Keeping My New Pets Healthy

The ball python is a great snake for a first-time snake owner. When you decide that you want to get one of these snakes, you need to know what to look for when you are buying your new snake. You want to have a nice healthy snake that is going to be around for a long time. So, what can you do to make sure that your first ball python is healthy?

Find a Vet

Before you buy your snake, you want to make sure that you have found a vet to take care of your snake. Not all vets will treat reptiles, because reptiles have some different care issues than mammals do. So, take some time to look at the vets in your area to see who does work with snakes, and see if they have an opening for a new patient. 

See Before You Buy

Before you buy any snake, make sure that you are able to go see them. While you should have no problem seeing the animal at a pet store, you may have decided to buy from a breeder. Talking to the breeder online or on the phone and seeing pictures of the snake is a good thing, but it won't replace seeing the snake in person and handling them. While you are at the breeder's facility checking out the snake you are interested in, ask the breeder if you can see a demonstration of their feeding procedure. Doing that will let you see what the snake likes to eat, including whether they will eat thawed-out food. 

Check Physical Condition

When you are handling the snake, you also want to check out their physical condition. That includes making sure that they feel solid when you are holding them. The snake should have a well-rounded body, and you shouldn't be able to feel any of the interior structures. The snake's eyes should be nice and bright, and their vent should be clear. When you are holding the snake, it should try to hold on to your arm, since holding onto whatever the snake is on is part of their genetic makeup. 

If you are thinking about getting a snake, a ball python is a good choice for your first snake. Make sure that you are buying a healthy snake so that you can have your new snake around for a long time. You should have no problem finding a healthy snake if you do a little work before hand. 

For more information about ball pythons for sale, contact a local seller.