looking to get a ball python

[06yfz450]

i've been looking up ball pythons for about a month now and i'm looking to purchase one. any advice on what i should look for when purchesing one or where i should get one at?

[Shelby]

Welcome! Congrats on doing your research first.

Your best bet is to purchase from a breeder. A captive bred BP is going to do a lot better for you than wild caught. Snakes can safely be shipped to your door, so you are not limited by location.

[kavmon]

buy from a breeder, if you shop for good breeders quality snakes will be there. there are breeders on this site and alot on kingsnake.


vaughn

[diamond1]

buy from a breeder they really know what they are doing..

[rabernet]

Captive bred is your best choice. Some CH can be good if you know the care they have had, etc. I picked up three well started CH girls just last week that were feeding once a week for the gentleman that I got them from (I'll find out Saturday how they do for me). But I did a LOT of research before deciding to purchase from him.

You should check Fauna Classifieds BOI for any one that you think you may purchase from. You can Google and find the website pretty easily.

And as Vaughn said, there are several breeders here, even hobbyists that may have a few normals available right now.

[alexrls]

why dont u let us know about ur tank set up (or future tank set up) and let us critique it. let u know what we feel is positive or detrimental to ur snakes!

[ssscales]

I bought 10 girls a little over a week ago and all are doing great. I'd agree with all the comments about buying from a breeder and buying CBB from someone who knows the history of those babies and their parents and possibly their grand parents.

You can expect to pay a little more for CBB Vs CH, but it's well worth it IMO for the peace of mind you get.

Good Luck!

[kenatk]

Welcome!

I love ball pythons, they're great, and by far my favorite snake. Here's some tips about selecting one, and what to do after you bring it home.

Definitely get one from a breeder, a captive born specimine which is eating. A great many breeders will supply you with data concerning the specimine's feeding habits, shedding, etc and it is a good idea to request that.

Once your snake has arrived, gently handle it and inspect it for mites, make sure it's vent is clear and not crusty or anything and look at the belly scales as well, pay attention to any kind of discoloration. Ideally, your new snake ought to be alert, curious, and should feel "strong" when you handle it. He or she ought to flick their tongue quickly while being handled.

Don't handle the snake any more until a week or so, so that it can get settled in. Two weeks after that, take it to the vet for a checkup, just as a precaution A lot of people don't do this, but I strongly advise it, and I swear by my vet.

Now, go get yourself a ball python.

Good luck!

[rabernet]

Great advice Kenny! Also check out the breeder's health guarantee. My girls came with a 48 hour health guarantee (he's actually a distributor, not a breeder), so I had a vet appointment scheduled for the day that they arrived. However, with working with this gentleman, I'm fairly comfortable that we've built a relationship that I think he probably would extend his health guarantee within reason.


You should ask lots of questions and feel totally comfortable with the person you decide to buy from.

[Smynx]

Be sure to read over our caresheet too: http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules....warticle&id=52