Would it be better to buy a adult or baby bp?

[AMP1998]

I was wondering if it would be easier or better to buy an adult or baby ball python? do they sell adults at reptile shows? the reason i was wondering if it would be easier is because if i got a baby wouldnt i have to keep buying heat mats as it got bigger and when i needed a new tub? and what size tubs do they need throughout their life?

[Kinra]

I have 7 2010s setup in 41qt tubs which they should be fine in for the rest of their lives. It is possible to keep a smaller snake in a larger cage if you make them feel comfortable by given them lots of things to hide under.

As for buying an adult at a reptile expo, I'm sure you can find one but they're probably going to cost an arm and a leg because they will most likely be proven breeders.

[Driver]

I think id really depends on what you plan on doing with it.
Do you want it as a pet or to breed?
Alot of people who want one as a pet want a baby BP so they can watch it grow, and it grows up knowing them. Yes you will have to buy bigger items as it gets bigger. But you will always be able to use the old stuff if you get more.

Now some people that breed want to be able to breed that upcoming season and dont want to wait a year or two to breed. So they will buy a bp that is ready to breed or will be by the time the breeding season starts.
There is nothing wrong with buying a bp adult as a pet either. I think it will just be a personal decision.

[Kymberli]

It depends on what your intentions are with the snake, how much money you want to spend initially, and whether or not you want the experience of watching it grow over the first few years of its life. If you want a pet, I'd go with a baby. They're generally much cheaper and it is quite rewarding to watch them grow. Sure, you will have to buy it larger tubs as it grows, but that is the financial responsibility you are signing up for when adopting any new pet. There will always be more expenses throughout the animal's life, whether it be supplies or vet trips. At least with a snake you won't have yearly vaccinations!
Now, if you planned on breeding within the next year, which I doubt is the case judging by your post, then yes you may want to purchase an adult. Or, if you want one as a pet and have the extra money to spend on getting an adult and do not mind the fact that you will not see it grow much, then go for it. If that is the case, then you won't have to purchase multiple tubs throughout it's life. The size of the tub you will need depends on the size of the snake.

So, really no one can sit here and tell you which is better. It all depends on how much you want to spend and what you're looking to get out of owning this snake.

[OtterGoRun]

Agree with the others. It depends on your intentions and budget. You can always buy or make dividers for your tank/tub so you aren't buying a new enclosure when it becomes an adult. I bought both mine as juveniles because I wanted to watch them grow/bond as pets, etc. Other people may not want or care about that and prefer adults.

If you want an adult and don't have tons of money, you could also look into local rescue organizations. Just be sure if you go that route that you may need to spend some money on a vet visit if the rescue org. doesn't provide it for you.

[AliCat37]

I don't attach the heat mats to my cages.... so I don't ever need to replace them unless theyre too small. Tubs are also dirt cheap, so I don't worry about replacing them. I'd just buy an adult size enclosure and make a divider until he got bigger. Personally I don't like getting any snake as an adult. Not because the snake will get "used" to me, but I will get used to it, and know it better. Like my boa, I got him as a baby, and I know now that he will bite when I put my hand in his cage since he'll think it's food. So I just have to touch him with something if he's looking at me before I reach in, so he knows it's not feeding time. I am glad I know this behaviour from him now as a yearling, rather than an adult 8 footer.