Hatchlings

[wizbit13]

Hi. I have been looking into buying a young Ball Python, and the reptile shop has two different choices for sale. Ones that are feeding on thier own, and ones that you got to do all the work and get them too feed yourself. He says they have eaten but it takes a lot of work. He is asking £90 for the ones that are eating and only £35 for the ones that aint. Is this a money making scam or is it a lot of hard work to get them to feed when they are young?? Cheers

Adam

[kjay]

go for the cheap ones, someone has to save them why not you, follow the wisdom of others on here regarding temps,humididty hides subtrates, and your set, there is tons of good advice, but find out if the are captive born or wild caught, if they are wild caught that changes everything

[hhw]

It can be difficult to get hatchlings feeding. If you don't have prior experience with ball pythons, I would not buy a hatchling that hasn't eaten at least 3 meals with some regularity.

On the other hand, I think £90 is way too much money. I would be a bit suspect that his £35 ones are problem feeders, since there's that huge of a price difference. You should look for a local herp society and try finding a breeder to buy from. Then you can probably get a well established hatchling from a more trustworthy source for much less than £90, possibly as low as £35.

[wizbit13]

Hi. Cheers for the replys. I dont have any experience with BP's as this would be my first one. So I think i'll be a bit more patient and wait until I find a better reptile dealer cos he does seem rather pricey.

Cheers

Adam

[snakehunter]

Iwould go with the more expensive if you ask me, wait till you have some experience with balls before you pick up a known problem snake. good luck

[wizbit13]

Yer I have read just about all the info I can find on this matter and I have decided not to go with one of these 'fussy' eaters. Ill be back asking lots more questions when I find the right ball !!!

Cheers

Adam

[nita]

There are lots of great care sheets here and everyone is very helpfull. Using the search feature at the top can help answer a lot of your questions too! Look into a local reptile show in your area, you are bound to find a ball python breeder or dealer. Good luck, they are fabulous animals.

[Darkest]

I agree with nita. you might find a bp breeder at a local herp/reptile show in your area.

[BoidKeeper]

I do have exerience with ball pythons and right now I am trying to get hatchlings that I produced to take F/T rats. In my opinion if you want a pet snake you will want it to be as enjoyable an experience as possible. There is nothing enjoyable about trying to get a non-feeding ball to eat. Spend more money find a breeder and get a quality captive bred animal and enjoy your snake experience. If you buy that ball for 35 pounds it may end up costing you more than a captive bred one so why not save your self the head ach and get something feeding, perferably on rats.
Cheers,
Trevor

[wizbit13]

These ones for £35 are captive bread. The guy in the Reptile store breeds them himself. But I have decided not to get one of them anyway and wait until I find a better one.

Cheers

Adam

[BoidKeeper]

In my opinion it is anethical for a breeder to knowingly sell nonestblished animals. Pet stores sell noneating WC stuff all the time but it's rare that breeders do it. Breeders should be held accountable if their animals do eat. They should not be encouraged to sell noneating animals. By buying those noneating animals that is the message you are sending him.
Cheers,
Trevor