I owned a ball python once and I know they are notoriously picky eaters, and I had a lot of trouble with mine and unfortunately she passed away. I had tried everything and the vet ultimately concluded she was most likely ill when I purchased her. I'm thinking about trying again, and I was wondering how I can be sure that the snake I'm buying is a proven eater and healthy? What questions should I ask the breeder? Alternatively, does anyone reccomend another small but docile boa/python species? Thanks!

You should ask the breeder about the health of its parents and of other births. Also, the best is to but a return clause into your purchase agreement, giving you a few days to take the snake to a vet before it is yours to keep. Make sure it says that if the animal is ill, you get a full refund; also, if the animal dies from a genetic or birth defect within the first year, that you get a percentage of your money back. There are illnesses that cannot be detected immediately.

I like ball pythons, myself.