a few specific questions...

[Michelle.C]

Welcome to BP.net!!

1. Ball Pythons have no external ear openings. Sound is very limited. They mostly "hear" through vibrations. As long as the Television isn't booming, I doubt it will even notice. Much less be bothered by the noise.

2. Petsmart, Petco, and other large chains mostly care poorly for their animals. Possible health issues are; mites, internal/external parasites, burns, feeding issues, stress issues, respiratory problems, mouth rot, etc.

I would advise completely inspecting the animal, every inch. I would set a veterinary appointment up for a checkup/fecal before even bringing the animal home.

There are hundreds of very reputable breeders that are willing to ship to your door (Fedex/UPS), and the animals would be problem free.

3. As long as the light isn't shining directly in the tank, you should be fine. I wouldn't leave the lights on all night long, turn them out when you can.

Make sure he has multiple (two or more) secure, tight hides and he will escape the light when he wants to.

4. I own over 40 Ball Pythons and I honestly see no difference in temperament between the sexes. It's all very dependent on the individual animal.

Make sure you handle the snake before you bring it home (if you insist on buying from a pet store chain). Make sure it is docile, but alert, healthy and active. The mouth should be pink and healthy, there should be no indications of sputum. This could indicate a respiratory infection. Take a damp paper towel and wipe it over the entire snakes body, look on the paper towel for moving dots (mites). Also look around the eyes and under the jaw for mites. The vent should be clean and crust free, with no evidence of feces. The skin should snap back into place if you pinch a small area on the side. The shed should be completely removed if a recent sluff occurred. You should also request the animal be fed in your presence.

Good luck!