Yeah Spot, I guess so. I purchased one of my ball pythons from Petco about 2.5 years ago. A normal female who I was able to view in the enclosure at the store and then hold in my hands a short time later. She was a very healthy hatchling with good weight and clear eyes, alert with constantly flicking tongue. No mites! Checked her out pretty thoroughly and then purchased her. Never looked back. She actually took a meal 2 nights later and is the biggest python in my rack today at 1965gms. I think I just went into Petco with a scrutinizing eye and refused to accept anything less.