While there have been certainly many people who have had bad experiences with big chain pet stores, we got our ball python from our local, albeit brand new and spotless, PetCo, and she has been purty darn perfect for us. Eats like a horse, settled in really quickly, seems comfortable, poops, pees, sheds, yawns and looks cute...=)

Just wanted to share a positive experience, although I know many have not been as lucky as Rick and I.