Want to get a ball python any suggenstions? - Page 2

Hurrok · 03-11-13, 09:42 PM

You're very welcome! Getting a snake in general is an exciting experience! I'm here to help anytime

Alright sounds great! If you aren't sure what certain morphs are going for $ wise just compare on Google. Or if you found one and aren't sure if it's a good deal don't be afraid to ask, it would suck to be ripped off.

Bloutitt · 03-11-13, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hurrok

You're very welcome! Getting a snake in general is an exciting experience! I'm here to help anytime

Alright sounds great! If you aren't sure what certain morphs are going for $ wise just compare on Google. Or if you found one and aren't sure if it's a good deal don't be afraid to ask, it would suck to be ripped off.

Okay sounds good!

Corey209 · 03-11-13, 11:04 PM

Spider's are known to have a problem with a wobble where they can spin and cork screw. They still make good pets and will live a healthy life (if you give the proper husbandry) but it's something to think about. I'd recommend checking out some other morphs like black pastel's.

Hurrok · 03-11-13, 11:10 PM

All Spiders have it to some degree, but not all of them are crazy. Mine sometimes "wobbles" when I feed him, although he will corkscrew sometimes when handling. Overall it isn't that noticeable and doesn't really differ from any of my other BP's. It doesn't mean that they should be steered away from though, unless it is something the handler isn't comfortable with. Just thought I'd put my 2 cents

I recommend handling a BP that you are interested in and see which one just feels right, and if it's a morph you like then go for it!

Bloutitt · 03-11-13, 11:27 PM

Yeah I found a bunch of BP for 80-120$ dont know if that is good, they dont really explain what morph so im assuming they are pure? And the only thing im worried about is size... going from my 1.5' KSB to a BP...And the fact that my girlfriend believes they are very dangerous, but I have heard they are one of the most gentle snakes? I also heard from many people you can handle them multiple times a day excluding before and after feeding?

Corey209 · 03-11-13, 11:56 PM

$80-120 is really pricey for a normal, you can get the basic morphs for that price.

I'd recommend handling your snake once a day not multiple times a day, this will reduce the stress on them. You want to start out with short sessions and you can build up over time. Ball pythons are very docile and usually only the young ones will be snappy.

Lankyrob · 03-12-13, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bloutitt

Yeah I found a bunch of BP for 80-120$ dont know if that is good, they dont really explain what morph so im assuming they are pure? And the only thing im worried about is size... going from my 1.5' KSB to a BP...And the fact that my girlfriend believes they are very dangerous, but I have heard they are one of the most gentle snakes? I also heard from many people you can handle them multiple times a day excluding before and after feeding?

Whilst a BP is bigger they are generally well mannered and gentle. Whenever my daughter brings a friend round that wants to see a snake close up we get our BP out for them to hold.

Gravelanche · 03-12-13, 08:10 AM

yeah your GF is on just a little bit of crack, even a full grown BP isnt "dangerous". a bite, which itself is very very rare, does hurt a bit, but i can guarantee you have cut yourself worse cooking dinner. my 4 foot ball has never so much as struck at me, and the only time she even postured i realized i had handled her dinner without gloves and she smelled it on me.

also corey, remember to add about 50% to the price of just about anything when it crosses the border. $80 isnt a bad price here, pet stores are about $150 for a normal.

reptimama · 03-12-13, 09:48 AM

I love my Ball! He was my first snake back when I was really stupid about the whole husbandry thing and believed what the pet store told me, stuff like oh he'll be fine in a 10 gallon for his whole life and all he needs is a mouse once a week. He's been through it all! Things are much better for him now though since I found Google and more care sheets are out there

He's always been super docile, I use to carry him around on my shoulders all the time, and he has only struck once in 7 years.
They are great snakes, whatever morph you get, you'll be happy

Hurrok · 03-12-13, 11:58 AM

You honestly shouldn't pay more than $60 for a Normal, there are so many of them that they should almost be given away!

A good cheap alternative for something around that cost is a male pastel, they go for pretty cheap.

As for your GF, just let her watch you handle it and let her once she is comfortable. Seeing that the snake is calm with you will usually help with the situation. Plus BPs don't get that long, most max out at 3-4ft and very rarely 6ft. They are plumper than cornsnakes and pretty strong when they get older but it's not a big deal when you have handled it over time and it is comfortable being handled.

Handling is okay as a daily thing once you give it a week to settle in without any interactions first. But start slowly with small sessions as you don't want to stress it out. I'd give at least a day or two of no handling before offering food and wait about 1-2 days afterward to handle your snake again. This gives time to digest and prevent regurgitation but also allows it to hopefully pee in the cage before handling it and not being peed on yourself

I've been bitten a few times by one of my girls, she has an attitude but wasn't handled at all for a year before I got her. That is why I prefer getting babies as you get to work with them with a fresh slate. Some do strike out of fear but don't worry, it doesn't actually hurt it is more just...surprising as it happens so fast! Although when they get older it can be a little uncomfortable and a little frustrating

**Aaron_S** · 03-12-13, 12:26 PM

I wouldn't pay more than $25 for a normal.

I would use this website for ball python related information.

Strictlyballs Home

Bloutitt · 03-12-13, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corey209

$80-120 is really pricey for a normal, you can get the basic morphs for that price.

I'd recommend handling your snake once a day not multiple times a day, this will reduce the stress on them. You want to start out with short sessions and you can build up over time. Ball pythons are very docile and usually only the young ones will be snappy.

Awesome thanks! Just went to look at one she is a Pastel they are asking like 400 buck though... and he seems very underfed..

Bloutitt · 03-12-13, 03:52 PM

Thanks everyone for all the great info!

Hurrok · 03-12-13, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bloutitt

Awesome thanks! Just went to look at one she is a Pastel they are asking like 400 buck though... and he seems very underfed..

That seems like way too much, how old?

**Aaron_S** · 03-12-13, 04:46 PM

Pastel female...$150 worth.

Goto the TARAS forums. They have lots of local good guys to buy from.