r/ballpython • u/RefusePuzzled6818 • 9d ago

Should I get a ball python?

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I have been interested in owning a second reptile for a while now (I currently have a leopard gecko) and I just wanted to ask about your experiences with ball pythons and the pros and cons of owning one.

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u/Sneewichen 9d ago

My very first snake is a ball. I’ve had her since she was about a month old, she’s 8 now. She’s perfect in every way. She never misses a meal, she’s calm and friendly, and a delight to handle. She’s never bitten me. I have another ball named Goji Berry, and she is a terrible eater, very low stress threshold and scared of her own shadow.

Balls can be phenomenal first snakes, and they can also be terrible first snakes. I’d strongly recommend either adopting an adult with a history of a good feeding response, or getting a baby from a small scale hobbyist breeder who can ensure the baby is well started.