New here- questions on purchasing first bp

[junko]

Hi, we are planning on purchasing a ball python for our daughter who is 11. She has been asking for one for quite a while, loves snakes, and has handled them. I love them too and had a bit of experience keeping snakes when I was younger.

We are in the process of setting up an enclosure and doing research. Today we went to a reputable dealer in the area (did some online research and found good reviews and recommendations) just to handle some bp's and see if, indeed, this is what my daughter wants.

They had captive bred normal babies, born last fall, that looked and acted healthy (though scared and clenched tightly for awhile) for a decent price. What concerned me is that they said they feed live mice rather than f/t. I'm not opposed to feeding live mice- I just want to make sure we get the easiest feeding possible bp in case we run into problems.

I haven't looked up any other reputable dealers yet- we would probably have to have one shipped in. What do you think- is this a deal breaker or something I shouldn't be concerned about? I'm just hoping we don't end up with a pet mouse if the snake should go on a hunger strike!

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Hi, we are planning on purchasing a ball python for our daughter who is 11. She has been asking for one for quite a while, loves snakes, and has handled them. I love them too and had a bit of experience keeping snakes when I was younger.

We are in the process of setting up an enclosure and doing research. Today we went to a reputable dealer in the area (did some online research and found good reviews and recommendations) just to handle some bp's and see if, indeed, this is what my daughter wants.

They had captive bred normal babies, born last fall, that looked and acted healthy (though scared and clenched tightly for awhile) for a decent price. What concerned me is that they said they feed live mice rather than f/t. I'm not opposed to feeding live mice- I just want to make sure we get the easiest feeding possible bp in case we run into problems.

I haven't looked up any other reputable dealers yet- we would probably have to have one shipped in. What do you think- is this a deal breaker or something I shouldn't be concerned about? I'm just hoping we don't end up with a pet mouse if the snake should go on a hunger strike!

To make sure you setup your enclosure properly check this http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules.php?name=Sections&op=viewarticle&id=59

If you are planning on setting a glass enclosure this is a very good post http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=32800

BP can also be housed in plastic tubs which as the advantage of offering added security for BP and is also easier to maintain.

As far as feeding the one rule about feeding live is SUPERVISION never leave your BP un-attended with a prey.

For BP being shipped it is not an issue at all, out of 8, 7 were purchased online and shipped and 2 more will arrive next month. The only thing about shipping during the winter is that shipping can be delayed due to weather conditions but that is all. You often have the choice of picking up at the airport or delivered to your door which mean you must be present.

[junko]

Hi, and thank you! We have read the glass enclosure and the bp articles- decided to start with a 10 gallon instead of a 20 gallon, and also learned that hides should be smaller than we thought (I'm a potter, going to make some cool custom made hides for the snake and will be able to graduate to larger ones quite easily as the snake grows).

My main concern is this: Should we hold out for a f/t eating snake from another, possibly unknown source, or a live eating snake from a trusted source?

-June
(I forgot to sign my name before, sorry!)

[Nate]

Hey June. If this breeder is in fact reputable, then he probably won't have a problem switching them to f/t for you. I don't know where you live, but you can always visit a pet store and buy f/t, or rodentpro.com sells quality frozen food for your bp.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Hi, and thank you! We have read the glass enclosure and the bp articles- decided to start with a 10 gallon instead of a 20 gallon, and also learned that hides should be smaller than we thought (I'm a potter, going to make some cool custom made hides for the snake and will be able to graduate to larger ones quite easily as the snake grows).

My main concern is this: Should we hold out for a f/t eating snake from another, possibly unknown source, or a live eating snake from a trusted source?

-June
(I forgot to sign my name before, sorry!)

Always go with someone you can trust and that have healthy well started animalsthat are provided with proper care (Avoid pet store because often husbandary is not right, BP are not always healthy or well started)

Whether the animal feed live or F/T it is up to you and if you buy a BP that feed live you can still try to convert to F/T down the road if this is what you want.

[junko]

Thanks, everyone. This is actually a reptile dealer- I found on Faunaclassifieds that someone had inquired about them and everyone that replied had good things to say about them. They'd helped us a lot in the past when we had a bearded dragon.

I agree about buying from pet shops... what about herp shows? I think I will also write to a local herp club and see if they can recommend anyone in the area who actually breeds (I live in Rhode Island).

Thanks again!

-June

[Nate]

lots of folks buy from reptile shows. usually some pretty good deals there too. Do you mind sharing who this breeder is? Just curious

[JLC]

Hi and welcome to BP.net! :


On the issue of feeding live vs. f/t.... Obviously, if a f/t meal is refused, you can either refreeze it or just throw it away, and not be concerned about dealing with a live animal. However, it's not usually too difficult to deal with a refused live rodent, either. Many pet stores will take them back and give you store credit towards another one (check first!). And when that happens to me, I have a nice little rodent cage set up that I put them in and feed them healthy food for a week until my next feeding day...then feed them off. I don't have to do that very often and its worked well for me.

Congrats on choosing an awesome snake for your daughter...and especially for doing all your research first and asking all the right questions!

[junko]

Hi Nathan- It's a dealer, not a breeder- Regal Reptiles in Providence, RI.

Judy, I completely forgot...I *do* have a tiny CO2 chamber (I used to breed guinea pigs and had it handy for emergencies as I cannot STAND to let an animal suffer), so I could always kill and freeze a mouse for later if it's refused. I'm going to try to get the snake to eat f/t once it's settled in. Spoke with DH, though, and he's not averse to letting a mouse hang around for a week or two till it's eaten. Whew!

Before we buy I'm still going to check with the local herp society- I'd rather buy from a breeder than a dealer to begin with.

Thanks everyone!

-June

[kavmon]

check out these people,


http://www.northamericanreptileconnection.com/

i've talked to matt and kim at shows, i think they might be able to help you out. they are in RI also.


vaughn