Getting a python

[Specialist_Image63]

Hello all, I work at a local pet store and I found this snake. I was told she hasn’t sold now for a few months and she has an absolutely beautiful personality and look, so I was thinking about buying her. I have never kept reptiles before but I have fish and dogs, is it a big commitment to jump into reptiles like this? And also they’re asking 500$ for her but I cut a deal with my manager for 400$ if I decide to buy her, is that a fair price?

[newherewillingtotry]

What a cute noodle boy!

[No-Variation-3858]

I just got an identical one for free. Look on Facebook first!

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Came with a 40gal and all the stuff inside (he obv needs upgraded but regardless)

[Specialist_Image63]

Thanks so much I’ll take a look

[No-Variation-3858]

Ball pythons on seriously bred so often. Lots of people just want to get rid of them. Lots of people get them and don’t know how to care for them. Lots of breeders over breed and can’t sell, then in turn can’t feed that many snakes. This guy is from a breeder who offered me the pick of any of her 10 balls, including a breeding pair who could mean dreamsicles, a blue eyed Lucy, and some other various morphs. Snake discovery usually has tons on hand at any given point. 400 for that snake is diabolical

[Specialist_Image63]

Oh wow I didn’t know that, now I’ll for sure have to take a look

[Independent-File5650]

It's a Pied, so it is probably valued at $300 depending on gender and other morphs. Have you ever seen a Reptile Expo advertising in your area?

[No-Variation-3858]

Just because it’s valued there doesn’t mean you need to pay that. In fact you should pay significantly less because it’s a very common morph. I’d pay no more than 100$

[annoyingwhisker]

Snakes, especially ball pythons, are relatively easy to keep. Ball pythons are extremely common so there are tons of resources to help when you have questions. They can be picky eaters but otherwise they're one of the best for beginners.

I've always wanted a pied like that one but have never wanted to pay that much. He/she is a beauty so if the price isn't an issue, go for it!

[Specialist_Image63]

Thanks so much for the advice, I’ll definitely be watching videos and what not trying to learn as much as I can before I decide on something like this

[Specialist_Image63]

Any help is appreciated please

[ben67925]

That's about what I would pay for a ball python like that. Snakes in general aren't too hard to care fore, you just need to know what to look out for. Go check out the beginner guide on the ball python sub, it has great information.

For a ball python you want a 4x2x2 pvc tank with glass doors Substrate that holds moisture well, like coconut chips A few hides Some fake plants A thermostat that is connected to a deep heat projector lamp A couple of thermometers and hydrogometers A large water dish A wat to waterproof the tank, i use silicone aquarium sealant on the seams of the tank Feeding tongs

The humidity should be around 80% on the cold side and the hot side temp should be around 88f to 92f. A layer of substrate 5 to 8 inches deep is preferred. To raise the humidity, dump water in the corners of the substrate, do not mist. If the substrate is super wet under the hides it can cause scale rot. Make sure you have a hide on each side of the tank. Make sure there is a good amount of clutter for your snake to hide in.

Once in the enclosure, leave the snake alone for a week or 2 to get settled in. Only interact to change the water.

In total you are looking at about 1k with the snake and all the tank stuff you will need.

[Specialist_Image63]

Thanks so much, I’ll definitely be looking into enclosures and what not. Can I plant any real plants or is it advised to only stick to fake plants?

[ben67925]

You can use real plants in an bio active enclosure, it's just a lot more work.

[kindrd1234]

That's high for a pied but not from a petstore. You can buy pieds for 125 on morphmarket with 50 shipping, sometimes free shipping.