Should I buy this Cinny Female ball python? Yes/No?

[nevohraalnavnoj]

Cinny's are sweet. I think I like black pastels even more though, but it's hard to find one even comparable in price! This guy is giving me a pretty good hookup.

JonV

[elevatethis]

1) A lot of his BP's were really aggressive. Maybe this was from lack of handling, but the mother of the Cinny female was particularly grouchy. Do you think this is a trait the cinny female will inherit from her mother, or will she calm down with handling?

I've noticed a difference between the temperments of "pet" snakes that are accustomed to regular handling, versus snakes in a breeder's rack that aren't handled nearly as much. I produced a few babies this year that try to take my face off every time I clean their tubs. Their mother is the most laid back female I have in my collection. Incidentally, these same snakes' feeding responses are STRONG. They calm down with age, though, so don't worry. They'll eventually realize that they are ball pythons after all and will mellow out - in most cases

2) The animals were kept on newspaper that was changed once per week. So I noticed a lot of urates in their racks. Is this a huge problem or am I reading too much into it?

Like Jas said, snake's gotta go too. With any large number of animals, I don't see how a one or two person operation could keep up with that. I would be more on the lookout for MOLD in tubs, as an indication that that animals aren't getting cleaned like they should.

[West Coast Jungle]

I have some snakes that pee several times a week so finding urates is not uncommon, like other have said in large collections. I also like a fiesty girl, she will probably eat well.

But Vaughn had the best advice which is to go with your gut. Cinny females are great animals to have in your collection but if you have a bad feeling for some reason don't pull the trigger. Does he keep rodents in the same room?
I knew a guy that bred his rodents right next to his BP rack and alot of his snakes were snappy. I wonder if smelling lunch all day made them go for the first heat signal they feel.

Don't let urates freak you, some are pee machines.

[jkobylka]

Like others said, go with your gut. But if the breeder had healthy animals throughout his facility, then I wouldn't sweat it. I don't mind agressive bps

Justin

[nixer]

I have some snakes that pee several times a week so finding urates is not uncommon, like other have said in large collections. I also like a fiesty girl, she will probably eat well.

But Vaughn had the best advice which is to go with your gut. Cinny females are great animals to have in your collection but if you have a bad feeling for some reason don't pull the trigger. Does he keep rodents in the same room?
I knew a guy that bred his rodents right next to his BP rack and alot of his snakes were snappy. I wonder if smelling lunch all day made them go for the first heat signal they feel.

Don't let urates freak you, some are pee machines.

mine seem like the pee 2-3 times a week so i guess i would be guilty of it too but i do change my newspaper atleast 2 times a week.

when i had all my rodents in my room i noticed my balls had a harder time knowing when its feeding time, but its not like the were mean they just smelled the rodents all the time so i would imagine they get used to it and then you might notice less of a feeding response as i did. also dont forget some ppl keep their temps high and higher temps make for some mighty mean balls (babies or adults)

[Alice]

You've got good responses in this thread that should help you to deicde.


Someone with a small group of pet BPs can usually clean more often than someone with a larger group of breeders. Several racks of BPs are usually cleaned on a weekly schedule so you may see poo or urates, depending on the day of the week. I agree that mold will usually tell you that it's been a bit longer between cleanings than it should.

Also, most people, not all of course, that have a larger group of breeders don't usually handle their BPs much. They aren't usually considered pets, more like livestock. Is this wrong or bad? Not IMHO. But many people would rather see a BP that is a bit agressive when it comes to feeding day than a picky eater. Was it close to feeding day for the cinny mother?

There is also a very interesting post on breeding for attitude that is active right now that you might want to read. I found it fascinating.

Let us know what you decide. Good luck