Hi. I'm new and I was hoping somebody could help me by answering a few questions about Ball Pythons. Please bare with me, I need your help. I have never had a snake before and I am considering owning one. Is a ball python a good beginner snake? Unfortunately my research resources are limited. I do not live anywhere near a big pet store that sells books on snakes, nor is there a book store here. I checked the library for books on snakes, but couldnt find any ball python ones. I live in a very small town, its suprising we even have a pet store. Basically the research I will be doing or have done is through my vet, friends with snakes, the pet store, web sites, and experienced people on the internet. This is where i hope the message board comes in. If I get one it will be from the pet store in town which is a small private owned one and I trust it very much. I personally know the people who run it. Although I dont have many research resources, I intend on gathering as much information as I can, and knowing as much as I can so that I can make a responsible decision, one way or the other. Several of my questions have been answered but there are a few left, hopefully somebody on here can help. My first question was ball is a good first snake? My second question is about water, is it ok to use bottled water? distilled water? Next, How often do ball pythons shed? Is it best not to handle them during that time? If I do decide to buy one, how long should I give it to settle in before trying to handle it? My next few questions are in regards to handling. First of all, I realize that in owning a snake, you can expect to get bit some time or the other. Being bitten of course doesnt sound fun, but its not something that bothers me, and it wouldnt keep me from handling my snake. How does it feel to be bitten by a baby ball? What are their teeth like? Now, if I get the snake, once it has settled in, how often can I handle it? I have heard that it is possible to over handle them, is that true? If I could do what I would like... I would hold it alot, but I would want to do what is best for it. As the snake begins to trust you more, is it ok to keep it out for longer periods of time? If somebody could answer these questions I would really appreciate it. Thanks!