Very tiny ball python

[Pythonball7]

I just purchased my 2nd ball python from a VERY big name breeder who I will not specify, and they told me this snake was eating well. Fedex came today, and what revealed was a tiny 47 gram bumblebee which was very skinny. All the breeders I know do not give away their snakes until they ate several times or around the 70 gram range. Now what should I do? I am afraid he will not make it since he is so small and stressed. Anyone with insight please help! Thanks!

[Rickys_Reptiles]

I've seen Ball Pythons half that size that are healthy. Just feed it, take care of it, and it'l be fine. No need to stress.

[Crazymonkee]

Being small doesn't mean anything, and don't assume it has eaten with the breeder, always ask if it had eaten how many times and what it ate.
Just Let it settle in, feed it, love it

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[Diamond Serpents]

Being small doesn't mean anything, and don't assume it has eaten with the breeder, always ask if it had eaten how many times and what it ate.
Just Let it settle in, feed it, love it

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X2 I agree with this, wait until you feed it and if it misses its first feed after settled in just notify the seller. Personally I would just notify them now and tell then the wight and ask if it has ate or if its a picky eater. ( I always ask these questions before buying anyways)

I wouldn't worry though I think once your Bee is settled in everything will be fine.

[Crazymonkee]

I would definitely before you try to feed contact the seller and as what it was eating... mouse, rat, f/t, live and get what it was eating, less chance of a refused feeding. Then after you know it eats a few times try to switch to whatever you prefer to feed.

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[Ronin]

Did the seller disclose its weight to you? Does it look at all like the pics before you got it?

[Highline Reptiles South]

I don't think selling and shipping a 47 gram snake (and apparently with no notice) and "reputable breeder" go together at all...

[MarkS]

I don't think selling and shipping a 47 gram snake (and apparently with no notice) and "reputable breeder" go together at all...

Then you haven't bought many snakes. I've bought several baby balls this size or smaller from reputable breeders that ate and grew just fine. Most breeders will sell after the baby has taken at least 3 meals on it's own unassisted.

[sasT]

I've hatched 2 20-ish gram pythons this season and they are my strongest feeders .. it takes a while for them to get to 47g .. if the python you received was close to the size of mine when it was hatched and is now at 47g she probably has atleast 6+ meals in her already .. there is nothing to worry about especially if it is from a reputable breeder

[Neal]

Also the reason it's smaller could possibly be due to the breeder female being on the smalelr size. This means nothing and will not affect the baby at all.