having problems

[Definitions]

Hey guy's I am having problems deciding what kind of ball I want and who I should get it from. Also I have never owned a snake before so should I just get a normal because of the fact that I am a beginner? ***GEEZ*** BIG decision here. I really love the spider and Mojave morphs though. I don't wanna spend all that money and then be negligent (or I should say inexperienced) and have it die? Should I just go for the gusto or just get a normal?

[bpqueen]

I wound up going to a reptile expo and falling in love with a yellow belly for my first (and only so far) ball python. He cost me about $120, which is about what most of the male mojaves ran give or take $20. I have had 0 problems from him, save for a 1 month off feed spell, and if I want to breed him in the future, I can pick up another yellow belly for a possible ivory. I have read that spiders have a higher probability for some unusual personality and behavioral quirks, but have no personal experience to back that up. Ultimately, it comes down to what you like and how much you are willing to invest. Balls can live for over 20 years, so don't get something that you don't want to deal with in the long term.

[iCandiBallPythons]

IMO the cost of any animal does not matter, what matters first and foremost is that you are prepared to provide the proper husbandry, doesnt matter if the animal is 10 dollars or 10k. Second, purchase what is attractive to you as far as in a morph. There is a plethora of information on this website as well as others that if you do you homework , you shouldnt have any problems

[steveboos]

First of all, thanks for coming here to ask first before buying one, THEN doing the research, this is when most people have problems.

I would start with whatever your comfortable with financially. Keep in mine a proper setup for a snake is going to be the biggest chunk of money, getting a good thermostat, heating pad(s), tub or tank, the food, plus the cost of bedding.

I and a lot of people on here would rather a person spend the money they would spend on an expensive morph on good husbandry supplies so that you wont have to worry about it in the future. I would go to Reptilebasics.com and get yourself setup with some nice hides, thermostat, an ultratherm heat pad, and whatever enclosure you want.

Me personally, i think you should go ahead and get a really nice normal. They can range anywhere from $15 to $75 depending on size colors and mainly who you are buying from. Almost every single breeder out there will have normals and usually will give a good deal on one, yet you do still get the piece of mind since they guarantee their animals and take very good care of them.

Where are you located, i might know some breeders around you, if i don't then somebody else does.

[Definitions]

i'm in california The Bay area. I know the cost of keeping reptiles can be a major investment. I own a bearded dragon and he's only 4 mos old but, I have invested allot of money into his feeders. Like Dubia Roaches and Lobster Roaches. I will definately visit Reptilebasics to get equipped with what I need thank you for the link! I think I will try and get a nice normal and maybe later on if I have the room for another enclosure I might pick up the fancy morph. I love snakes and lizards so I'm sure I will be happy with what ever I get.! Thanks again guys

[emiebeth]

I asked myself the same question a few months ago, lol. Normal morph or something more expensive that I really love? I went with the normal, because I was new and inexperienced and didn't want it to be a huge blow if I screwed up. I'm really happy with my decision, and I don't regret just going with a normal! I know I'll feel a lot better about getting an expensive morph, now that I have a better idea of what I'm doing, and you probably will too =)

[steveboos]

Thanks to the previous poster for going the normal path, they are beautiful and everyone is different.

As far as the OP is concerned i found this link to all upcoming reptile shows and events. See if there is one close to you i saw one in Pasadena and one in Pomona within the next few weeks. I would take a trip to one of those and get to talking with one of the local breeders to see what they suggest and to get a really nice normal. I would try and buy a normal that was either produced by the person or that was at least a fairly good size, lets say red bull can in diameter.

http://www.reptilechannel.com/reptil...le-events.aspx

[hoax]

I only have 6 balls right now the first I got was THE one I wanted, pastel, a few months ago I got a mojo. Now I don't love my pastel any less but I play with my mojo alot more because I like his pattern. Basically what I am trying to say with this rambling is I think you should go for the snake you like the most. I would go with the suggestion of going to a show find a breeder you like (important) and make your choice from there on what is visually appealing to you. If you like the breeder and love the snake it should make the experience easier. Have fun and enjoy your slithering pal when you make up your mind.

Mike

[starfire]

Just throwing this out there for consideration... when you're looking around for a nice pet snake, you also might want to check out your local reptile rescue. Adoptions are reasonably priced, and local reptile rescues and associations can be good resources. Great-looking, healthy ball pythons are often available, mostly normals and adults.

As a novice keeper, I personally wanted an established adult for my first snake... already calm, eating, used to handling, and not as fragile in my inexperienced hands. The adult male I ended up adopting had been already feeding on frozen/thawed rats (which was perfect for me) and has been a fantastic introduction into herpkeeping.

Just my personal choice, but adoption and supporting your local herpers can be very rewarding.

Best of luck whatever you choose, and congratulations on asking important questions BEFORE you bring home a snake.

[FireStorm]

The only thing I'd add to what has already been said is try to find a snake that is already feeding on whatever you plan to feed for your first (ie if you can only feed F/T rats choose a snake that's already eating F/T rats). Balls can be picky, they don't always readily switch prey items, and that can be frustrating and stressful for a beginner.