Buy a Pastel now or wait?

I would wait. Why get something that YOU cannot enjoy and burden others with it? You said you buy your rats at the pet store and probably spend at least $3 per rat. That is $150 a year (give or take) per snake........x 4 years AND $130 for the snake, you are looking at over $700. In 4 years, I would be willing to bet you can buy and adult pastel female for WAY less then even $500........and you would not have to burden anyone with care, feeding, changing substrate, cleaning supplies, worrying if your friends/family are taking proper care of your BP, etc. I would hold off for just a little bit and who knows, a year from now you maybe living in an apartment and you can bring your male and buy a female pastel/spider next year.

I think I will Def wait. I mean Its hard to not go buy a cute, adorable hatchling just on impulse but there are just too many factors to consider. Change in the ball python market/ cost/ knowing that its getting the absolute best care it can get. I know I could give it 100% but as for my dad I'm not sure.

I'll admit I bought my first bp on impulse but in no way shape or form do I regret any of it. Watching it grow and thrive is the best thing ever. A year a go I was depressed. Not any more though :] But there are always time where u get a lilo hint of sadness And Now even in hard times where I feel alone. Just getting my snake out and holding it comforts me. And I know my parents realize that which is why they dont give me hard time about having it. My snake means a lot to me. It distracts me. Which is why if i go off to school and lose the passion it will be bittersweet.

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Originally Posted by Generationshell

I think I will Def wait. I mean Its hard to not go buy a cute, adorable hatchling just on impulse but there are just too many factors to consider. Change in the ball python market/ cost/ knowing that its getting the absolute best care it can get. I know I could give it 100% but as for my dad I'm not sure.

I'll admit I bought my first bp on impulse but in no way shape or form do I regret any of it. Watching it grow and thrive is the best thing ever. A year a go I was depressed. Not any more though :] But there are always time where u get a lilo hint of sadness And Now even in hard times where I feel alone. Just getting my snake out and holding it comforts me. And I know my parents realize that which is why they dont give me hard time about having it. My snake means a lot to me. It distracts me. Which is why if i go off to school and lose the passion it will be bittersweet.

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I'll admit, it is hard not to buy on impulse, but it is better not to, in most cases any how. I know it's hard, but I really think you are doing the right thing for you, your Dad, and your future snake. I really hope you stay attached to your snake the way you are, and they are great for the down times, especially when you have as many as I do;). I wish you the best of luck in college, and if you decide to get into breeding in the long run.

I would buy now if your dad does not mind caring for it as it take a couple years to get a female up to size! Like another has stated, you can buy a breeder size female next year!

Id say to consider the fact that your dad would have yet another snake to be responsible for once you leave...also, the price on pastels seems to be coming down lately(?) Might be able to find one at the same price later on if not cheaper.

AHH the fact I just got my boy bp a 30 gal tank, lid, larger exoterra cave hide and a larger water dish and a huge branch for $40! heck yes! thanks Craigslist!

It makes it so much more tempting now that I have a readily made 10 gal with all the accessories to not buy a pastel hatching!!! AAHHH

Hmm is a 30 gal tank to big for a 3 foot bp?does anyone know what size heating pad I need and what not?

Would It be wrong for me to take a free 5 yr old bp that someone is giving away on craigslist.....? hmmmmmmm Poor thing needs a good home.
And Ive got the room :] 30 gal is far too big for just my 3 ft long Xander I would think. Opinions?

When are you going to college... due to QT procedure you are taking a major risk there, as your father is going to have to do not only a lot more work, but also he may put your old ball at risk due to not knowing the importance of QT.

In fact that should have been a consideration all along, I guess I just forgot to bring it up, not sure if anyone else did.

Darn Darn Darn Darn Darn!!!! lol
Curse Ball pythons for eating away at my self control and clouding my judgement!!!

Very very important point though. It would be horrible for something to be passed onto my snake ( IBD Oy Vey! Yikes!) :colbert:
Thank you! :]