Posted by:
althea
at Wed Nov 11 17:51:14 2009 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by althea ]
If you decide on a ball python, buy captive bred from a reputable breeder. The wild caught/captive hatched animals found in pet stores (especially before the holidays) often will not feed, have heavy parasite loads, and can be a challenge even for experienced keepers.
My husband purchased a pretty wild caught female for me at Christmas ten years ago. After she was treated for parasites, it was 9 months before she would eat only dark colored live mice. After six years of worry about food sources, parasite transmittal, etc., she decided that frozen-thawed rats were acceptable food items. Go figure.
I still have her. However, I wouldn't want a first time young keeper's first experience with a pet snake to be similar.
For what it's worth.
Best of luck with your choice.
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