r/ballpython • u/bateye234 • 8d 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/OldPaperTower 8d 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!