When I worked at one of my local pet stores I had to deal with mites all the time, especially with new arrival ball pythons. It was incredibly frustrating. You definantly made the right choice. Although if you had found a healthy snake at the store they make just as good pets. My first ball pythons both came from local pet shops years ago, but I would never buy from them now. I was lucky that mine were so healthy. Anywho, congrats on the new addition!