Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've made up my mind... I think... I think I've chosen a Ball Python. Now, in regards to the Ball Pythons, are they all the same size? I've seen pictures of some balls that look like they're 8 feet long and some pictures that look only 3 feet long. If anyone has a picture of them with their full grown ball that'd be a big help, then I could see how big they are compared to a person. Also, what size tank would a full grown Ball need? I asked the pet store and she said like a 50 gallon aquarium. But that seems big, you tell me... One more thing... The pet sotre that I'd probably get it from must have one ordered in. Is this a good thing. Would they be captive bred and born? I don't like it because then I don't get to choose the colors or personality, what comes comes... How do you guys get yours? Anyways, just fill me in abit on the types of Ball Pythons and how you got 'em, that would be great thanks...

i would definetly recomend that you buy from a breeder online. there are many good breeders on here that can help you. this way you can be assured what you are buying is going to be quality. and you are aware that the different colors also means different prices? much much different prices.....

Yes, I've just found out the difference in prices... Rediculous, well for me atleast, I'm poor. I saw a spider for $45, 000! My budget is as much as I'm willing to save up. But I'm horrible at saving money partially because I'm not very patient and secondly, beacuase it would take a lifetime to save up for the things I want. Anyways, I've decided my favorite morph is 'Clown'. What's the price for those? I've also got a few more general questions... If I use an online breeder, wouldn't it be more expensive, if so, how much more? Also, I'd like to get the snake within my next 2 or 3 pay-cheques. That should provide me with anywhere from $300 to $600... That will be the money for everything the snake needs including the snake itself. What would you reccommend? I've seen prices for almost all of the snakes except 'Clown'. And if 'Clown' is over 200 it looks like I'm going to have to just get a normal Ball... And I'm fine with that. Should I get a normal Ball online too? And, if I were to use an online breeder would I for sure get my desired sex? Another question; How long does it take to have them shipped from the breeder? And last but not least... Do you know any good online breeders? Please try and answer as much as you can. THANKS SO MUCH...

I've personally never used any online breeders, but he only online breeders I've seen with Clowns sell them in the thousands of dollar range.

all i have is a normal, but i think my normal is the greatest thing in the world. i know ralphdavisreptiles.com is a good online breeder. and i believe also that if you got your BP from an online breeder they would be able to tell you more about whether it is a male or female. personally i would just trust a breeder to have been properly taking care of the animal. whereas petstores have a ton of animals to care for and cannot specialize in just one area. also i do not believe that an online breeder will be more expensive than a petstore. 300 to 600 dollars is more than enough to get a normal BP, but i doubt it`d be enough for a "clown" morph. also i believe that the online breeders could have it shipped to you very fast, possibly even over night, not 100% sure though. hope i helped a little, as i`m not super knowledgeble as of yet.

No, not all BPs are the same size. I believe they average more around 4-5 feet with females being larger. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule. They continue to grow all there life it's just that the growth is faster at first and then slows down.

I have my BP in a 50 gallon tank. It's pretty big for a young ball, but if you provide plenty of hides it will be more comfortable. An adult ball will do well in a 50 gallon.

You'll have to ask the pet store if they would be ordering a wild caught or captive bred. If they say captive bred I'd make them prove it (get name and contact info of breeder, etc). You want to go with captive bred. Better yet, why not skip the middle man and: find a breeder in your area, order online or go to a reptile show near you.

http://www.kingsnake.com/events.html

There are several morphs but your price increases with the morphs compared to a 'normal' ball. I happen to think the normals are the most beautiful. But within the normals you'll see some small differences.

Best of luck!