How to pick the right snake

[Hagos]

I will be getting a Coastal Carpet Python hatchling as my first snake
Hopefully within the next few weeks

But how do I pick out the right one/the healthiest one?

What are some standard questions I should ask the breeder?

What should I bring with me when I go to pick up the snake?

Help please
Thankyou

 

[Megzz]

I am new to it aswell but I would definitely ask the breeder for a feeding record if possible. Goodluck!

 

[dragonboy69]

Im fairly new to it as well but you will require Your licence and or your recordbook.Their licence as well. Feeding and shedding record.Ask if the breeder if he will be willing to help you out further down the track with problems etc.After Just go and look at the snakes and take the one you like ie colour temperament sex size etc.

 

[Jarrod_H]

Snakes eyes should be clear, the only time when a snakes eyes are sometimes cloudy are when it is about to shed.

Snakes breath with their mouths closed. If the snake is breathing with its mouth open, or seems to be grasping for air then there could be something blocking its circulation or it could have an infection

The Vent area should be completely clean

A healthy snake should be able to move smoothly and be alert with no tremors

snakes skin should be completely smooth and shiny looking. If there are scabs or sores, these are usually caused by mites or bad living conditions

 

[Cold-B-Hearts]

make sure the tounge is flicking
no mites or anything
and just everything thats been said above is good

 

[pythonmum]

Feeding and shedding record (minimum last feed and shed) are important so you know when to worry if not feeding or shedding. Ask around about breeders and, if your first snake, ask the breeder for a care sheet. Make sure you have the setup correct so that your snake can stay healthy. At this time of year, hatchlings are well established and should be feeding with no problems.

 

[Hagos]

Thankyou very much for your help everyone

 

[Fantazmic]

something else...and i have no idea if this was just luck......ask the breeder to get each hatchy out of its click clack for you to look at....even if he holds it and doesnt let you hold it. Look for the one that is the least defensive...the one that reaches out to look around rather than tagging and defending. Thats what we did when we chose Elvira and Alvin and both have lovely temperaments. Look for the markings you like but also the temperament...as for a first snake temperament is everything.

Hope this helps

Elizabeth

 

[Snakelove]

I reckon the will to feed is much more important then temperament. You can take care of its temperament by handling. I reckon look for the one that takes your fancy (pattern, colour) then choose from those that has the best feeding records. Preferably eating rats already. I'd be happy with that even if its a little snappy which is perfectly normal for a hatchy.

 

[ezekiel86]

make sure the tounge is flicking with and not sticking together...no scabs n sores..
no "pintch skink" ( dehydration )
nice wight etc
if you have found one you thinking of getting post some pics...everyone on here will help for sure

 

[burger]

something else...and i have no idea if this was just luck......ask the breeder to get each hatchy out of its click clack for you to look at....even if he holds it and doesnt let you hold it. Look for the one that is the least defensive...the one that reaches out to look around rather than tagging and defending. Thats what we did when we chose Elvira and Alvin and both have lovely temperaments. Look for the markings you like but also the temperament...as for a first snake temperament is everything.

I agree. When I got my spotted hatchy, the first two he grabbed out bit the guy and wrapped around his hand as soon as he reached out for them. the third one was fine to get picked up, bam, found myself a python. It was already the one I wanted just from looking at it, as its markings were the best, and they were all eating fine.

 

[Hagos]

Thanks guys
Your very helpful

Should I take a container or anything with me to bring it home safely?
Or is there something else I should be using?
The car ride will be around an hour

 

[JAS101]

I reckon the will to feed is much more important then temperament. You can take care of its temperament by handling. I reckon look for the one that takes your fancy (pattern, colour) then choose from those that has the best feeding records. Preferably eating rats already. I'd be happy with that even if its a little snappy which is perfectly normal for a hatchy.

i agree my coastal hatchlings were snappy , one year on and both are fine now .

 

[J-A-X]

Thanks guys
Your very helpful

Should I take a container or anything with me to bring it home safely?
Or is there something else I should be using?
The car ride will be around an hour

small click clack tub and a hand towel or teatowel ,so it has something to hide under, don't have the heaters cranked in the car they can overheat and dehydtrate quickly,
for a first snake i'd go for temperment, a nippy hatchy can put some people off very quickly, a placid first one will boost your confidence in handling, as has been said, something that generally just looks happy and healthy, and feeding well, dont be tempted to take one 'straight out of the egg'', wait for one that has a good feeding routine, I originally thought it was a bit early for hatchies, then i realised it is September shortly,.....

and a lot of hatchies can be snappy, its a self defense mechanism, most settle quickly, some never seem to...
where has this year gone ???

good luck and pics are compulsory when you get it home, don't forget to let it settle for a couple of weeks to get use to its new surroundings, Have you got its new home all set up ?? checked temps etc, you may as well do something while you wait ....

 

[JAS101]

Thanks guys
Your very helpful

Should I take a container or anything with me to bring it home safely?
Or is there something else I should be using?
The car ride will be around an hour

u can take a click clack or a pillow case and a elastic band . if u go the pillow case option make sure it has no holes in it . i had a jungle python excape on the way home [ 3 hour drive home] , it was on the rear seat head rest looking out the rear window .

 

[J-A-X]

LOL, the cars behind must have been thinking you were a total nutter, good advice though, Check for holes,

 

[zuesowns]

I would choose one that:

Looks healthy
Looks that appeal to me, pattern, colour etc
established feeder
good handler
temperament

hard to judge all of these with 1 first visit but yeah.

 

[dragonboy69]

yes pillow cover and maybe a box to with shreaded paper in it to place the snake/pillow case inside of to keep it warm.Maybe you can also ask the breeder if he has wormed them or had them health checked by veteranarian.And ask him if you can get the snake exchanged if you find anything wrong with it when you see a veteranarian.

 

[pythrulz]

everythings been covered but take a small plastic container with you the little hatchy ones at pet stores they have lids with ventilation for about $11 or make your own something like newspaper for a hide untill you get him/her home breeder will usualy let you handle the hatchy you want to buy make sure looks healty good choice on coastal they soon settle down to be very placid