Apprehensive about getting a python....

perfectsoldier23

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California
Hey guys.
So, this will be pretty silly but...bear with me.
About a week ago I wound up at an old high school friend's birthday party and he just so happens to breed ball pythons and some leopard geckos. I was rather intrigued with his pythons. After some time seeing them being handled by other guests [and...several shots of alcohol later] I asked him if I could hold one. He placed in my hand the sweetest little normal baby ever. Up until this point, I was nervous with snakes, thinking they were chronic biters and would strike/hiss, etc and not be very "friendly pets." Well, after holding this little one my thoughts changed entirely. I let her crawl all over me and even offered him $50 on the spot for her. I was pretty in love.
Well, he hasn't gotten back to me on the offer [I thought it was a damned good one considering she's a baby normal], so I've been looking around locally at some private breeders who specialize in captive bred balls. I'm very intrigued but now that I've had time to think about it [and, now that the alcohol has clearly worn off], I'm nervous again about getting bit.

I understand that getting bit / struck at is inevitable. Snake handlers have called it a "hazard of the job." And I think that is why I am more apprehensive about buying my first python. My boyfriend is all excited and between him and I, the snake would have an insane amount of handling [within reason] which I have heard is good so that the snake gets used to it.
I understand that after handling rodents, it's crucial to wash your hands before handling your snake. Handling a snake while it's hungry increases the risk of being bit as well as startling it or too much interaction directly in it's face. Providing a warm environment [which will be provided regardless of my fears] results in a little more active of a snake. Fine by me. It's not the wriggling I'm worried about, it's the snakes sudden realization that it wants to sink it's teeth into something...like me. My friend told me not to handle them while "in blue" because they have a difficult time seeing and will rely on the expression of heat to determine prey.

Is there anything else I can do to make sure I'm less at risk of being struck?
Would it be odd if I approached a breeder and asked if I could just relax with the snake for a little while before committing to buying? I want a "bond" like I had with that other female at the party [that sounded weird...well, this whole post is weird really..]
Any advice is welcome.
 

Chaos

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Getting bit is something that so many people worry about, me included. I've been hit a couple of times, though I gotta say it was entirely not my Albino girl's fault (I wasn't paying attention, looked away and dropped my hand while holding her dinner on tongs. She missed, hit me, and immediately backed off.). I've literally gotten worse injuries from a thumbtack.

Keep in mind that they DO have varying personalities, though. Some are super sweet, some are secretive and grouchy, and some are very aggressive. If you get a baby you're able to influence that personality a lot.

As for taking time to get to know the animal, I doubt any decent breeder would look down on that. This is a long-term commitment, possibly longer than any cat or dog. The majority of them love these snakes and want to see them go to people who will really appreciate them, and be happy with them. Don't be afraid to ask.

I'm nothing close to an expert, but I've had 6 BPs. I'm down to one now, but I can say that they're awesome pets as long as you know how to care for them. If you've got any more questions please feel free to PM me and I'll share my admittedly limited knowledge.
 

Akari_32

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Any good breeder should allow you to handle an animal and get to know it to see if it's the right pet for you, even if you don't have any intentions of buying right then, or from them at all. Not only does it make them look good (if they were nice and helpful, you'll be more likely to go back to them when your ready, or recommend them to someone else), but also helps you decide if that's really something you want to commit half a life time or more to. Reptiles live a long time, which is something to seriously think about (not that you need to be told that ;)).


*edit* ha, typing on my phone takes ages LOL Got beat to it :p
 
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perfectsoldier23

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California
Thank you guys so much for the quick answers.
The ball pythons lifespan is exactly the reason why I want to be sure about this before jumping in and buying one. I want to keep him / her for the duration of their life.
So, would it be a good idea to get a young one? How young would be ideal?
And, male/female? Are either gender more prone to being aggressive?

Thank you again for your responses. It's really made me more confident. I think I'm at least ready to go see and hold some!
 

Chaos

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Any good breeder should allow you to handle an animal and get to know it to see if it's the right pet for you, even if you don't have any intentions of buying right then, or from them at all. Not only does it make them look good (if they were nice and helpful, you'll be more likely to go back to them when your ready, or recommend them to someone else), but also helps you decide if that's really something you want to commit half a life time or more to. Reptiles live a long time, which is something to seriously think about (not that you need to be told that ;)).


*edit* ha, typing on my phone takes ages LOL Got beat to it :p

LoL. In a situation like this getting the same answer from multiple people is much more helpful than just one comment. It is important to stress the length of the commitment here, though. Captive BPs can live well past 30 years.
 

Chaos

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Thank you guys so much for the quick answers.
The ball pythons lifespan is exactly the reason why I want to be sure about this before jumping in and buying one. I want to keep him / her for the duration of their life.
So, would it be a good idea to get a young one? How young would be ideal?
And, male/female? Are either gender more prone to being aggressive?

Thank you again for your responses. It's really made me more confident. I think I'm at least ready to go see and hold some!
I'd start with a baby. That way you know you're not inheriting anyone else's issues, abuse history, or other behavioral problems.

Personally I've never seen any huge difference between males and females as far as disposition goes, but females do get bigger.

You also might want to consider getting a morph of some kind. Some of them, like Spiders, have neurological issues that you might want to avoid, but spending a little more and getting a Pastel or other relatively common morph will give you an extra-beautiful animal that you'll be proud to show off to your friends.
 

perfectsoldier23

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Sounds fantastic. I may go for a male being as they are considerably cheaper depending upon the morph and the smaller size does seem a little more appealing.
Oh wow, I had no idea about neurological issues among snake morphs. Anything else I should watch out for in addition to Spiders? Anything that can tell me beforehand that there's something wrong?
The morphs are absolutely enticing, that's for sure!
 

Chaos

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Sounds fantastic. I may go for a male being as they are considerably cheaper depending upon the morph and the smaller size does seem a little more appealing.
Oh wow, I had no idea about neurological issues among snake morphs. Anything else I should watch out for in addition to Spiders? Anything that can tell me beforehand that there's something wrong?
The morphs are absolutely enticing, that's for sure!

There's not a whole lot of issues out there due to a focus on ethical breeding. Even the neuro issues with Spiders are minor and not always present. They've got a little head wobble, supposedly all of them have it but I had a spider and never saw a single wobble. It can vary in severity to the point of being debilitating, but a disability of that magnitude is rare. Any morph that is based on Spider (like bumblebee) has the potential to have this wobble.

Do you live in an area where they have Reptile shows? You can find some really good deals there. I bought a juvenile pastel male at a Repticon show for $35 once.
 

perfectsoldier23

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California
There's not a whole lot of issues out there due to a focus on ethical breeding. Even the neuro issues with Spiders are minor and not always present. They've got a little head wobble, supposedly all of them have it but I had a spider and never saw a single wobble. It can vary in severity to the point of being debilitating, but a disability of that magnitude is rare. Any morph that is based on Spider (like bumblebee) has the potential to have this wobble.

Do you live in an area where they have Reptile shows? You can find some really good deals there. I bought a juvenile pastel male at a Repticon show for $35 once.


I'm in San Diego and, ironically, the Reptile Expo is coming November 2nd-3rd. That's where I plan on getting my python. Nothing I'm too interested in, especially price wise, in my immediate area.
Glad the issues aren't a big deal. It would definitely be nice to get a cool looking morph ;] Going to have to wait it out I suppose!
 

Chaos

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I'm in San Diego and, ironically, the Reptile Expo is coming November 2nd-3rd. That's where I plan on getting my python. Nothing I'm too interested in, especially price wise, in my immediate area.
Glad the issues aren't a big deal. It would definitely be nice to get a cool looking morph ;] Going to have to wait it out I suppose!

If you're wanting a male my advice is to wait until the afternoon of the last day of the show and offer about 75% of the stated price. The decent females tend to go quick, but there are usually still plenty of nice males left by then and a lot of breeders would rather take less $$$ for them than have to turn around and bring them back home.
 

perfectsoldier23

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Oh wow, what a great idea! Makes sense to me that they have one less to worry about getting back home. Need to make sure I can get those days off of work now.

Ironically, shortly after I posted here, I received a text from the buddy with the female balls he was uncertain whether he wanted to sell. Ends up he wants to sell all of them [three females], each for $30.
I'm thinking now that I have a little more knowledge, I can ask some better educated questions about the female I am interested in. She clearly has a very docile personality and I hope it doesn't take a turn for the worse the more she matures.
 

Akari_32

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I got my $150 Dreamsicle for 85 that way! Also got my $60 tangerine for $30 that way, too LOL Why tote all those animals around twice if they don't have to?

If she's calm now, with regular handling, and learning her body language (like when she's hungry or doesn't want to be handled), it shouldn't change much, if at all, as she ages. If you like her, and are comfortable with her, then you should get her. Every animal has a different personality, and you may not find another one like that.
 

perfectsoldier23

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California
Wow, are you kidding?! A Dreamsicle would be incredible to get for that price. Now I HAVE to get at least one of those days off work!
I just got her home ;] She's incredible to be with and she's currently in her new tank testing to see that my craftsmanship skills hold up and there aren't any holes for her to escape through.

I just started raining last night and I'd guess it's about 68-70 degrees in the house right now. I have two heating lamps on her at the moment with the reptile thermometer reading at approx. 79.4 degrees. I covered half the mesh top with a towel to help keep the heat in a little better but tomorrow I'm going to head out to a reptile store and pick her up a UTH and a larger water dish. She's only been on live rat pups so far, fed every Friday afternoon. Think it would be worth it to try f/t? I'll grab some feeding tongs too come to think of it. Her clutchmates were eating f/t but they either did not offer her f/t or she refused it.

Honestly, I'm so excited to see her moving around and exploring that I can't believe I waited this long to get a ball because I was nervous about striking. She really is the sweetest little thing ever and is very patient with my obvious lack of knowledge and general nervousness when handling.
 

Akari_32

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She's nothing special from others I've seen, but she's my little brat and I love her anyways :p She's pink with a little brown overlay. When we brought her home, she was bright, solid pink. Now she's pale pink, and I can't even tell when she's about to shed LOL She's also got a moderate case of enigma syndrome, which does make life interesting at times (though laughing at her makes me feel bad sometimes XD). Definitely try and get those days off! Scope it out the first day, and buy the second ;)

I can't about feeding as I don't have much snake knowledge (other than I want a piebald ball and/or a hognose at some point), but trying certainly won't hurt. It's my understanding that while feeding live is certainly more stimulating, it's a bit of a risk as the prey ages as far as possible bites to the snake is concerned (as well as being rather inhumane to the mouse/rat-- however, snakes gotta eat, soooo....). I would try and get her on frozen ASAP, before it's too late for her to want to change her mind.

I'm glad you're happy with her! I fully expect pictures ;)
 

perfectsoldier23

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California
I was actually just reading your thread about your picky eater and all the different feeders you've tried! It would make me want to tear my hair out, haha. Poor girl, she's the one that freaks out when her meal gets too near her face?

Haha, the pies are incredible. What an amazing morph, but WOW are they pricey!

Yeah, I figure we can try the frozen this feeding time around and see how things go. Worse case I'll just re-freeze and try them next week. I'm wondering if I should give her a live rat pup if she doesn't eat the frozen...or show some tough love and see if she takes the frozen a few days after her scheduled eating time.

Here she is. Still not set on a name but my mom is calling her "no feet." \eye roll
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20131009_144538.jpg

She's a little creeper too...I was typing at the computer and looked over to see this. Her little head poking out from behind the driftwood whispering "...whatcha up to..?"

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Akari_32

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Yep! Thats my 'Melia LOL "OH MY GOD IT'S MOVING RUN AWAY!!!!!!!" *facepalm*

The cheapest piebald I've seen was like $900! I'll not be getting one any time soon :/

What a cutie! "No Feet," ha! That's a good one :p I would say though love, offering every other day or so if she doesn't eat it at first. Like I said, though, I'm no snake expert.
 
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Chaos

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Beautiful girl! Congrats!
I was actually just reading your thread about your picky eater and all the different feeders you've tried! It would make me want to tear my hair out, haha. Poor girl, she's the one that freaks out when her meal gets too near her face?

Haha, the pies are incredible. What an amazing morph, but WOW are they pricey!

Yeah, I figure we can try the frozen this feeding time around and see how things go. Worse case I'll just re-freeze and try them next week. I'm wondering if I should give her a live rat pup if she doesn't eat the frozen...or show some tough love and see if she takes the frozen a few days after her scheduled eating time.

Here she is. Still not set on a name but my mom is calling her "no feet." \eye roll
View attachment 60572
View attachment 60573

She's a little creeper too...I was typing at the computer and looked over to see this. Her little head poking out from behind the driftwood whispering "...whatcha up to..?"

View attachment 60574
 

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