Should I purchase an older female ball python?

Question

I'm interested in buying an older female ball python. I have possibly two choices: a 2 year old or a 6 year old. I would like to attempt to breed whichever I purchase. I was wondering if anyone had any comments on the advantages as well as the drawbacks to purchasing older snakes.

Thanks

Answer 1

breeding wise; in boas and pythons its not always age but a combination of overall size and age, and reptile guy had great advice on wild caught (sometimes wildcaught will NEVER breed), and also pests and overall health, if it was me i would look at pattern also because good pattern usually produces a good pattern, and i would lean more towards the two year old shes probably pretty close to breeding age and i would have time to get her acclimated prior to attempting breeding

Answer 2

My first question for you would be do you know if they are wild caught or if they were captive bred and the owners just need to get rid of them?

Wild caught ball pythons are tough. They usually come into stores older (hence the question) and they generally have ticks and mites and are very difficult to get them to eat.

So if they are captive bred, then the choice is really up to you. You will have more years of breeding out of the younger snake, but may have to wait a little longer to attempt.

To help you decide, find out their feeding schedule, last shed, last time they ate and defecated (strange I know, but important). When visually inspecting, check for lumps and bumps, mites and ticks (even captive bred can have if they have been exposed to them). Make sure they do not have retained eye caps from past sheddings and look in the mouth and nostrils. Make sure all is clean and looks normal. Also listen....if you can hear the snake breathing that is typically a sign of an upper respiratory problem. Lastly, if all is equal, and you want to handle your snake, pick the most sociable one. Balls should be pretty laid back and if they have been handled properly not stay balled up!

Good luck and have fun!

Answer 3

I bought a 2 year old and have had less headaches with not eating, etc. I thihk either would be a good choice as long as both are healthy.

Babies are fun to watch grow, but Balls mature slowly and if you want to breed you'll soon have babies of your own.

Answer 4

my snake was several years old when I got him. He had been handled alot by then, so he was pretty mellow right off the bat. The only problem I foresee is past abuse that would make your snake not trust or be comfortable with people and handling. Check into the snake's past and see if the owners were 'stable.'

Answer 5

well from what i have learned because i to wanted to get a ball python

they are really hard to look after when there young

go for the older one she may be bigger but much easier to find if lost