1 week old BP hatchling

[marionsclan]

Someone is selling a one week old hatchling which has just shed. I've asked them if it has fed yet and they said they are trying it tonight. I told them that if the feeding was successful then I am interested.

Is there anything that I need to look out for as in habitat or feeding (are mouse pinkies too big)? I know with furry animals it's usually 8 weeks before they can be re-homed. How about snakes?

There are several online info sites but they don't always match in information so I thought I get it from the people who live it. :)

[Coffee Black]

I would wait until it gets a few meals in first. like 6.

[Ch^4]

A shed and 3-4 meals is typical for BPs. A mouse pinky is likely too small. Mikey and Julian have limitless experience with BPs, so hopefully they'll chime in. Hatchlings typically do best in small enclosures (i.e., 6 quart tub), with lots of privacy and slightly higher humidity.

[NennaMeerkat]

Yup yup you would probably want it to eat more than once before buying it. That way it is an "established eater". Its not about age but more of feeding that you look out for with snakes. As Ch^4 said there are those who have a TON of experience with BP's that will give ya all the info you could ever need :)

[Dehlida]

After mine eat 3 times I sell them. Unless one is an exceptionally excited feeder that I don't worry about. This rule only applies for ball pythons though. Corn snakes I sell after 1 meal, pits after 1 meal as well, they don't have problems eating like balls do.

[NennaMeerkat]

After mine eat 3 times I sell them. Unless one is an exceptionally excited feeder that I don't worry about. This rule only applies for ball pythons though. Corn snakes I sell after 1 meal, pits after 1 meal as well, they don't have problems eating like balls do.

This, I think is a good rule of thumb, for a lot of snakes regardless of breed. But especially so with balls (and hognose snakes) since, as stated they can be rather problem eaters for one reason or another.

[stephanbakir]

After mine eat 3 times I sell them. Unless one is an exceptionally excited feeder that I don't worry about. This rule only applies for ball pythons though. Corn snakes I sell after 1 meal, pits after 1 meal as well, they don't have problems eating like balls do.
Thats what I do with most snakes

[Lankyrob]

I would definietly want at least two consecutive successful feeds before taking it.

[citysnakes]

if it feeds tonight and you know and trust this breeder and believe in your ability to get hatchling snakes, balls in particular, to feed then why not get it?

if you've never had a baby snake or any snake before then get an established feeder.

[mykee]

DON'T buy a baby ball python that hasn't eaten yet.
Any breeder who would sell a baby ball python that isn't an established eater is one I would never buy from.

[marionsclan]

DON'T buy a baby ball python that hasn't eaten yet.
Any breeder who would sell a baby ball python that isn't an established eater is one I would never buy from.

Does it take a lot to get little ones feeding or is there another reason why they may not eat? I've volunteered for the Humane Society and bottle-fed lots of wee ones, but never snakes. I assume there is more to it because everyone is so dead set against getting a baby that isn't an established feeder.

[mykee]

Not tough at all, it comes down more to the reputation of the breeder who sold you an animal that isn't established.
The feeding part is simple; toss a 15g live mouse in the bin, watch it eat. If it hasn't eaten in 10 minutes (supervised) take it out and try again in 2 days.
I've established over a thousand baby ball python over my career (NEVER sold a sinle one without at least 5 melas in it) as a ball python breeder, and only ever had 4 that refuse to eat entirely.
Three were assist fed a few times and were fine, one died.

[marionsclan]

Not tough at all, it comes down more to the reputation of the breeder who sold you an animal that isn't established.
The feeding part is simple; toss a 15g live mouse in the bin, watch it eat. If it hasn't eaten in 10 minutes (supervised) take it out and try again in 2 days.
I've established over a thousand baby ball python over my career (NEVER sold a sinle one without at least 5 melas in it) as a ball python breeder, and only ever had 4 that refuse to eat entirely.
Three were assist fed a few times and were fine, one died.

Well, I took everyone's advice and decided to go with a 3 year old Caramel cornsnake which is established, a great feeder, and can easily be handled. I figured that should I make a mistake older snakes are more forgiving then babies.

On a different note, I found a rodent breeder who happen to breed mainly pythons and he had the most beautiful totally white python. I forgot what he called it, but it is the type that lacks all pigments. And the eyes were a marbled blue. She was gorgeous.

[whoaxmary]

Blue Eyed leucistic (sorry if that's spelled wrong!) Python. Very gorgeous snakes. :)

[marionsclan]

Blue Eyed leucistic (sorry if that's spelled wrong!) Python. Very gorgeous snakes. :)

Yes!!! That's the one. She was sooooooo gorgeous and so mellow. She just visited with me and was not head shy or anything. He'll breed her next year.

[shaunyboy]

ask the seller if he would be willing to wait until its had say 4 consectutive feeds before selling you it

i would call it an established feeder after 4 feeds (just my opinion)

i preffer carpet hatchlings to have had 4 to 6 feeds before i collect them from the seller

i know the waiting is tough and it seems to drag on forever,but in the long run its better for the snake and you

cheers shaun