What to ask

[RobNJ]

Go see them in person. You van get a feel pretty quick by looking at there setup.

The thing about this is that most people selling ball pythons are doing so out of their home, and may not be(rightfully so) entirely comfortable inviting potential customers into their homes right off the bat. I would be crazy to just let anyone in to see my snakes just because they may be interested in one.

[snake lab]

Im a card carrying member of the nra. I dont have a problem letting someone local come over to look at an animal they want to buy. I understand some have an issue with this and if they do then dont buy from them. I would stick with dealing with reputable breeders if thats the case. Just my oppinion

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Im a card carrying member of the nra. I dont have a problem letting someone local come over to look at an animal they want to buy. I understand some have an issue with this and if they do then dont buy from them. I would stick with dealing with reputable breeders if thats the case. Just my oppinion

A bit harsh isn't it? Someone who does not let you in their home is someone you should not buy from and buying from a reputable breeder is what should be done like if not letting someone in your home makes you less reputable?

I am a NRA member I have a carrying permit as well and I am a great shot , yet my home is still my home, I do not invite STRANGERS into my home business wise or other wise.

To the OP

The best thing to do when meeting locally is to meet in a public place for the buyer's safety and the seller's safety.

Now as far as question based on the answers you will quickly know if the person is a hobbyist breeder or just someone who had a pet that he no longer wants.

In the second case you need to ask yourself do you want what might turn into a possible rescue, are you up for the challenge it it is the case.

When purchasing the animal make sure you bring along someone that can sex the snake for you immediately upon purchase so you do not get disappointed down the road.

[AmysAnimals]

Where would I get PAM from?

[The Serpent Merchant]

Pro Products

http://www.pro-products.com/index.ph...d=53&Itemid=59

[AmysAnimals]

Thanks! I also just realized LLL Reptile has some too. That's where I am going to get my thermostat tomorrow. So I can pick up those things from there.

[SludgeRoach]

I have been paranoid about mites with getting my first snake, apparently it's something that all snake owners share. Now I'm not so scared about the mites, more so about visiting the southern states you can Prevent a mite but its really hard to dodge a bullet.

If you're so scared about another person coming into your home then why not bring the snake out front to meet the potential buyer? Is crime that bad that you really need to worry about it that much?

[Kamille Kirkendoll]

With all the break-ins lately with breeders, I don't blame anyone for not allowing someone to know where they live. I also can understand how it would seem sketchy. I would ask for pictures with the person I'm buying from in them, date stamped. Especially of the snake I was buying and her enclosure, as well as her heat set-up, etc. If they have to be in it and it's date stamped, it's pretty hard to fake those.

Local is typically better. You don't have to pay for $40-$60 shipping prices, as well as being able to meet the breeder first hand.

Best of luck!

[AmysAnimals]

Thanks! I don't think I am going to get that snake after all. It's not the best looking snake and if I would like to breed some where down the road I want a good looking snake with good genes. =) So yeah, I'm going to pass up on the local deal, unfortunately. =( But I think I've found a female from Justin Kobylka.

[snake lab]

A bit harsh isn't it? Someone who does not let you in their home is someone you should not buy from and buying from a reputable breeder is what should be done like if not letting someone in your home makes you less reputable?

I am a NRA member I have a carrying permit as well and I am a great shot , yet my home is still my home, I do not invite STRANGERS into my home business wise or other wise.

To the OP

The best thing to do when meeting locally is to meet in a public place for the buyer's safety and the seller's safety.

Now as far as question based on the answers you will quickly know if the person is a hobbyist breeder or just someone who had a pet that he no longer wants.

In the second case you need to ask yourself do you want what might turn into a possible rescue, are you up for the challenge it it is the case.

When purchasing the animal make sure you bring along someone that can sex the snake for you immediately upon purchase so you do not get disappointed down the road.

Yea i guess i didnt put it the way i meant for it to be. All i was trying to say was if you have doubts then deal with someone nore reputable. I wasnt trying to imply that someone not lettin you come to their house was not reputable. My fault. Personally i dont have an issue with it because if someone can get past the security system and the cameras, and then past the dogs, then past me well then hell they can have whatever they want lol. But again i apoligize if my comment looked like i was putting anyone down for not allowing peiple into their homes.