PiCkiNg a SnAkE?

Question

in a few days i'm going to a snake breeder to pick out a baby python (the snakes will be carpet pythons, diamond pythons, etc...) and i just wanted to know what i should look for in a snake and how to tell if its healthy? any help appreciated

ok, i keep getting "get a ball python" but i live in australia and i cant get ball pythons here! i have limited options ppl!

Answer 1

A healthy baby will be active and alert, usually flicking its tongue. The body should feel firm and muscular when it moves in your hands. You should not be able to see the outline of the spine or loose skin folds. Check for mites on the scales and around the eyes. Assess the conditions of the cages, that will give you a good idea as well. There should not be old feces present or dirty water. A good breeder should be able to provide you with a hatch date and a feeding record of the snake. If they are selling babies that have not yet fed for them then choose another breeder.

Answer 2

If I'm picking up a non-venomous snake, I just pick it up from underneath its body. I honestly don't worry about being bitten, since unless it's a really large snake, like an adult boa or python, it's of little consequence, anyway. I let the snake crawl through my hands, supporting it from underneath, and I move my hands so as to keep on underneath the snake's front part and gently, without grabbing or restraining, its movement and direction. VERY, very few snakes will attempt to bite when held in this manner, since they do not feel threatened. Snakes, along with most animals, do not like being forceably restrained and will often react to being grabbed by either biting or spraying musk(which is worse than being bitten). When I pick up a snake, I slide my fingers underneath it, rather than grabbing it from above, since that is how a predator would grab a snake. I avoid quick, jerky, uncertain movements, since this is how the SNAKE'S usual prey moves, and snakes are very movement-oriented hunters. It is a good idea before picking up a snake to wash your hands, especially if you've handled any other animals, that the snake might recognize the scent of as food or an enemy. With some snakes, especially those that always seem to be hungry or tend to act defensive while in their cages, I use a cloth, such as a pillow case or towell, to gently drape over the snake first. This is a bit like putting a hood over a falcon's eyes, and calms the animal while at the same time letting it know that it's not going to be fed this time. If you're concerned about a bite, it also provides an adequate barrier between your hand and the snake's teeth if it does decide to strike. I would NOT recommend gloves, since any glove that is thick enough to stop a bite will also inhibit your tactile sense, and you won't be able to tell how much force you're applying to the animal, so you can easily injure a snake that way, especially if you're nervous about holding it. And, I don't know what that first responder was smoking, but I NEVER saw Steve Irwin pin down a snake's head with any sort of pipe or anything else, and he repeatedly stated that he felt that was a cruel and potentially harmful way to catch or restrain a snake.

Answer 3

My opinion on this would be to go for something like a ball python or a corn snake. They are good beginner snakes in that they are quite docile and not exceptionally hard to care for. The only thing I suggest is reading a bit more on them. There are plenty of sources online as well as snake forums to help you learn a little about what you are buying. Some snakes require certain humidity and all around constant temperatures. You should read on the snakes you are planning to buy before you just abruptly decide you want a snake. Sometimes a lot of care goes into snakes as well as money to keep up their growing stages when they outgrow their cage or hiding places. I know that if you're not sure what to look for in a healthy snake that you haven't read enough to properly care for one.

Snakes make great pets though, I happen to have a ball python myself.

Typically though, when looking for a healthy snake, you should check for mites, examine its body for any scarring or skin creases (which can indicate lack of eating or dehydration) . Also check for broken ribs (which you can clearly see by a spot that seems to sink in or poke out). Look for healthy clear eyes, the snake should flicker his tongue often and should present a forked tongue that doesn't have any sticking together of the forks. The mouth should be a pinkish color with no discharge and shouldn't have any clear substance around the mouth or nostrils (sometimes indicates a respiratory infection).

Included is a link to a good forum for various snakes, especially for questions you may have.

Answer 4

I am a private breeder myself, but because you seem to be a novice I would pick a ball python. DO NOT purchase any type of burmuese or reticulated python due to their aggressiveness and adult size. Ball pythons are very docile snakes and hardly bite; they are low maintenance and stay relatively small, 4-6 feet. However, like a person snakes all have different personality and although balls are not prone to bite you might want to hold the snake to get a feel for its own personality.
Healthy snakes are usually alert and active and do not have any signs of mucus, foam, etc. around the eyes or mouth.

Answer 5

If you had to ask those questions your not ready for a python. You should be looking into smaller North American species for what maybe? a first snake.Pythons require specific care to keep them healthy. You cant just stick them in a tank with a hot rock. I bred them all and never would have sold anybody a python if they asked how do I take care of it. Start out with a corn or kingsnake. Move up to a large pine or gopher. Then get a python if your still into it. By that time you will have a working knowledge of the animals and can spot things like mites and respiratory infections from improper husbandry.

Answer 6

I would definitely NOT consider a jungle carpet as a first pet snake. They are ill tempered, even though they are truly beautiful. A ball python is a great first reptile. They are sturdy, will tolerate a lot of handling, are generally even tempered and will only reach a size of about 5 ft full grown,
For indications of good health, look carefully at the snake. You should not see little black dots like pepper, they are mites. You should be able to see the spine, but it should not be well defined. (Bony, not eating, respiratory infection or internal parasites.)
Ask when the last feeding was and what he is used to eating, (live prey? mice or rat pups?)His cage should be clean and he should have clean water. He should be alert and not sluggish. Ask to handle him, and ask if he is head shy.Ask if he has been inspected by a reptile vet, if not, get him to one soon after purchase. Many reptiles come straight from the breeder already infected with internal parasites.

Answer 7

I agree with the other person who said you are not ready for a python, especially not a diamond which can cost several hundred dollars easily. Start with a corn snake. They are easy to maintain, perfect beginner snakes. Getting a python such as these your first time out may spoil your excitement about keeping snakes. Good luck.

Answer 8

you should get a blood python or a ball python they stay small and are easier to care for. make sure they eat and shed properly make sure it doesn't have any mucus or bubbles around the mouth and make sure it doesn't sneeze these signs mean the snake is sick! and good luck.

Answer 9

Gees girl, u gave me creeps!! a snake?!!? well u can certainly choose another adorable pet, but people have different tastes lol :) anyway the snake should have glittering eyes, and check it's mouth, jaws and tounge...

Answer 10

You crazy hewilleat you alive LOL have apicknic!!!!