Look everyone! I've got my first Ball Python!

[Gessler]

Hello everyone! My names Nathan. I'm new around these parts and hope to fit in nicely. I've chosen to purchase my first ball python yesterday. I have been looking around online for breeders, local reptile stores, etc. Anyway, I was at the local Petco in Lakewood, WA running a routine dog food and treats run for my purebred German Shepherd. (Blue Buffalo, only the best!) I usually scope the tropical fish and reptiles to just window shop and WHAM-BAM! There it was. A gorgeous Pinstripe Ball Python. ($299.99) I know, I know... Its not too exciting for all of you seasoned python veterans. BUT, to me, this is the most beautiful snake that I've seen in person. No local pet stores around here carry anything other than normal balls. I immediately summoned an employee and asked, 'Can I touch it?' The Petco employee (Dave) chuckled a bit and asked me to hold on a moment while he went to go get the key. I was eyes to glass, looking under the dark hide at what i knew was going to be mine. Dave came back and while he was unlocking the rack he let me know that they were unsure of the sex, when its last feeding was (August 23rd) and that this hatchling pipped on June 12th, 2013. I couldn't believe it. Thats actually MY birthday. Almost destiny. He pulled the drawer out and opened her viv. I asked if it was ok if I got it. He said 'Absolutely!' I reached in and lifted the hide and quickly noticed that he/she was in deep shed. The eyes were completely clear and the skin on the sides of the head were removed. Not the least bit shy, happy to see I'd assume. Immediately poked its head up when i flipped the hide. Almost like it was like 'Hey! YOU seem pretty damn cool!' Effortless first pick up. No balling, outstretched, showing what it's momma gave it! Almost like it didn't care it was in shed. I was not in the least bit concerned that it was even remotely thinking that it wanted to flee, hide, or defend itself for that matter. It wasn't difficult to make out the pattern. It looked great, just very dark and somewhat dry. I, ever-so-gently turned its tail over and effortlessly 'popped' the BP. Its a girl! 'I'll take it!' David hinted to me if I mentioned 'the coupon that the cashier has' that she would gladly give it to me. It was for the Labor Day Weekend Sale, 25% off your entire purchase... One left. I was like 'WHAAAAAAAT?!' I asked Dave to box my new girl up while I shopped for her viv. I got the 29 gallon snake starter kit from 'Zoo-Med'. Pretty much everything extra I got was from that brand. It seemed to be the highest quality stuff there. I've posted pictures below of the finished product. Needless to say I saved a TON of money on everything and couldn't be happier. I went strait home. Took her out and weighed her (97.67g). She was so far into shed that I decided to help with her a bit to reduce the stress of the shed on top of the move. I prepared a nice humidity box at a nice warm 88*F. Bowl of luke-warm water. and a couple clean old wet washcloths. A half hour later after I had set up the viv, warmed it up, and got humidity levels right; I opened the bin and BOOM, she skillfully shed most of the skin. Some remained on her head and neck. (As seen in pictures taken today) She's already got most of it off since I took these pictures tonight. Enough blabbin' check it out!

Now, let me introduce to you.. The newest member of my family... Ofelia the Pinstripe Ball Python!



Here is her new viv.



Hopefully in the near future I can find another sweet BP to pair up with this one. Mayyyyyybeeeee have a clutch or two in the future... Who knows?

Thank you everyone for checking out my new snake! Comments are greatly appreciated since i've yet to make any friends around here yet.

[The Serpent Merchant]

Welcome to the site!

Here are a few threads you should check out if you haven't already:

Care: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ius)-Caresheet

Cage Heating: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...t-Thermometers

If you ever have any questions feel free to ask.

[Eric Alan]

Epic first post, man.

Congrats on your new little girl. It's obvious that you have her best interests in mind. Don't hesitate to ask questions about anything that comes up. This community is pretty incredible.

Welcome to BP.net (and your new addiction)!

[LooptyLoo]

Congratulations! She is stunning!! I am so excited for you. She was meant to be yours

[Reinz]

Congrats! You are one proud Pappa. And should be!

Enjoy!

[jben]

Congrats and welcome very nice setup! Just a warning tho, bp's are addicting.

[CrystalRose]

She is beautiful! Congrats and welcome to the site!

[Crazymonkee]

Congrats! Very nice looking gal

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[Emilio]

aboard!

[martin82531]

Like the story behind the purchase. Congratulations on your new addition!


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