Potential Ball Owner ?

[aNi-DiFrAnCo]

I know you guys must get this question A LOT, but I will go ahead and ask anyway. I have done some research on the internet for the best beginner snake and I have found that the BP would make a great snake for me. I am seeking much information on aquiring one (I am thinking about maybe getting one from a breeder) because I don't know if it would be a good idea to buy from a pet store (though all of my other animals have come from our local pet shop that has a very good reputation for being clean and keeping well cared for livestock) Is it best to get them as young as possible so they become accustomed to being handled? Some sites say that BP's are pretty low maintenance while others say they can be daunting. I hope I can get some true and straight up answers from actual owners or breeders. Also if I buy from a breeder is it safe to have the snake shipped to me, or is it a good idea. I am asking this because a lot of people want to choose their animal and not have it chosen for you. Also any other information would be appreciated. Thanks. :D

[aNi-DiFrAnCo]

Also are males or females the same or does one have a better temper? Do males and females differ in size?

[nita]

Females usually get bigger than the males. As for attitude it all depends on the snake. I have 1.2.1 and all are great for temperament and eating. Balls can be picky eaters but mine have been great other than the usual off feed for winter. I think they are an easy animal to care for as long as you do your research. There are some great books out there and some really knowledgable people here. So you are on the right track. I have never had a snake shipped to me but if it is from a reputable breeder I can't see you having any trouble, shipping snakes is quite common practice with the larger breeders. You can usually still pick the snake you want they will have pictures, not the same as handeling them and deciding but you get to pic the one you think looks best. hope this helps and I'm sure others will chime in some great info as well.

[mykee]

Balls are a great first snake, but KNOW that you will be able to handle you snake going off-feed for up to a year at a time. Balls are notorious for fasting for stupid amounts of time, and beginner ball owners can get very frazzled, as well as seasoned owners. I would pick one up from a breeder and I would also choose a female, as in my experiences, ( I own 5.16) females are more easily handled, less apt to bite, and are better eaters. Females also get larger than males, so expect a 5 foot, 6 pound ball when all is said and done. Good luck.

[Cruciform]

Get a decent set of digital scales (they're not too expensive) so that you can track your BPs weight.
When it stops eating (and it probably will at some point) then you can just track the weight. If it starts to plummet, you've got a problem, but if they're fasting there should be very little (or gradual) change.

(I don't have my ball yet either, I'm just going by what I've read as well.)

Oh, and try to stick to feeding it prey that is readily available. If they fixate on hamsters/gerbils/whatever you'll have a fun time finding food that they'll take.

[lostwithin]

Hi, I think a ball is a Great choice ,it was my fist snake, I picked her up she was all ready 3, she’s 9 now, doing great, she does fast for 9 out of 12 months, but never looses and significant amount of weight. (None visible) this bothers some people, it did me at first as well but now I think its great saves a ton on feeding lol. They are fairly easy too care for, mine only ever had health problems once in 9 years, and it was a small skin infection. she’s very tame, if not handled for a while she’s shy when first taken out, never has shown any threat displays or attempted too bite, feeding an be tricky I believe every snake has its preference, mine will eat any mice and LOVES them , but she’s very large and needs at least 6 of them per meal, lol, so she eats rats , and is the perfect example of a picky eater when it comes too rats, she will ONLY eat live, and on top of that tends too prefer Black rats, and surprisingly enough female rats, (she will eat others but it takes much longer, on of those things I’ve noticed in years of feeding, for whatever reason she eats much better with a black female rat), and likes too eat during the dawn/dusk hours. Those are all little things you lean as you go along, I would consider them Low maintenance, as long as you keep a fresh water bowl (large enough too soak in, the proper temps, and a hide (which is a must with balls) the snake should thrive,
As for male or female, I prefer female balls simply because they tend too get larger, that is the only difference I have noticed between the sexes and is true with most species. With pet stores I would suggest that if they seem too bring in healthy cb animals, then have one ordered in specifically for you, rather then buy one off the shelf (just ask them about it when they have none) that way the anmal should be less stressed,

Devon

[justinO]

short answer from me,

good choice! buy from a breeder (find one on here!) not from a pet store, breeders/private sales are WAY cheeper. If you don't want to breed them, get a male.

Also, don't get feeders from pet stores (again, way too expensive), and if you can help it, feed rats not mice.

I'd get a baby (that's been established) that way, you get to watch it grow!

Good luck, and know that the people on ssnakess will always be able to help if you have any questions
:)