1.) Why a Ball Python?

I also asked myself this before I got hooked with them and this is why...

-They are very docile, this was important to me because I also want my 4 year old to handle my snakes with supervision. I agree when people say they are the labradors of the snake world.

-They are laid back and move slowly when handled. They can just stay on your lap and chill. I have a corn snake that moves a lot when handled. Some say they are boring but if your the type that wants to relax when handling your snake, ball pythons are for you.

-Their size is perfect for me. I find corn snakes too small and I don't like giant snakes because they need big enclosures.

-They are just beautiful. Even the normals are awesome.

I think if you give a ball python a good environment, you won't have a hard time feeding them. It's normal for them to go off feed when they reach sexual maturity and it's breeding season but hatchlings and juveniles should eat well.
My 4 month old pastel went on strike and did not eat for a month. The heat was perfect, she had hides on her tub and I even offered her live food eventhough she was eating frozen thawed rats before that. Then I found the culprit, I moved her to a bigger tub and she was stressed out. She felt move secure in the 16 qt tub then in the 32 qt. When I moved her back to a smaller tub. She ate frozen thawed like nothing happend.

Just give them the proper environment and care and you'll soon find out why ball pythons are great pets!