New Here, From Arizona!

[Konotashi]

Hi, everyone!
I live in Mesa, AZ. I'm 20 and I'm a mom to two insane ferrets (Alice and Cooper), the world's most awesome Pomeranian (Ozzy) and the most chill cat Earth has ever seen (Matrix).

I used to have a ball python many years ago (I was about 8 years old) named Bryttani, but unfortunately, she passed away from unknown circumstances while she was at my dad's house. Reading up on their care, I realize that I did EVERYTHING WRONG. Glass aquarium with a screen top, no heat source, no humidity management, kept her on pine shavings, etc.

I'm hoping to get another ball python in the future, but I'm going to go talk to an academic adviser on Monday about becoming a vet tech. I'm going to (hopefully) enroll in classes as soon as I can, so depending on how hectic life gets with college and working, that will dictate when I'll be able to get my snake. I know they're low maintenance, but with the other pets I have, I want to be sure that I can give my future snake just as much love.
I'm hoping that I'll be able to work in an exotics hospital. As much as I love cats and dogs, the exotics - ferrets, sugar gliders, birds, reptiles, amphibians, etc. - just have a special place!
Hopefully all goes well so that I'll be able to bring home a python from next year's reptile expo.

In the meantime, I'm going to do all the reading I can to ensure my snake gets the best care! I'm really hoping to get a female, since (according to what I've been reading), they grow to be larger than the males.
This time, I'm going to be sure I do everything right, unlike with Bryttani. RIP, girly.

[Mike41793]

Welcome! I wouldn't think adding a bp would throw your schedule out of whack too much, no matter how hectic it is. She would only require a total of like 30min a week of your time haha. Good luck!

[Konotashi]

I guess that's true! Haha. I guess the big thing would be coming up with the money for one! Which, as most people know, might be difficult for a poor college kid. xD
And of course, I don't want just a normal colored BP. I really like mojaves, pastaves, axanthics, lesser platinums, butters/butter pastels....

[Mike41793]

Just start saving now, you'll get there soon enough. Males of the morphs are cheaper. I know you said you want female, but thats something else to consider. Some males can get pretty big too.

[Konotashi]

If the price difference is significant (or if a male happens to be too gorgeous to pass up), then I GUESS I can live with having a snake that's a tad bit smaller.

[rocknhorse76]

Welcome. Go see Jared at Reptile Mogul in Tempe. He'll steer you in the right direction!

[Konotashi]

I'll definitely drop by! I'll probably call ahead of time to see if he's got any lesser platinums (is lesser the short term for that?) so I can see one in person. I've only ever seen them in photos online!
Of the colors I posted above, I've only seen a mojave in person! (Which I LOVED).

[rocknhorse76]

Not sure what morphs he stocks, as I'm more of a boa guy, but I know he has a lot of bp's. Arizona Reptile Center in Mesa, and Predators in Phoenix are also good shops, but Jared is a great guy!

[Konotashi]

AZ Reptile Center is where I saw the mojave! (Along with quite a few other snakes and critters).
I have the next few days off, so I might go around and do some 'window shopping.'

[Mike41793]

Yea lessers are awesome, i love my girl. Buying online is an option too.