If you are just thinking about getting your first reptile, read our article about buying your first reptile . Try to buy only a captive bred snake. You will be likely to have less trouble feeding it, and it is also less likely to come with disease or parasites. To save yourself a lot of trouble with feeding, only buy one that you have seen eat.
Many new owners have a difficult time in getting their ball python to eat.
Make sure that it is used to eating pre-killed mice, otherwise you may be stuck having to feed it live rodents for as long as you have it. The python's eyes and skin should be clear, unless it is about to shed. If shedding is iminent, you're better off to wait until after it's finished, and you can get a good look at it. It should be heavy, and have a solid body. Check the underside - it should be clean, and free of excrement.