Got a BP 4 weeks ago, should we get another already?

[MelissaFlipski]

We are totally in love with our normal male BP that we got almost a month ago for my son's 6th birthday from Petco. Mr. Snake is our first.

I am also a fan of Craig's List and happened to see a listing for a BP (normal female about 1 1/2 yrs old) that needs a new home. The owner says she is very docile, has never bitten, and comes with the tank and accessories. They are asking for an "adoption fee." She comes from a single snake home. Not sure of origin, but guessing pet store. They are moving to an apt. that does not allow pets.

These are my questions, but feel free to comment with any thoughts on the subject:

Do you think we should adopt another snake, or is it too soon? Meaning are we too green or is this edging too close to an "impulse buy"?

Obviously, a visual would only give us a few clues and we would take her to a vet for a checkup, but do you think going to "meet" the snake and take a look at her is enough to get an idea if she is docile and basically healthy (barring worms)? If we get her, what should we have checked at the vet?

How long do you have to quarantine a snake? Can they be housed in the same room in different tanks? Once the quarantine is over, is it OK to introduce the snakes to each other if they are of similar size?

Is there some kind of "reasonable price" or is that way too subjective? I am not sure of the tank size yet, but I assume it's glass, could be 20 gal or up to 55 gal.

Did I leave anything out? How about - should we crush any dreams now of ever breeding these two?

Thanks for your feedback!

[tigerlily]

Only you can know if you're ready for another snake, but beware that sometimes the 'free pets' can be the most expensive.

I quarantine for 3 months myself. You'll need separeate cleaning and feeding supplies, and lots of hand sanitizer, soap and general paranoia. Try and house them as far apart as possible as well.

I wouldn't even think about breeding yet, because unless you can verify the sexes you may end up with two of the same. (which doesn't work out well ) Not to meniton you'll want to get the animals up to size and just some general experiences under your belt. Plus the cost of incubators and other incubations supplies.

If you think you're ready, I'd ask to see the animal and see what shape the equipment is in as well.

[MelissaFlipski]

Thanks for the thoughts.

Originally, they were asking $250. While they are flexible on that, I am not sure how low they would go. So she wouldn't be free. However, I am viewing it as half adoption and half rescue.

[dr del]

Hi,


Just my ,

Most of the time the housing provided isnt really worth having let alone paying for. So evaluate the caging and see if it is really adequate.

$250 sounds a lot.

Bear in mind that yes you would need to get a wellness check and fecal at least done at the vet and there is always the possibility of inheriting someone elses problem - it would be nice to be able to just trust they are telling you the whole truth but I always have doubts.

If you really have decided you want to get another at this time then consider getting one from an established breeder who will make the process as painless as possible - JGlass just posted an ad you might want to check out for example.

I don't mean to put you off but just keep a weather eye open for little indicators.


dr del

[Bright202]

I was gonna get a female normal too, but then a breeder by the name of Markus Mandic www.ballpython.ca told me, why breed only normals when you can explore the many morphs, but pay a little extra,, It's just my but I'm buying a morph for my second BP.

[Royalherper]

There is always room for another snake, thats my way of thinking anyway. The price seems a little high though. You could buy all that brand new at a pet store (thats not a suggestion) for less. Its never too early to start thinking about breeding. The female isn't ready for this year so you have a year (atleast) to research, plan and get what you need. With alittle reasearch you can come up with an inexpensive diy incubator.

Good luck and have fun

[Swingline0.0.1]

Hi,

I also just have the one BP right now, and like you, we were ready for another very quickly! We've had him for 3 months now, and he's just great!

Here is my plan, for what it's worth.

We are going to get a 100% het. for something other than normal just in case we decide to breed. That way we're likely to produce something cool if and when we breed. I really like the patterns on our normal, but it would be neat to produce an albino or something different if we're going to go to all the trouble.

I think I want to breed eventually, but after reading tons of posts about it, I know it's a big commitment, and I want to be ready. That's another strategy we're using- buying babies on purpose so we get all the experience raising them until they're ready to breed. Of course, if you get them from a reputable breeder you don't have to worry too much, but it's just nice to know exactly how your snakes have been cared for their whole lives.

As far as the 'adoption fee', I remember reading a post warning about those... I've never used craigslist before, so I'm not sure about that... but at any rate, $250 is a lot (as everyone else has already said!)! Around here, normals go for no more than $75, and I got mine for $40 from a pet store (I know, I know!)... like dr. del said, even if that includes their setup, it probably sucks anyhow! You'll get a giant aquarium with a couple of heat rocks or something! lol

Good luck on your purchase!

[Kennyxemerson]

250 is definetly high
if you wan another snake i'd suggest looking up some breeders, theres a ton of em on this forum and normals a pretty cheap so if you really want another talk to a breeder

[2Devious]

Try to find a Reptile show in your area. You won't be disappointed with the prices of normal BPs there. And once you see some morphs in person.....

Try to take some money with you.

[rabernet]

Whenever someone posts an ad in my area that includes the enclosure, I always tell them that I don't need the enclosure, I'm only interested in the snake. I can get a tub set-up for much less than $200 ($50 is the MOST I'm willing to pay for an "adoption fee" for just the snake).


Why don't you ask this person what the adoption fee would be just for the snake.

I've also recently picked up a gorgeous girl - who turned out to be a boy instead. If that doesn't matter to you, then that shouldn't be a problem. I never told the person that I would only take it if it was a girl, so I didn't probe or pop it when I picked it up - took the gamble.

I'm answering another ad right now, and this time I DID tell her that I was only interested if it was female, and we're meeting next weekend so that I can sex it for her.

Personally, I'd wait. I KNOW that these snakes are addictive, I started out with just one and look where I am now (see signature). Three weeks is not a long time with the one you have. The extra time you have with him, the more ready you'll be for another. You've still got a lot to experience yet with him. Many more "firsts". The time spent now will be invaluable to you for your future acquisitions!