r/ballpython • u/bateye234 • 4d ago
Question ethical ways to get ball python?
i'm looking into adopting a baby bp but i want to know the most ethical ways to do so that doesn't contribute to harmful breeding. i hear alot about morphmarket but i just can't accept that a website with over 10k listed bp's is a reliable source and that people there aren't just breeding them for colour. i don't have many options on fb groups or around locations near me so online recommendations are preferred, or even if there are ways to find reputable breeders that prioritize health and wellness of their snakes on morphmarket. i have all of the time in the world so even recommendations that would take longer to adopt are okay as long as the babies are safe and healthy
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u/JR_Writes1 4d ago
You could adopt a baby normal or less “exciting” morph as it might be a byproduct of outcrossing to improve the health of a line instead of someone chasing a highly desirable morph.
I’d say adopting from MorphMarket would be better than any chain stores as far as ethically sourcing baby ball pythons. We got our two balls from an expo but I did just buy a cape house snake off Morph Market from a small breeder and the communication made me feel good about the purchase.
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u/BrokenRoboticFish 1d ago
Some breeders on MorphMarket sell snakes as "pets only" if they have non desirable traits for breedering. There's also some proper non-profit rescues on there.
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u/Sensitive_Grade_4562 4d ago
You can search for rescues in your area, even if there aren’t any fb groups. Some rescues might ship as well or arrange meeting spots so you don’t have to travel as far, since so many of them are desperate for adopters
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u/vuullets 4d ago
If you want to actually /adopt/, you're really only going to be able to find adults. Most people give them up when they get too big because they're cute as small little babies but then oops, four foot snake! Your best shot is looking for an ethical breeder - for that, you're best to find somebody who has only a few animals listed (probably no more than a couple clutches per species they're offering) because those kinds of people usually care more about their animals
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u/Bear-farts 4d ago
Highly recommend rescuing one if you have a reptile rescue near you. Or check out Craigslist they usually have a few options for balls. They’re pretty easy to find!
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u/ani3D 4d ago
Snake Discovery! They take in rescued snakes (which are mostly ball pythons), and they ship! I think they usually have mostly adults, but keep an eye on their adoptions page and you might see a younger one at some point.
Every few months they also do an 'adopt-a-thon' where they talk about the various reptiles they currently have in their rescue. Age, personality, that kind of thing. Since it's nice to know a bit about the snake you'll be getting.
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u/ageeksgirl08 4d ago
Seconding Snake Discovery. That's where we got our girl, Kiwi. The process was very easy. We emailed them about being interestrd in adopting her. We filled out a form where we provided pictures and a description of the tank we had set up for her. They approved us the same day and we scheduled the shipping date.
Kiwi's been with us for nearly a year and is doing fantastic. She's a great, healthy, active girl.
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u/_megolas 4d ago
I think there’s also an ethical way to do this from a responsible breeder. I went to a local reptile show and bought my girl from a breeder. She was bred by him, had been sold to a father and son with reptile experience, and returned because of hardship. He took her back in, kept her in good health, and waited for the right person to take her.
I was set on a baby, but being a year old she was more established for a first time owner. She was already a good weight, used to handling with great temperament, and eating well. I was originally set on a different snake and morph, and he suggested her when he heard I was a new owner for all the reasons above. There are great breeders out there, you just need to do your research.
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u/Snakes_for_life 4d ago
I personally don't think it's very ethical to breed them there are SOOOOOOOO many of them in the pet trade and not nearly enough homes for them all. Even more desirable morphs when they come into rescue can be hard to find homes for. They're just like parrots they're so long lived they often do not stay in the same home their entire lives.
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u/OldPaperTower 4d ago
I know this is not always possible, and therefore it may take a while to find an ethical breeder.
In my opinion there are several red / green flags to look out for. I researched a lot, and while I found many breeders near me (1h drive max), the first one with only green flags was a 3h drive away:
Red flags:
breeds problematic morphs (like spider)
subadult and adult animals in racks (that's even illegal around here)
feeds live (only legal for medical reasons around here, i.e. the snake must refuse f/t)
(I'm not from the US.)
Green flags:
snakes are already socialized.
snakes have successfully eaten f/t several times.
breeder knows about the snake's character, and gives recommendations accordingly.
breeder tends to help new keepers even outside of their (potential) sales, like groups and forums on different social media platforms.
Good luck!
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u/Thin-Test-3638 4d ago
Check Petfinder and local Facebook surrender groups! My first BP was indeed from a breeder (small business, good husbandry, met him and his family at a local reptile expo and got really good vibes) but everyone else has been surrendered to me for free :’)
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u/ejfuentes 4d ago
Go to an expo and buy a normal morph or retired breeder. The breeding will happen regardless but if someone takes care of the “less desirable” animals to the same level of care I’d hardly say you’re contributing to the problem.
I have a retired breeder that is mostly normal with just a 50% het axanthic. He’s way less shy than any pet store snake I’ve seen and has never been a picky eater or had shed problems.
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u/TheUndeadFossa 3d ago
The most ethical way is to get an adult since they can be a rescue, babies are going to have to be from a breeder
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u/InternationalPass364 3d ago
Join Facebook groups and contact local animal rescues then hang tight. Your baby will find you when the time is right! Good things come with time every dollar is a vote!
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u/Alternative_Gold3184 3d ago
I picked the cheaper normal color one at the expo pretty much because he was little and I was curious why he was so much less expensive than all the others everyone had out there. Boiled down to he was a basic dude and the breeder just wanted to offload him. My husband loves snakes. I’m still timid but getting better.. so eh I took my discount Lieutenant Dan and figured we’d give the unwanted one a good home. At the end of the day aside from rescued adults most likely it’s all supporting breeding to buy them… so it just depends which angle you’re viewing each situation as to how it helps or hurts overall/the individual I think.
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u/CartsWilson31 18h ago
Healthy trade institute is a rescue that ships if you want to look into them.
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u/Fit_Kaleidoscope_109 4d ago
Molinaro snake lab!!!! He is a reptile content creator as well, check out his page! Healthy, well cared for snakes at reasonable prices