tomorrow I'm not coming home without a snake

[OSMDEATHOWNER]

So tomorrow the day I'm going to get ma new addition. I been to a couple spot but it's two pet stores I found where they really look healthy. I was thinking of getting one I saw that was already2 foot long but I was thinking it's kinda weird that they are only selling it for 100 dollars. I seen another for a hundred, they said it was a possible ghost but I don't know Wat that is. I spent 3 Weeks reading on caring for a bp so I'm good but does anyone have any suggestion s or tips for me when I go look tomorrow?

[Hillsberry]

Just make sure the snake is healthy. Look under the snakes head and make sure there are no mites. I would also make sure the snakes scales look clean and healthy. I would also ask when the snake ate last and if it is on f/t or live. Possible ghost means that it could possible be caring the ghost jeans. Ghost is a morph. So if you were to ever breed this snake you could possible get ghost Bps. Good luck on getting your snake can't wait to see pictures! :D

[alessia55]

Personally, I would go to a reptile expo where you can get the snake directly from the breeder. At the pet store, the ball python that's being sold for $100... is it a normal ball python (i.e.: no specific morph) ? If so, you can get a normal, healthy ball python at a reptile expo for as little as $20-$25, and you'll have a lot more selection. I worry about getting animals from pet stores because you might never know who actually bred them, where they come from, what conditions, etc.
About finding one that is healthy... there are a few things you can look for. The body should have no "kinks" or "dents" or weird shape to it. The snake should be able to turn itself over properly if you try to flip it upside down (gently). Check the eyes- are they clear? Is the snake active? Does their skin look smooth and healthy, or does it have some retained shed on it? Not sure how comfortable you'd feel, but when shopping for baby ball pythons I've sometimes gently probed the mouth open to check for respiratory infections or any obvious signs of mouth rot, etc. The snake shouldn't be making any wheezing sounds when breathing. Check the snake over really carefully for any mites or anything else stuck in it's scales (check around the face and on the belly scales too).
Edit to add: Don't leave without finding out WHAT the snake is eating. Frozen/thawed? live? mice? rats? How often? Has he refused meals recently? Is he a picky eater? Does he eat in the cage or in a separate container? What is the routine?

[Terranaut]

Tip 1 would be to buy from a breeder and not a pet store. Not to say you can't find a nice one there but ordering from the breeder directly will probably yield the nicest snake.
Just my $.02

[alessia55]

Also, the one you said that is possible het ghost... that just means that the snake MIGHT have a recessive trait for the ghost morph. Unless you plan to breed to make ghost ball pythons or any variation thereof, don't bother. You're better off buying a snake that is the color/pattern you want, and not worrying about the recessive genetics etc etc that might just cost more and wouldn't be worth it unless you want to take your chances at breeding. And even then you might not get anything since the snake is POSSIBLE het ghost, not definite.

[Hillsberry]

I agree with both Alessia and Terranaut. I bought my Jungle Carpet python for $85 at an expo and she is a really nice looking snake. Well when I go to pet stores to see their snakes they sell their Jungles for like $200 or more, which is just crazy!. Pet stores can be HUGE rip-offs.

[Maclyal]

I agree, buy at an expo.
not only do you have a larger choice & smaller prices,
but you also have the advantage of talking with the breeder
& getting alot of useful info about the snake as well as other info about caring for it.

I know as a breeder that I try to help my customers with every bit of info I can give them.

hope you find a nice one that you can love & care for that lives long & makes you happy.

[OSMDEATHOWNER]

I swear this is the best place for questions. Thank you all, it's hard to thank you idividually cuz I'm always on here threw my phone. I may want to breed in the future but now I'm Tryna make sure I his learn everything I can cuz this is something I plan on doin for the rest of my life. Where can I find expos and thanks again people.

[alessia55]

I swear this is the best place for questions. Thank you all, it's hard to thank you idividually cuz I'm always on here threw my phone. I may want to breed in the future but now I'm Tryna make sure I his learn everything I can cuz this is something I plan on doin for the rest of my life. Where can I find expos and thanks again people.

I use this link to find reptile expos coming up near me: Reptile Show and Event Calendar (http://www.reptilechannel.com/reptile-events/reptile-events.aspx)
I see you live in Pennsauken NJ which is RIGHT next to Philly (where I am). I'm going to an expo in Hamburg PA on Feb 25th. It's a HUGE expo and I'm driving there. If you want I could give you a ride, we could go together (with my boyfriend too who always loves to tag along to expos...mostly to make sure I don't come home with anything LOL) and I could help you pick something out that is healthy and within your budget. PM me if you want :) I'd be happy to help!

[Hillsberry]

Reptile expos are all over the US. Like you I am also from New Jersey so I can help you with the expos near us. There are expos in PA and in NY. Unfortunately NJ does not have any reptile expos. But all you have to do is go to google and type in Reptile Expos in New York or Reptile Expos in PA, and hundreds of websites will pop up and they will help you with the rest. Every expo sells Bps so you will have no problem purchasing a Bp at one of these expos. Good Luck!

[OSMDEATHOWNER]

Thanks for the invite love, i would actually love to go but I'm not waiting that long to get a bp unless I have to. I would still wanna go tho. Jus stay in touch, you seem real cool

[KORBIN5895]

In light of recent post that first line makes me laugh.