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| Ball PythonEnclosure Selection Health Feeding BreedingCrunch Time! Things to Look For Transporting Snakes Crunch Time! So want a snake? Have you considered everything? Do you have all the necessary equipment? There is a big commitment involved in taking on any reptile. Ball pythons in particular can live for 40 years, so you need to be able to care for it for a long, long time. They also eat dead mice, so you need to be comfortable with that. If you're sure you've considered everything, you've got your enclosure all set up, and are able to afford the ongoing costs, lets look at choosing a snake. Things to Look for When Buying When purchasing a ball python you should opt for a captive bred animal if possible. This usually means locating a reputable breeder, as most snakes found in pet stores are imported. Imported animals carry a higher risk of parasites, and if introduced to a collection can end up costing you a lot of money! If you must buy a wild caught specimen, a young hatchling will adapt to captivity much better than an adult. A full grown snake will likely remain nervous and the increased stress will make it more susceptible to disease. It is generally best to keep only one per enclosure. Two snakes have been kept in a very large enclosure, but aside from breeding they should be kept separate. It would seem there is little difference in personality between male and female snakes. Enclosures should be set up well in advance of bringing any animal home, to allow you to ensure everything is stable and temperatures are correct. Introducing a snake into a new home is stressful enough without adding to it with incorrect husbandry. It is also easier to make changes if there is no snake in the enclosure. When choosing your snake, look for the following signs of good health: 1) A well rounded body 2) Clean, clear eyes 3) Clean vent, no caked faeces 4) No wheezing or gasping 5) Alert and attentive 6) Curious 7) Gently grips onto your hand when handled If possible, ask for a feeding demonstration before you take the snake home. This ensures the snake is eating, gives you a lesson on feeding and lets it eat before the stress of the move puts it off its meals for a couple of weeks Transporting Snakes Transport your snake in a dark box, preferably cardboard, with air holes cut in the top. Do not open your box en-route, as this will only stress the snake. If possible, have someone hold the box to stop it sliding around but if this is not achievable place the box flat on the floor, not on the seat. If it's already on the floor, it has nowhere to fall! Try to keep the car at a comfortable temperature, do not allow to become too hot or too cold. Once you get home, place the box open into the enclosure. Let the snake come out in its own time, it may wait till night. Once it is out, remove the box but do not attempt to feed for about two weeks, and try not to disturb it in this time. After the snake has eaten three or four times for you may begin to handle it.
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