Where to buy BP in PA ?

Being on that kind of time-crunch, I would look at buying one online and having it shipped. I'm in Western Pa, and temps are still in the mid 60's here which is super-crazy, so if you get one soon, it will have time to settle in before Christmas day when the kids will want to hold their new snake. Just sayin... Also, the options online are almost endless. Just something to keep in mind.

Well, the problem is, I can't get it to much in advance, because I have nowhere to hide it or keep it away from the kids, someone will find it for sure :) , its got to get here as close to Christmas as possible, that's why getting it locally would be so much better, as some places are open even on 24th , or the local breeder hopefully wouldn't mind to much if I can pick it up on Christmas eve.
I was planning to set the cage and everything quietly in the laundry room few days in advance, to get the temperatures and everything and than get their snake. Does this make sense ?

It does make sense to get your setup fully functioning before you get the animal. The only issue with getting the bp so last minute is that you wont want your kids to bother the snake for at least two weeks so that it can get acquainted with its surroundings. I would strongly suggest against letting them bother the snake if you get it Christmas eve due to the amount of stress he\she will already be under with being relocated. I know how kids are as, i have two boys myself, and they will want to hold it and pet it right away so you may get some disappointment there. Also its not the young one you need to worry about bothering the snake so much its the older one (honest experience, i was surprised myself lol)! Just my two cents. Up to you. :gj:

If you get one from a local breeder, perhaps you could put a picture of it in a box that can be opened on Christmas day, and then go pick it up on Saturday the 26th?

I hope they will be content to just watch it in the tank, but of course I would do my best to explain to them to take it easy, who knows maybe they will be scarred of the python too, so it will take some time to adjust on both sides :)

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Originally Posted by BP99

I hope they will be content to just watch it in the tank, but of course I would do my best to explain to them to take it easy, who knows maybe they will be scarred of the python too, so it will take some time to adjust on both sides :)

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at those ages unless someone has put negativity to snakes in their head they will love it! Adjustment is key. I found that ground rules on handling that are completely understood by the whole household is very important. I have told both my boys and my fiance about my expectations about respect for our animals and their well being. I have had snakes since my oldest was 4 and before my youngest was even born. Communicating to them that it is ok to see the animal and want to touch is fine, but they must always ask for permission before going near the animals and i have to be present for handling. This went over well. I also had them involved with research on the animals and how to take care of them. We have even gotten the schools permission to take the animals to class a few times for show and tell and i have had my boys present information on the animals to their classmates. This is fun for the whole family and i have found it to teach respect and appreciation of life. :gj:

Check the Expo schedule. I went to one in Oaks off of 422 a few years ago.