Baby Pythons!

[G4series]

Hello everyone. I was wondering when it is safe to buy a baby ball python? How many days old should it be to purchase one without the worries of it dieing? I've been searching for this easy answer for awhile and couldnt find it. Thank you for your time everyone.

[jcoylesr76]

Generally "Most" breeders will not even sell a baby snake until it has had at least a few meals to ensure its best chance to survive. But keep in mind, that is not always a guarantee it will live long. just make sure you get them from someone you trust, and has a good track record. (still not a guarantee). snakes die all the time for unknown reasons.

[decensored]

Agreed. Your buying a living animal, there's no way to guarantee it's longevity in the same way you can't guarantee that I will be alive tomorrow. If you wait too long after the hatch date chances are the best quality ones are gonna get snatched up from under you. You want to make sure they're eating so after 3 meals is a good time to purchase. Most breeders won't sell before that. If you know and trust your breeder than once they're on the market I say go for it.

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[BFE Pets]

I agree with what the others are saying. I will not sell a baby until it has had its first shed and eaten a minimum of 2 meals unassisted. and be careful buying from the petstores and of those $15 and $20 babies at the expos right now. this time of year most of them are captive hatched and imported from africa. Your best bet is to purchase one from a reputiable breeder in your area and be sure to ask if it is captive breed (meaning breed and hatched in the usa). good luck and happy herping.

[G4series]

Thanks for all your help guys. I'm gonna pick up a pastel from the guy i brought my normal off of last year. I want to get a better one before they all get snatched up like you said. There hatching anyday so I guess i'll have to wait another month?

[Daybreaker]

^ You could always see if the breeder will "hold" a pastel baby with payment and then pick it up after it's had a few meals, that way you get one you want before they get snatched up.

[angllady2]

^

This.

Ask to see the hatchlings as they are born, put a down payment on one, and once it sheds and has eaten a few meals, you can pay it off and bring it home.

Gale

[G4series]

Yes! That is what I will do. Thank you for all the help everyone!