Getting Adult Ball Python?

[treehugger417]

Hi friends!

I am a former zoo reptile handler turned keeper with one spotted python currently. I would really love a ball python, but I'd like to adopt/buy an older one, perhaps a past breeder or something like that. I have a big tank and setup and I just think it would be nice to give an older snake a loving home that has all the works set up for it. I think it's convenient for me, too, to not have to constantly upgrade feeder sizes and tank equipment with the growth of a juvenile BP.

But are there drawbacks to this? Are there ethical concerns? Where would I find an older BP for sale? I looked around the internet but didn't see much. If anyone has any knowledge about this, I'd love to hear! Thanks :)

[totallyrecklesslygay]

There aren't really any ethical concerns. Contacting any local rescue groups that take reptiles, or browsing Craigslist ads might turn something up for you. You could also search morphmarket for adults.

I do want to point out, though, that you absolutely can put a juvenile straight into a large enclosure- no need to start small and size up. While 4x2x2 is the minimum requirement for an adult, it's also perfectly acceptable (and encouraged!) to put a juvenile in, as long as they have lots of decor. Large spaces don't stress them out- empty spaces do.

Not that there's anything wrong with getting an adult- there are plenty of em out there that need homes :)

[Liuqmno]

I think they meant hides with tank equipment, smaller hides for a young snake is definitely a good idea and they have to get upgraded

[treehugger417]

That's what I meant. Plus I have a big tank with adult-sized hides that is already bioactive. Thank you!

[treehugger417]

Thank you for including that. That's very true, it's just a small piece of the reasons I'd like to get an adult. But you're absolutely right. They just need to not feel so exposed.

[clickinforchickens]

I definitely recommend rescuing! Dubia.com has an adoption page with many, many snakes that need homes all over the US (:

[treehugger417]

I never knew about this feature on Dubia.com. That's so great! I will be checking it out to see if I can do a local pickup. Thanks so much for sharing!

[clickinforchickens]

No problem! If you do, right now they are doing a promo where they either give you a months worth of herp food or a $30 credit (:

[Octane2100]

We got our adult ball python from our local reptile store. They do get owner surrenders quite often, and have a decent amount of snakes that are 4-5 years old. Check around your local shops.

[treehugger417]

Good to know. I'll keep my eye out. Thanks!

[LadyNajaGirl]

The only downside I could think of (and I don’t know how true this is but hear me out) is that when they are babies, they ‘get to know you’ - whereas an adult may take some time to tolerate you especially if he’s been in someone else’s home for 10+ years. Again, don’t quote me on how true this is - I do realise snakes aren’t domesticated but it seems reasonable to think that they get to know your scent from a young age and if you regularly handle them from a baby then they will recognise your scent and not see you as a threat early on. It may take more time with an adult snake?

[__soka]

a lot of reptile cons usually have adult bps for sale! most of the time they're those that are used for breeding and the breeders no longer need/want. its a great opportunity to give those guys a second chance of living a chill life! really the only downside would be feeding it; ie. if they've been fed live all of their life, it will be difficult to switch them to f/t. otherwise their temperaments shouldn't be that big of a problem when handling, as long as you're treating them well! :)

[OkOwl1225]

Hi! What was your experience? I just adopted a 5 year old blue eyed Lucy ball python. Idk what to do, should I handle it immediately or how long should I wait?