If you have gotten to the point that you are satisfied that the snake will eat...The next step is to closely inspect the snake...BEFORE YOU PURCHASE IT!!! (There is nothing worse than getting an animal home and finding out the hard way that there was something wrong with it.) Ask to hold the snake. A healthy snake will have clear firm skin and clear eyes (no wrinkles or dry skin over the eyes.) The snake should be fairly active and not remain in it's defensive "Ball" posture the whole time you handle it. It should be alert to it's surroundings and should actively flick it's tongue every few seconds. It should also grip you firmly, but gently as it moves around. You also do not want to purchase a snake that is overly aggressive.(This could be a sign of a wild caught snake.) A snake that repeatedly tries to strike when you get near it is not an ideal pet. Although, if you have the patience and nerve to keep handling an aggressive snake, it eventually will learn to trust you and stop striking...It is not something I would recomend...especially to a beginner. It is better to steer away from snakes that are too shy or too aggressive.

Closely inspect the snake for any visible sores or infections. The snakes mouth should be clean and have a pinkish (Not Red) color and should be free of any mucus. Stay away from any snake that has sores in it's mouth. Check the anal scale (vent), ensure there is no crusty material or smears of diarrhea as this can be a sign of an unhealthy snake. You will also want to closely inspect the snake for ticks and mites. Mites are tiny little bugs that feast on your snakes blood. They can be hard to see sometimes so look closely. Most adult mites are no bigger than the period at the end of this sentance. Mites usually gather around a snake's eyes and mouth.

If your snake passes all of these inspections, you have probably chosen a healthy snake...But do not be happy with just that...It is a good idea to take any and every recently purchased animal to a vet as soon as possible. An experienced vet may be able to find things that might have been overlooked, and will be able to test for internal parasites, which wont know about until the snake does get sick.

If you are smart when selecting your snake and give it proper care and love, you will no doubt enjoy many years of company with your new Ball Python, and your snake will thank you for it.