Are you thinking of buying a snake from your local pet store? If you are, you should reconsider. The majority of snakes for sale in pet stores come from the countries in which the reptiles are native. This means that a ball python is coming from the central regions of Africa.  Any idea what types of nasty parasites these ball pythons could be carrying?  If not, keep reading!

The biggest reason not to buy from your local pet store is you’ve got no clue where these snakes are coming from.  The worst thing you can do is buy a wild caught snake which is likely infested with all kinds of parasites inside and out.  You can’t see these parasites but in a short time you’ll realize the effects they will have on you and your snakes health.  The most common parasite infesting snakes are mites.  After handling a snake with mights you’ll probably be able to see mites scurrying across your skin.  With that said, ask the pet store who supplies them with their snakes.   Get a phone number and call the supplier.  Find out if these snakes are captive bred or wild caught.  Never ever ever buy a wild caught snake!

If everything checks out with the pet stores supplier ask for the feeding records.  Ball python hatchlings are great eaters if cared for properly from the beginning.  The feeding records would prove that their snakes snakes are eating regularly and what size mice they are eating.  If records are not available, think long and hard before purchasing from them.  It’s also a really good idea to ask them to see the snake eat.  This would be mandatory if the feeding records are not available but a nice confirmation even if there is proper paperwork.  Remember, a healthy snake is a feeding snake.

The last reason not to buy at the pet store is selection.  The selection at the pet store is going to be extremely limited.  You’ll likely only have access to normal types of ball pythons, red tail boas, corn snakes, and milk snakes.  You certainly won’t get access to any of the exotic morphs that are now available.  If you do they’ll come at a premium in the pet stores.  Online you can find great deals directly from breeders where you’re guaranteed the snakes are captive bred, eating, and healthy.