Buying snakes online?

_Collin · #1 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008, 09:53 AM

Ok, I'm planning on getting my first snake, not buying anytime soon. I've been doing some research the past few weeks and plan to do more. I know not to buy from pet stores, and I've heard breeders are the best. Well local breeders are out of the question because I can't find any.
What's your opinion on buying online and what are some site recommendations. I've found this, any suggestions? I'm planning on buying a ball python because its the most suggested for beginners I guess

onebreitgirl · #2 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008, 10:13 AM

Where are you located at? There may be people on the site that have what you are looking for. The link you posted is a reputable seller, but you are going to be paying hefty shipping fees on an inexpensive, common snake (assuming you want a normal

)

_Collin · #3 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008, 10:23 AM

Hehe yes, I assume I would get the normal one. Still researching

. I'm located in Louisiana. I'll state city if neccessary. Will shipping charges be outrageous everywhere?

spix14 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008, 10:33 AM

I'd be sure to do a search on wherever you decide to buy from on here. www.faunaclassifieds.com Go to the Board of Inquiry section and do a search on the name of the business and the name of the person running it. It might save you a lot of grief.

onebreitgirl · #5 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008, 10:35 AM

BaileyReptiles.com-Bailey & Bailey Reptiles is a breeder in your state, they have mainly morphs but it wouldn't hurt to contact them. They may be able to refer you to someone else.

Maybe someone local will see this post and give you a shout.

Shipping prices are going to range from about $40-$70 depending on location, carrier, etc. Live reptiles should be sent priority overnight with a 10:30 am delivery at the latest. I know gas prices have bumped shipping prices up a lot.

Kingsnake.com has a ball pythons classifieds section. Just be aware they don't screen sellers and there are unfortunately a lot of scammers in this hobby.

Good luck in your search

_Collin · #6 (**permalink**) 07-21-2008, 01:00 AM

Thanks for the help, but my parents said no and wouldn't even let me explain about snakes. they just assumed it would kill everyone in the family. You know. a small ball python that would escape, and kill 4 adults. Im gonna go kill myself right now.

onebreitgirl · #7 (**permalink**) 07-21-2008, 01:10 AM

Why not join a local herp society or get into field herping? There are ways to enjoy snakes without actually owning them. Your parents may still come around, it may just take them a little longer to warm up to the idea...and if not, you won't be living under their rules forever

jbt123 · #8 (**permalink**) 07-21-2008, 01:13 AM

Collin, take a breather, man. How old are you?

It's kinda best to wait until you can provide for the animal on your own, anyways. Even if you are responsible enough, they cost alot of money to take care of.

Perhaps over time your parents can be educated about snakes. Show them your interest, and perhaps start with something small. Ball pythons do not get large (in retrospect to other species) but there are smaller boas and coulbrids that they might be more keen on you keeping.

But if your parents have an innate fear of snakes, well...then you might have to wait until you get a place of your own.

Don't worry about it. You will eventually have a snake of your own someday, if you really want one. Perhaps now is a GREAT time for you to do some research about what snake would really be best for you. Take it as a blessing, not a curse, that you are not able to have a snake at the moment. It's a golden opportunity for you to browse the forums and other websites to learn from people's mistakes and discoveries about snakes.

_Collin · #9 (**permalink**) 07-21-2008, 01:24 AM

I'm 18. I condisder myself very responsible, and I have a lot of money saved up(thousands). Their excuse is "What if it gets out" and they wouldnt even let me speak without making up retarded excuses.

luker3232 · #10 (**permalink**) 07-21-2008, 03:49 AM

Here are a few ideas,

Explain to your parents ball pythons(if thats what your going with, great first snakes, not know to be esape artists.) are 100% harmless 98.99999% of the time.

Buy a good cage, one with a sliding glass front, then buy cage door locks.

Bug them everyday with facts

Tell them feeding live isnt an option any ways and you are going to feed F/T mice.

BlackLava · #11 (**permalink**) 07-21-2008, 04:05 AM

yea, i left my house at 18, as soon as i could!! LOL i was never allowed to have any reptiles, now i have a ton, including 6 snakies

there was just NO bringing in any snake with my parents. now that i left home and live on my own, they still dont like them, but they dont complain or anything about them, since we are living our own little lives over here.

is there any way maybe you can show them a picture of a LOCKED snake cage? i wonder if that would help any since they dont wanna listen to you....

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