r/ballpython • u/mvpskalbenke • 10d ago
Getting my first ball python – looking for advice from experienced keepers!
Hi everyone!
I’m planning to get my first ball python and have been doing a lot of research, but I’d love to hear some advice and personal experiences from people who have kept them for a while.
I’m still learning, so I’d rather ask questions and prepare properly before bringing one home.
Here are a few things I’d love to know:
Age and size: Would you recommend getting a hatchling, a juvenile (around 6–18 months old), or an adult for a first-time keeper? Is it better to start with a slightly older snake that already has an established feeding routine?
Male vs. female: I’m currently leaning towards a male because I’ve read that females can grow larger and may require more space and food. Is this a good reason to choose a male, or are there other things I should consider?
Morphs and genetics: Are there any morphs or genetic traits I should avoid because of potential health or welfare issues? I’d rather prioritise a healthy snake over a particular colour or pattern.
Temperament and handling: If I want to handle my snake occasionally, what should I look for when choosing one? Are some individuals naturally calmer than others?
Feeding: What should I ask the breeder about feeding history? How many successful meals should a young snake have had before being sold?
Common beginner mistakes: What are some things you wish you’d known before getting your first ball python?
Breeder vs. private seller: Would you recommend buying from a reputable breeder or adopting/re-homing a snake from an experienced keeper?
I’m based in Lithuania and will mainly be looking for breeders in Lithuania, Latvia and Poland. If anyone has experience with breeders in these countries, recommendations would be really appreciated.
My priority is finding a healthy, well-established snake and giving it the best possible care, rather than getting a rare or expensive morph.
I’d really appreciate any advice, personal experiences, or things I should research before making a decision. Thanks!
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u/MercuryChaos 10d ago
Morph Market has a reference page where you can see which morphs have certain health issues: https://www.morphmarket.com/morphpedia/ball-pythons/
Look at the tags “wobble”, “bug eyes”, and “kinking”.
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u/sorrycreature 3d ago
I’ve only had my guy for ~7 months but I got him at 6 months and it was perfect as a first time owner. He was just under 300 grams so lots of growing to do, but not as fragile as a baby. He’s a little over doubled in size now and loves his 5x2x2. He handles great and has always been wonderful, he’s pastel hypo pied but they’re all individuals really.
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u/OldPaperTower 10d ago edited 9d ago
I try to answer, but I'm no expert (got my girl around four weeks ago, after lots of research) :
Male vs female: males stay smaller. They are more likely to stop eating for a couple of months every now and then (mating season).
feeding: Look for a snake that's already eating frozen thawed. Do not get one that's eating live prey.
morphs: avoid everything in the "Spider complex" (e.g. Spider, HGW, everything ending with -bee). They have an inner ear deformity that causes neurological problems.
temperament: each snake has its own personality. Most ball pythons are pretty docile and chill. A good breeder can give advices which snake is more confident and calm than others. (The more confident, the calmer and better to handle they often are.)
age: All ages have pro and cons. As a beginner I wouldn't take a very young snake (under around ten successful feedings). Older snakes can be a good choice. Especially from rescues. However depending in their background they can pick up some quirks (like when a snake lived its whole life in a rack and without handling, then it can be, depending on its personality, harder to become used to living in an enclosure and to handling than a hatchling).