As long as he isn't asking for cash upfront and you won't pay for the snake until you examine it Andrew, you're likely fine. I would review, or ask for information on what constitutes a healthy ball python so you know what red flags to look for (you certainly don't need an unhealthy snake). You should ask the following questions from this owner:

- how old is this snake, do you have a hatch date and was it captive born, captive hatched or wild caught?

- is this snake male or female?

- where did you get this snake from originally and how long have you had it?

- how has it been housed?

- what does it eat as far as mice or rats, what size of prey does it normally eat and using what method of feeding (live, frozen/thawed or pre-killed)? when did it last eat and how often have you been feeding it? does it normally refuse to eat?

- has this snake or any snake housed near it (hopefully not with it) had any medical issues, mites, ticks, etc.

- does this snake normally defecate, pass urine/urates and shed appropriately?

As far as transporting you want the snake secure and safe and out of direct drafts, A/C vents or hot sunlight. Something like this is a great thing to have. You can find them at any dollar store or department store for a couple of dollars. Add in some vent holes and a bit of substrate and you've got a perfect and safe snake holder (great also for vet trips and for holding the snake while you clean it's home). They come in various sizes. For extra security and to lessen stress you can place the snake in a dark pillowcase and then tuck them into this container.

Small transport container.....


Larger one....