a few times on the side so that she knew she was going to get picked up. Basically he said that he did that so that she knew that he was there. Seemed like a smart idea to me. Also, I remember reading somewhere someone else mentioning that they would tap on the glass a few times to let them know that they are going to open the cage or take them out -- basically that they are going to be interacted with soon. I realize that they are by nature really shy, so these to me seemed like good ideas, but I have no idea if they are actually effective or not.

I hate to ask this question, but do people ever get buyer's regret, similar to buying a new car and then getting tired of it a few days later? Again, like I said, I'm doing lots of research and taking things slow so I don't get swept up in the excitement and make a purely emotional decision. But I do have to consider that I might freak out after a few days realizing what I got myself into (though I doubt it at this point because I'm doing a lot to prevent that). I'm just curious to ask, what would people in that situation do? Do they return the pet to the store, or what?

Sorry this is so long. I have seriously done so much research that I come home and I honestly expect there to be a ball python at my house because I've prepped myself mentally so much. It's crazy. The best part though is that I already have a cool name picked out, so I have to get one now, right!?

Thanks in advance for any help you guys can offer. These forums have been really helpful. I probably forgot some question to add, so I'll followup later if I think of anything.