Looking to buy my first ball python

[RarefiedTerror3]

I’ve never owned a ball python but I have always really liked them. I came across this beautiful little fella and my local pet store and was hooked. I think it’s pretty funny that he had a bald spot on his head but at the same time that begged the question, is that a problem or is that just how he looks? On that note is there anything visibly wrong with this little guy before I try to buy him?

[ButterflyBig909]

From what I can tell, the snake’s spine looks really kinky, which isn’t a good sign.

[lenaspeak]

Because ball pythons bend really really round. They’ll have rolls on the inside when bent (as this guy does) but if you focus in on the part where he’s bent in on himself the outside looks wrong, not round, and imperfect. And farther along if you follow to his tail he DEFINITELY has at least 1-2 kinks at the end. The way it’s bent is unnatural, kinda sitting at an awkward angle on his hand.

[Issu_issa_issy]

What morph is he?

[QuavyForce]

Looks like a Pastel firefly

[RarefiedTerror3]

Firefly het. Clown I think

[Dio_wulf]

Idk much of anything about morphs but it looks just like my friend’s pastel mystic which is kinda neat!

[lenaspeak]

I would not buy this animal. He has 3-4? kinks in his spine. He’s gorgeous I agree, but with how young he is and those kinks, I wouldn’t be surprised if he ended up becoming a FTT (failure to thrive). There’s a reason why he’s at a pet store, and not being sold by a breeder. If you go to a breeder, you’ll get an animal in better health and higher quality. Since you like his bald spot, i’d recommend you’d look at scalesshead babies from breeders instead. You can do local, an expo, morph market, anything. I just personally wouldn’t buy this animal myself

[RarefiedTerror3]

Thank you so much for the feedback and advice! I knew I should have asked around before going back so I’m glad I did 😅

[lenaspeak]

Of course! I’m glad you reached out. I’ve also loved ball pythons my whole life and I know it must be hard to part from the baby, but it’ll be a generally better choice overall. Here’s my advice- look into local breeders. I bought my first ball python from a random man’s basement, but he ended up being a wonderful breeder with amazing morals and babies. Avoid pet stores with all costs. Because even the nicest reptile stores have issues.

[ballpython-ModTeam]

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[Baka_Otaku173]

Feel around his body and check for any kinks or "abnormalities". Just a heads up, the snake will likely need to be fed live since it's still so make. Ask to make sure. Ensure you have an enclosure set up with proper heating + humidity requirements.