If you decide upon a ball python, be sure to acquire a captive bred animal. Wild caught balls prey imprint in the wild, and you may or may not find an acceptable food substitute in captivity, thus leading to potential feeding issues. Captive bred animals will be healthy, parasite free, and already imprinted on readily available rodent food items.

There are many great first snakes: corns, milks, most kings, african house snakes, childrens or spotted pythons, rosy boas; the list goes on. Try to get yourself to a reptile show (look on the Events Forum here on KS). That way you can take a good look at your top candidates, ask questions and even come home with not only a snake, but the proper food items for it. Just remember to set up an enclosure before you go.

Best of luck choosing your first!

rgds,
althea

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