Just got a Ball Python

[DerekG4]

Are hatchlings normally this difficult to raise? If so, for that I'd just start off with a juvenile snake instead of a hatchling when I buy one some other time.

[tttaylorrr]

Are hatchlings normally this difficult to raise? If so, for that I'd just start off with a juvenile snake instead of a hatchling when I buy one some other time.

they can be, but if you know what you're doing, and get one from a reputable breeder they're much easier.

Yellow, my first, was difficult only because of my ignorance. i have two hatchlings right now: one is almost 3 months old at 200g+ (not much of a hatchling anymore but i got her at 90g) and the other is about 7-8 weeks old and took his first meal with me the other day.

research, research, research.

[Caali]

Are hatchlings normally this difficult to raise? If so, for that I'd just start off with a juvenile snake instead of a hatchling when I buy one some other time.

I think a juvenile snake is a great idea but a hatchling should be fine as well. When I did my research before getting my ball python I found a lot of useful tips.

1. Buy from a reputable breeder.
2. Go and take a look at the animal (make sure it looks healthy).
3. Make sure it has at least eaten five meals and has gone through at least 2 sheds.
4. Ask what the snake eats and how often.
5. Ask when it was last fed (should at least be last week on the same weekday).
6. Ask when it's last shed was.
7. Ask for the snake's age.
8. If you want to feed frozen mice, then buy an animal that is already used to frozen food.

A hatchling that has met a these conditions should be fine for a beginner. And any good breeder will answer all these questions.
It's so much fun to watch your ball python grow up and get bigger. So I'm happy I had mine since he was four months old. I was even able to convince him to eat frozen mice (he was used to eat only living ones) and I love to see him growing.
A young ball python might be a bit iffy in the beginning but that's normal. The only thing that is a real problem is switching from mice to rats
By the way I wouldn't recommend going for a CB.
CBB snakes tend to have a better feeding response and be more docile while CB snakes are illegal in some countries.