When to get snake, and humidity

So i currently do not have a Ball Python, but am looking to get one.

my first question - Would it be good to get a 2010 ball python, or should I wait and get a baby 2011? I live in UT, and would probably wait to go to the reptile expo that is going to be going on this October. Its a loooong way away, but having it later in the year would give me something to look forward to, as well as ensure I am for sure about my new addiction to snakes. (serious ive spent about 5 hours a day for the last week researching.) It wouldn't be my first snake, but it would be my first "serious" snake.

Second question - As stated, I live in Utah and it is very dry here. I have read that BP's need 50-60% humidity and do not know what the best way to get that. I have read that you can mist the tank, but I would have to do that pretty much all day, not to mention that would make everything in the tank wet, not just the air. This could grow mold and fungi, which I imagine would be bad for a snake.

Thanks in advance,


Trevor

My BP is a 2010, I just got him a few weeks ago and they told me he was about 6 months old. I have had no problems with him at all, and he's not nippy like I've heard babies can be, but he's young enough that he's still a "little guy". I guess it depends just on how young you want.

As far as the humidity goes, I use Zoo Med Eco Earth and it works fairly well at keeping it humid. I do mist about 3 times a day only because I use heating lights on top and that tends to dry it up, but I keep one of his water dishes right under the light too. I know a lot of people are sticklers when it comes to humidity...and it is important...but remember that these snakes are naturally from Africa...how humid is it there? lol...that's why these snakes are so amazing, because they are very forgiving, and you have time for trial and error as to what humidity control works for you. Hope this helped...