I am looking a buying a ball python any advice on what to look for to make sure it is healthy?

The snake in on the internet young female 2.5 feet and looks good it the picture but if you are experience with them I would appreciate any advice.I am looking a buying a ball python any advice on what to look for to make sure it is healthy?
Well depends on what and where your getten her from! I will be getten mine from a breeder near me as i dont trust shipping bc i cant go and see if its healthy or not! If you are able to go look at the snake check in its mouth for any mucs make sure the the body seems like it been eating make sure the libarls aint cloged(his nose)! Also when and if you get her make sure u get a care sheet with her meaning all the dates she has ate and all! But in my eyes i dont want my baby to be shipped bc i want to go pick up my self look it over and everything before every getten it! But thats just my oppion! Good luck and hope u get a very healthy snake!I am looking a buying a ball python any advice on what to look for to make sure it is healthy?
If a ball python is healthy, when you hold it, it will have a firm but gentle grip on your arm or hand. The first couple times you pick it up it should roll into a ball, but shortly after unroll and start exploring, and flicking its tounge. The snakes vent and heat pits should be clear and clean. Make sure it is eating, and possibly ask for a feeding demonstration just to be sure you aren't getting a problem feeder. Also look at the cleanliness of the enclosure the snake is in (make sure there isn't any fecal matter or urine). Look for any mites or ticks on the snake (mites will look like tiny dots about the size of a period . And a tick will be slightly larger, and normally partially under a scale). And just search for any obvious signs of a wound, burn or abrasion.


To be sure the snake has no intestinal parasites, sickness, or other illness you should take it in for a check up shortly after you get it. Just be sure to bring in a stool sample in a baggie so the vet can check for parasites. If the snake passes yours and the vets inspection on all of this then it is a healthy snake. I hope this helps. Have fun with your new ball!
When choosing a pet, look for an individual that is active and responsive to handling, and which feels strong and muscular. Animals which show loose folds of skin along the body (dehydration); lumps along the body; signs of external parasites such as ticks or mites (look closely around the mouth, eyes, and cloaca); signs of runny or bloody feces in the tank (internal parasites), any discharge of mucus from the mouth, nose, or eyes may be unhealthy. If possible, find out if the animal is eating well, and what it has been fed. It is not unusual for a snake to refuse to feed immediately when you change its environment. Provide a good set up, and give it some time to adjust to its new home. Try not to handle it or overly disturb it for about two weeks, then see how it responds to contact and an offering of food. A visit to a veterinarian is recommended for a fecal exam to detect internal parasites.
So is this being bought form a Internet site and will be shipped.I know there are good sites out there but I would rather you go to a local pet shop.They can be found for a reasonable price.





I suggest this because it is easier to check out the snake before you buy.Yes I know they may offer a return policy on the site but you have to go through the hassle of shipping an animal.Not really good for the critter.





Buy from a shop or local breeder.You get to hold it first and to visually check it out.Always look for blemishes on the skin.Any marks should be questioned even if they are old.





There is a very simple test to see if the critter is well.Let the ball grip your hand/arm by its tail.Gently let the head and rest of the body lower.If the Ball attempts to go up,healthy.If it does not make an attempt then it may have health issues.This is what we call the drop test.





Good luck to you and your quest for a Ball Python.I had one for over 18 years and he was a wonderful pet up to the end.





I am a snake owner for over 20 years.





Snakes-R-Us:A new Yahoo Group for casual snake owners.


http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Snake鈥?/a>
well always take your reptiles to a vet the day of or the day after youget it! make sure they are mite free, and i suggest you have them feed it before you leave to make sure its going to feed correctly! look at the enlclosure if it didnt have any shelter in its old home dont buy it, i dont know why but it can make them aggressive!! if you need any other advise please contact admin@hugshpetadoption.com! I also have a reptile shop if you are interested in getting one from me!
You can also check out the board of inquiry for any bad press about your reptile dealer.


http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/forums/f鈥?/a>
well king snakes are better ecspecailly for a first time snake owner. just a little advise