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

Thank you all for the feedback. I know I am not willing to pay $250, and I am sure they are willing to go lower. I think I was attracted to this offer b/c of the idea of "rehoming" a snake - I'm the rescue personality type.

As far as getting a morph from a breeder or reptile show, what a great idea. I have already been thinking about that some. But that would be going out and looking, while this feels like she "came to me." I know, I am full of justifications for acting somewhat on impulse on a new addiction!! I am lucky enough to have a husband who understands and spoils me! :D

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Originally Posted by rabernet

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!

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I do agree that we have a long way to go. And as I struggle with keeping the temps and humidity right, I realize, gee, this whole snake thing is more work than I thought it would be!! But still worth it, obviously. Then it occurred to me, do breeders ever go on vacation??? LOL. Maybe I should train to become a snake sitter for breeders when they go on vacation. That would get my fix out, wouldn't it?!

Not sure what we'll do yet, but if it's a 55 gal tank, we aren't ready for that! I'll keep you posted. Thanks for listening and giving feedback. It helps me think it through better.

Melissa, it's totally up to you but add into the costs a vet visit or at least a fecal in there somewhere if this snake isn't in perfect shape. Ask for a LOT of information....exactly when and where they got this snake, feeding records or at least a verbal feeding history, sheds, defecations, basically anything and everything.

As far as the "rehoming" fee, it's far too high. It's a bit of a thing with me but it ticks me off when people get any pet, then when they no longer want it they expect to get their cash back out it. Personally, when I've had to give up a pet due to a life change, I was a lot more concerned that it went to a great home and whatever I'd spent on that pet wasn't a primary concern. Pets aren't used cars so if you do want this snake, offer what you can afford and don't take the enclosure if it isn't appropriate. They are after all the ones that don't want this snake, you offering it a good home is doing them a favor not the other way around.

As far as if you are ready, only you know that. You're still in very early days with Mr. Snake. If you get this other snake, do keep them in seperate rooms and do a search here for quarantine threads.

I agree with what everyone has said. I think you'd be better off going through a breeder. Even though you'll never have a 100% guarantee of health, I would definetly put my odds on a breeder. Also you will more than likely know the correct sex, and can have it shipped to you for less than this ludicrous craigslist ad is asking for.

See; CList does not outrightly let people "sell" animals on it. People can charge a reasonable adoption fee.. but it seems to me that these people are trying to circumvent CL's rules and sell the snake for more than it is worth :(
You could always go and see the snake and make them an offer on the snake alone.. but then again you would still have to go and have a vet check and rule out internal parasites or even mites (whoa; those are not something you want to deal with!)
I would research breeders online and go with a reputable one. Shipping might sound high, but it is well worth it to get a snake that is healthy and whose breeder is not giong to risk their reputation by selling something subpar.

I would advise against getting another snake at this point. These snakes live a long time. Getting one, or adding another to your collection, is a big long-term commitment. Think of it in some of the same terms people use when talking about human to human relationships. You are still in the infatuation phase. Once you get past that, are you still going to love having the snake around as much as you do now and want to continue expanding your collection and maybe getting into breeding? Or will you end up glad you only have one?

Someone said only you can say if you are ready for another one. I lean towards feeling that at this early stage, NO ONE, including you, can say for sure how you will feel later. Some people are much better than others about understanding their true feelings and being honest with themselves. If that is you, then maybe you are ready. However, from your posts, talking about an impulse decision and trying to justify a new addiction, it sounds to me like you aren't one of those people. But of course it is impossible to tell online from reading a few paragraphs that you wrote.

Thank you all very much for your honest opinions. I truly appreciate it.

I talked to my husband about this and we decided together that we will wait. I agree that it is a little soon in terms of committing to another life-long member of our family. I am sad though about the snake being with people who aren't committed for life. It makes me wonder, do people read the little sign that says "Life Span 20 - 40 years" at the pet store? Anyway...

We'll wait, maybe a year, and see if we want to pursue a morph from a reputable breeder. Ahem, I think we're driving distance to Adam W. Of course, what we really want (me a pied, my son an albino) we may never be able to afford!

Thanks again. Time to go give Mr. Snake his new improved water bowl (a shallow casserole dish) to help the humidity issue we are having. :)

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Originally Posted by MelissaFlipski

Thank you all very much for your honest opinions. I truly appreciate it.

I talked to my husband about this and we decided together that we will wait. I agree that it is a little soon in terms of committing to another life-long member of our family. :)

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I think its a great idea for you to wait. I have two rescues in my collection now. I can only imagine paying 250 for them. Its a good idea to have a little experience with these snakes before you go and do a rescue. Trust me when i say a its not cheap...

I forgot to add. I think the best idea would be to purchase a hatchling female and raise her up. When your ready that is.

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Originally Posted by juddb

I forgot to add. I think the best idea would be to purchase a hatchling female and raise her up. When your ready that is.

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Yes, great idea. By the way, according to the vet (w/out popping), Mr. Snake is indeed a male.

Edit: By the way, one reason to get a female is for potential breeding, I know. But I think my real motivation is the larger size. Weird, I know, but that's me.

Did the vet probe your snake? Because if he just visually inspected the snake without probing or popping, then I'd say find another vet or experienced person to sex your snake properly :)