Buying adults seems really no different then buying hatchlings.

It does feel good to see what you've raised.

2006
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i2...Picture702.jpg

Now
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i2...2/DSC01727.jpg

Oh, that's puuuurty. :) Is it a rainbow boa?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lolo76

Oh, that's puuuurty. :) Is it a rainbow boa?

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That's a Burmese Python.

Here's one of my girls I raised from a worm to an adult:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...b/BabyTub2.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...b/PretzelA.jpg

And today:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...PretJune19.jpg

She happens to be one of my favorites in my collection.

The largest I have ever purchased a snake was at around 550 grams. It is neat to raise them up, and watch them grow.

Here is my first morph as a little baby:
http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/g...irlCloseup.jpg

Subadult:
http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/g...namongirl3.jpg

Adult:
http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/g...m/Apple1-2.jpg

And last month:
http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/g...CinnyEggs1.jpg

Ball python morph prices drop dramatically each year, so paying extra for a breedable female will make you more money. Plus you will make the money faster.

I am TOTALLY against buying adult snakes. Perhaps from a reputable breeder, but why? Make money? Why then are you into snakes?

When you buy an adult snake, you:

1 - are never sure of it's age
2 - inherit any problems that the previous owner neglected (RI, infections, mites, etc.) Remember they are dumping an unwanted snake...
3 - never get to see its progress as it grows
4 - are never sure of its "breeding status". What if never bred, always laid infertile eggs or slugs, etc. etc.

To me, buying hatchlings and raising them up is the only way to go, but that's me. I like to know my snakes and I like them to know me. And like a few others have said, once they do breed it's all that more rewarding.

To tbowman:

How big is that burm? Looks awful small for 3 years old.

This is mine at 1 1/2 yrs. old:

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...rty_671180.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Danounet

Im sorry to hear that your mom acts that way, but hey, at least she lets you keep some snakes, some people parents would never let their kids have snakes.

I think she probably feels between a wall and a sword. In one hand she is trying to make you happy and in the other hand she is trying to keep your "non-snake friendly happy" too. I feel bad for her in a way, She is probably stressing out about it.

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Danount's right. Most Mom's would flip at there child if they asked for a snake. My parents hated me always asking for reptiles they always said "do something with fish not reptiles, there boring" But now after me keeping them for 6 years they have opened up to the hobby. Mom at first would not look at the snakes I got. Now she brings my 8ft Boa out of it's cage for freeroms.

Daniel

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mumps

I am TOTALLY against buying adult snakes. Perhaps from a reputable breeder, but why? Make money? Why then are you into snakes?

When you buy an adult snake, you:

1 - are never sure of it's age
2 - inherit any problems that the previous owner neglected (RI, infections, mites, etc.) Remember they are dumping an unwanted snake...
3 - never get to see its progress as it grows
4 - are never sure of its "breeding status". What if never bred, always laid infertile eggs or slugs, etc. etc.

To me, buying hatchlings and raising them up is the only way to go, but that's me. I like to know my snakes and I like them to know me. And like a few others have said, once they do breed it's all that more rewarding.

To tbowman:

How big is that burm? Looks awful small for 3 years old.

This is mine at 1 1/2 yrs. old:

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...rty_671180.jpg

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Wow! Only a year and is a beast!

Daniel

Thats one big, young mother!

I tend to lean more towards well started youngsters, or yearlings. You know they've been feeding, as babies can sometimes be a little more difficult. Also. the sweetest snake in my collection is also my biggest. I adopted her as a 2.5 year old, 1600g adult. She's sweet as pie, and great around kids. Two years later, I adopted a second female, that was about 1000g, and she's also sweet. And add to the fact that both are my best breeders, laying 10-12 eggs.With adults, I think it could go either way. If you're just looking to breed, and want some animals with size, I can totally understand how temperament wouldn't be as important. I bought a few adult females in the past that were downright nasty!! However, if you're looking for a sweet natured snake, or a pet quality animal, I'd definately go with adoption. You can't go wrong with an animal that's already used to being handled. :gj: