Quote Originally Posted by cornfuzed
ok i have been looking for a ball python (just a generic one it is my first snake)
but the prices at the local pet store are insanely high ($59.99 for a 16inch but a bermese for a 24incher is only $65 but i don't want somthing that big) so i found a guy that is selling a 2year old female ball with a 29G tank and a hide a heat light a water dish and a treed branch the guy wants $80 buy said he would take
$70 cash(good deal???) but my dad whom is deathly afraid of snakes wants me to get a babby so i can rais it from birth but my question is should i find a babby or is the 2year old female not the "damaged goods" my dad thinks it is and the guy selling said he only had a hard time feeding once and never bitten allways nice what do you guys think?? (also shoud i try to get the guy down around $60
if thats what i should get or is $70 fair??)
Its hard to say whats "fair" without seeing the condition of first the snake, secondly the enclosure w/ accessories. If the snake isn't healthy to begin with you could incur some decent vet bills, but regardless I'd take the snake to the vet to have a fecal exam done and overall checkup.

If he doesn't have all of the necessary components for the cage setup you'll probably spend a bit of money for them. I would do a simple tub setup like this: http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules....warticle&id=40

Here's BP.net Ball Python caresheet:
http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules....warticle&id=59

If you have any other questions after reading those let us know, but honestly I'd meet the guy and check out everything first before you make your decision. If the snake is in poor shape I'd pass, there are plenty of places/people here that could get you a nice healthy captive bred male for a first pet.

-Jason