Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all, my daughter, after much research and saving of money, is almost ready for her
first Ball Python. My question is this- we are several hours' drive from Sacramento, where they are having a reptile expo this weekend... we've never been, and wondered if it would be worthwhile for us to drive down there in hopes of acquiring our new family member? I'm sure it varies, so nobody could say for sure, but has anyone been and do you think we'd have a good chance of finding a nice healthy captive bred normal? The other option I'm considering is East Bay Vivarium in the Bay Area... still a drive, but I have family there, so two birds with one stone. The only snakes available to me locally seem to be Petsmart/Petco... not my favorite idea. Also, one more question- I know they can be sexed, can you expect breeders or a place like East Bay Vivarium to know the sex of juvenile Balls? Thanks in advance from far northern California!

If you're going to a reptile expo you shouldn't have any problems finding a nice ball python. Ball pythons and cornsnakes seem to be the most common snakes at such shows and you should have a wide variety to choose from. As far as sexing, most breeders will know the sex of the snake they're selling. It'll either be marked in some manner, or they could sex it for you on the spot.

Just make sure to ask a lot of questions to ensure you're getting a healthy snake. Enjoy!
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JaYdEd: "I can snipe the testicles off a fly at 100 yards."
Affa: "Do flies even have testicles?"
JaYdEd: "Not when I'm around!"

0.0.2 Red Tail Boas
2.2 Dogs
0.1 Cats
1.1 Room mates

My ball was my first snake. Awesome snakes; docile and large enough to call a snake - but not too large.

I would recommend a reputable breeder that is easy to contact if there are any problems after purchase. Never bought from a show, but I'm sure there are plenty of reputable breeders selling their balls at a fraction of the cost of those found at Petco.

I've seen some poor conditions for the balls found at my local Petco, including mites and horribly incomplete sheds. Not all of these chain stores operate the same, but I would not buy one from there personally. (I could have bought one for $29.99 as opposed to the $75 I paid for mine at a reputable reptile shop).

Just make sure when you purchase the ball, to check for any missing scales, no bubbling or gurgling at the mouth, and clear eyes. Also, ask for a record of feedings and whether they feed on frozen/thawed, pre-killed, or live. A breeder should be able to determine the sex by probing or "popping". Females tend to get a bit larger than the males and tend to be better feeders.

0.1.0 Royal(Ball) Python
1.0.0 Amenalstic (Red Albino) Cornsnake
0.0.1 Western Hognose

1.0.0 Betta

0.2.0 English Bulldogs
0.1.0 Piebald Dachshund

keep an eye of for mites as well, they are little bugs on the snake and if you see one snake with them I would just leave that vendor and go to another booth. If someone is willing to sell sick snakes you don't want to buy from.

All in all, know what you are looking for, know what is a good price for it, and have some fun seeing what is all out there.

matt

Thanks for the replies- very helpful
We're getting pretty excited- we currently have a pair of Rubber Boas, but my daughter is dying for 'something big enough to call a snake', LOL! And yes, we've already seen some unhealthy conditions, as well as a couple of terrible incomplete sheds on babies in our local shops- really have to fight the urge to 'save' them when they're in those places, but I'm looking for a good successful experience for my daughter's first ball python, so I'm trying to be picky!

and you should have no problem finding a ball python at the Sacramento show. I've been there many times and I've always found ball pythons each time I go.
However, if you go to the Sac show, you might as well go to the East Bay Vivarium. However, they will be at the show too, but nothing beats going to their store. If you think you've seen a lot of snakes, wait till you walk through those doors. Hope this helps and good luck with finding a snake.

I've heard some good things about East Bay Viv., thanks for the recommendation! I'm leaning toward heading down there, store looks like fun!