First off, welcome and congrats for choosing to find out more BEFORE buying!

I assume you've decided that you want a ball python, and not another snake species. BPs are nice starter snakes, altough not without their challenges!

The only way to get a good ball python to start with is a captive bred animal from a breeder. There are literally hundreds of ball python breeders, some of which post right here! It is actually very safe to ship snakes through fedex and is a great way to recieve your snake.

Have your enclosure all set up before the snake comes home. A baby ball python can be housed in a ten gallon tank, or a similarly sized rubbermaid/sterilite plastic tub (not as pretty, but easier to get temps and humidity correct)

Here is our care sheet: http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules....warticle&id=52