Question from a Beginner

[Buggidy]

Hi everyone, I've recently been thinking about getting a ball python as my first snake. I worked in a reptile zoo over a summer (in which I did much of the care/maintenance for snakes) , owned a bearded dragon for a few years, and currently own around 15 tarantulas. Exotic pets are no new thing to me, but I've been doing a lot of research because I've never owned my own snake before.

I'm hoping to pick up a BP I found on a craigslist ad recently. Am I allowed to post the link to craigslist on here? I'd love to get some feed back from other BP owners and what they think of the ad (is it sketchy, worth checking out, etc...). I read all the rules/guidelines but wasn't sure if I was able to link it or not.

Thanks!

[MrLang]

Feel free to link away but honestly the advice you will probably find here before even seeing the ad:

1. The housing they have it in is not entirely appropriate for the species

2. There may be feeding or health issues associated

3. For the price they usually ask on Craigslist you could pick up a very cool morph from a reputable breeder who will work with you, answer questions, and guarantee the health of the animal you buy. Where are you located? Is there a reptile expo coming to your area soon?

Good luck!

[KING JAMES]

Craigslist you never know, I have seen some shady things on it as well as some ok deals. My first groups buy was via Craigslist. Post up the link and lets see what you are looking at.

[Buggidy]

Here's the link

http://yakima.craigslist.org/for/4478121877.html

I was initially looking for just enclosures for a BP, but saw this came with one... $75 seems like a great deal to me, but when/if I go check it out I will certainly look for stuff like scale rot and mites.

I live out in the middle of nowhere in WA state... I recently visited a reptile expo in the Seattle area a few weeks ago, but wasn't looking for a snake then. Just tarantulas. Unfortunately we don't get a lot of expos in this state.

[NH93]

That's actually a pretty decent ad, HOWEVER there may be things you don't know. I'd ask many questions and even go check out the snake beforehand, without the intention of actually picking it up (that day, at least).
Things to look for:

- How is the vive being heated and controlled (UTH, thermostat)?
- What are the temperatures (cold side and hot side), and the humidity? If they don't know the answers to these questions, probably a red flag...
- How much does it weigh?
- Where did they get the snake?
- What is the sex?
- When was the last shed?

Get a very close look at the belly for signs of scale rot, burns, etc., a good look at the head and mouth for signs of mites, mouth rot (discolouring), discharge, or mucous (indicating a respiratory infection).

You're always risking it when you get a snake from somewhere like Craig's list. There could be underlying issues you don't know about, or maybe even the owner doesn't know about.
I do think breeders are the best to get snake's from, with getting from an expo second best, and so on. Pet stores I advise to stay away from, and Craig's list as well. That being said, again, this is a decent ad.

Use your judgement

All the best in your decision! Keep us posted!


P.s.
There looks to be stuck shed on the back of this snake. A fairly easy fix with some soaking and proper humidity, however make sure there are no stuck eye caps or the tip of the tail. VERY IMPORTANT! Over time stuck sheds on the eyes and tail tip can cause blindness or the loss of the tip of the tail...

[Buggidy]

Thank you! I will send them an email tonight with those questions and see how it goes.

[CORBIN911]

Always ask complex questions aswell directly related to BP's and youll know whether they took proper care (i did this in person so they wouldn't google it LOL) but just little questions that alot of people who search about bp's learn.... One person had no idea was a urate was or he warned me that his snake sometimes lets go of a white chalky substance.. i laughed.

[le miow]

Personally I would ask for a viewing, and ask the questions there and then. It's too easy for people to be selling a snake that's not been looked after properly to Google all of your questions. It may sound easy to rescue the snake, but for for you're first one it could end up costly. Also handle the snake have a good look at him/her, ask for feeding/shedding records and the reason as why they're getting rid. Other than that I'm sure you'll love having your first one ^.^ and wish you good luck !

I really had to laugh at the urate comment