Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi guys. I've been looking into getting a ball python for a couple of years now and have almost decided to take the plunge, but I wanted some expert advice on the snake I plan to buy. I have been cruising this forum for a while now and you really give some great advice so here goes...

When I was at my local place today to get some bits, they just had half a dozen, hatchling-size balls come in the door a few hours before I arrived. Lucky me I got pick of the bunch and have cautiously reserved a little high-gold-ish female. They had 2 normals, a few proper high golds and this little girl was some where inbetween.

Anyway, I was going to buy her after I was sure she had fed 2 or 3 times but after coming home and getting back into the books again, I am slightly concerned.

First off, she does seem a little on the thin side to my untrained eye and perhaps dehydrated-folds in her skin and kinda rough feeling. She has what looks like stuck shed on her head, but I am wondering if she is actually a little duller and dry because she's going into shed?

I have spoken to others and they seem to think that with some TLC, worming and a good soak she should do fine providing she eats, but that she is possible captive farmed.

I just wanted to get a wider range of opinions on whether this is a reasonable choice or if I should avoid her at all costs?

I'm sure you guys all know the WOW I LOVE YOU HAVE TO HAVE YOU feeling, well I'm getting that off her and she looks gorgeous and has a wonderful temperament. Even after who knows how long in the back of a van she was still opening up and crawling around, checing me out. But obviously I want a healthy and feeding animal. I don't mind TLC and your usual vet check and fecals but I am not as confident with snakes as I am with lizards so I wanted some advice. Any opinions most welcome and appreciated.

Man I know what it's like to find that "perfect" snake. I'm getting ready to purchase my first ball python also. I have been doing tons of research and have become an information maniac. (I'm really going crazy, I can't read enough or spend enough time online.) I looked into the hatchlings at the pet store and none of them were eating, so I passed. Luckily I was able to find a herp club and have hooked up with a few local breeders. And I have my eye on a 2 year old normal from a breeder who is moving more into morphs and is looking to make room. This one was one of his breeding stock I beleive. He is bringing him to the show for me to see, and is trying to send me some pics. I can hardly wait as this is the first time I will have been to one of these shows. And i'm looking forward to the learning experience. So I say good luck to you and I'll be watching this post as well for advice. Keep in touch and let us know how your search is going.

Y'know, I wouldn't buy a first from a petstore, basically because they tend to need so much TLC. I mean, it's a PITA to get a snake home and immediatly take to a vet, spend extra money for antiparasitic, give her daily or weekly parasite meds, bump up humidity so they can rehydrate, give baths in Pedialite, check for mites, possibly treat for mites, pluck ticks off her, get her adjusted to your scent to lower aggression, etc.

Not to mention that most pet store snakes are wild-caught or farm-raised. Mmm. Parasites. Eating disorders. Fun!

They also can't tell you jack about the snake, except maybe when they got it and possibly where they got it from (other than the manager, who usually knows a bit more), and when/if it's eaten since it's been at the store. It doesn't give you a solid history of what to expect.

I'll admit that I'm guilty of buying from petstores. I bought my orange striped from a store here.

But really, I'd go to a reptile show. Most breeders there can give you exact date of birth, sex, parents (wc or cb), all feeding/medical/shedding/poop records. And if they don't, you really don't want to buy from them.

Back to the question again, I have a thin snake. He eats as much as he's supposed to. he eats as much as my orange stripe, but he just doesn't grow as quickly. Some snakes are just runts, I think. Like people. But my orange is going to be huge, lol.

Yeah . . .
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-Irish
My Snakes