Welcome to the forum! It's wonderful to read about a person really doing their research and preparing well ahead before buying their first ball python (or any other pet for that matter). There's a great caresheet here you might want to look over and ask any questions that come up. There's also just a vast amount of information on caging, feeding, husbandry, etc. found here. I love the search function on this forum!

Before you spend a ton on housing (pet stores are so way overpriced) have a good look through the threads. My husband and I were amazed when we first got into this hobby at how little we would end up purchasing at our local pet store and how much WalMart, Lowe's, the dollar store, Home Depot became our new best friends LOL.

A lovely captive born male ball python from a top notch breeder is always a good bet. Nothing like a well started baby to make the whole thing so much easier! The breeders often have spare normal "wild type" males for very reasonable prices and you are ahead of the game going that route in my opinion.

Enjoy the forum, ask tons of questions, these folks are wonderful and patient beyond belief (after all they put up with me on a daily basis LOL).


~~Joanna~~