I want to get my first bp...advice

[elbee]

Hello everyone. So, I have been wanting to get a ball python for a while now, and now that I am looking at them, I was hoping maybe you all could help me with decisions. First off, I love seeing how the Lord has specialized snakes and I enjoy keeping them. Right now I have an 07 male Albino Tangerine Honduran Milksnake, an 07 male Thayeri Kingsnake, and an 09 female western hognose. I love my snakes, but I am wanting something with a little more weight to it, and something really laid back and docile. I want a male so that it stays smaller. I want to plan this out and I have really been wanting a 2010 baby. However, the selection is more slim and it worries me to ship in this weather. So, should I keep looking for a 2010 that is feeding well, etc. or should I wait for this year's babies? I am looking for a mojave, lesser, spotnose, neat normal, or a pastel. As long as it from a breeder and is a healthy snake. I would love a piebald, but don't have the money to shell out. I have no interest in breeding and I only want one bp. I just don't have the room or money for more. Rats are expensive to feed when buying frozen from pet shops. But I am sure that I could order online cheaper. Anyways, my question is, since this is my first bp and I want it to be my only for now, should I save up and get something like a pied or should I get something less expensive to start off with? Of course, I know they are like potatoe chips, lol. I am in Texas, are there any breeders that you recommend? Thanks and God bless,

Laura