Ball Python

Buying a ball python

If you are just thinking about getting your first reptile, read our article about buying your first reptile.

Try to buy only a captive bred snake. You will be likely to have less trouble feeding it, and it is also less likely to come with disease or parasites.

To save yourself a lot of trouble with feeding, only buy one that you have seen eat. (And not force fed!) Many new owners have a difficult time in getting their ball python to eat. Make sure that it is used to eating pre-killed mice, otherwise you may be stuck having to feed it live rodents for as long as you have it. It is difficult to get a live-prey eating snake back to pre-killed food.

The python's eyes and skin should be clear, unless it is about to shed. If shedding is iminent, you're better off to wait until after it's finished, and you can get a good look at it. It should be heavy, and have a solid body. Check the underside - it should be clean, and free of excrement.

Make sure that it doesn't react badly when handled. The ball python should be lievely enough that it loops around you arm and holds on, but not skittish. (It is normal for it to recoil if you place you hands near it's head). Avoid any snakes that snap at you as you try to pick them up - if they are aggressive at a young age, it will probably just get worse.

When trying to evaluate the snake, make sure that it is at a proper temperature. Many aggressive or nervous snakes will appear calm if the temperature is too low. Besides, if the pet store is not keeping the temperature at the right level, maybe it's not the best store to buy from.