Tips for choosing a ball python

[PI-Thon]

hi!
I am finnaly ready to buy my first ball python (once everything is setup of course)
What should I look at to see if he's healthy?
I've held him twice already, he's really docile, he 'seems' happy, at least to me. He was moving quite a bit on me (exploring I guess)

They also received a bigger one yesterday, I just dont know if he's as nice as the other one (his temper).

Anyway just looking for some general advice as to what to look at for a healthy snake (one of my friends bought a corn snake and he died in less than a week (black thing in his belly)... I was sad...

Waiting for some great tips from the you guys,
P.S I love these forums,filled with useful info thanks!
If you ever need help for a re-design of the site, I'm a web designer so PM me

[tigerlily]

What to look for... well I would make sure to check to make sure the animal has no small black specks on it (look around the eyes and heat pits - also check out the caging as well) to make sure it does not have mites or ticks. You want to listen to make sure the animal is not wheezing or raspy. Check the vent to make sure there is no discharge or prolapses. The heat pits should be clear, and the inside of the mouth should be a nice healthy pink.

Those are few things off the top of my head. I hope that helps a bit.

[ChrisBowsman]

This goes against my typical DIY ethic, but if you're unsure of what to look for, I'd get one from a breeder. I wasn't certain I'd be able to pick a good one (probably could, but....), so I got one from a breeder, and I'm very happy with the decision.

[PI-Thon]

I did my research and didnt find any breeders near Quebec,Canada. I didnt wanna buy online and not see in advance what I am buying or not knowing if he's aggressive.
Who knows maybe I will be the first Ball Python snake breeder around

[PI-Thon]

would buying the bigger snake be better?

[Dcommander]

not really, try getting the better feeder... that if u can see them eat sometime before buying..

[mtxsub7]

more active, ask to hold them, i picked mine out because it was moving a lot and would let me hold it without freaking out

also see if its eaten a lot or if they had issues with it