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

We are totally in love with our normal male BP that we got almost a month ago for my son's 6th birthday from Petco. Mr. Snake is our first.

I am also a fan of Craig's List and happened to see a listing for a BP (normal female about 1 1/2 yrs old) that needs a new home. The owner says she is very docile, has never bitten, and comes with the tank and accessories. They are asking for an "adoption fee." She comes from a single snake home. Not sure of origin, but guessing pet store. They are moving to an apt. that does not allow pets.

These are my questions, but feel free to comment with any thoughts on the subject:

Do you think we should adopt another snake, or is it too soon? Meaning are we too green or is this edging too close to an "impulse buy"?

Obviously, a visual would only give us a few clues and we would take her to a vet for a checkup, but do you think going to "meet" the snake and take a look at her is enough to get an idea if she is docile and basically healthy (barring worms)? If we get her, what should we have checked at the vet?

How long do you have to quarantine a snake? Can they be housed in the same room in different tanks? Once the quarantine is over, is it OK to introduce the snakes to each other if they are of similar size?

Is there some kind of "reasonable price" or is that way too subjective? I am not sure of the tank size yet, but I assume it's glass, could be 20 gal or up to 55 gal.

Did I leave anything out? How about - should we crush any dreams now of ever breeding these two?

Thanks for your feedback!

Only you can know if you're ready for another snake, but beware that sometimes the 'free pets' can be the most expensive.

I quarantine for 3 months myself. You'll need separeate cleaning and feeding supplies, and lots of hand sanitizer, soap and general paranoia. :rolleyes: Try and house them as far apart as possible as well.

I wouldn't even think about breeding yet, because unless you can verify the sexes you may end up with two of the same. (which doesn't work out well ;) ) Not to meniton you'll want to get the animals up to size and just some general experiences under your belt. Plus the cost of incubators and other incubations supplies.

If you think you're ready, I'd ask to see the animal and see what shape the equipment is in as well.

Thanks for the thoughts.

Originally, they were asking $250. While they are flexible on that, I am not sure how low they would go. So she wouldn't be free. However, I am viewing it as half adoption and half rescue.

Hi,


Just my :2cent: ,

Most of the time the housing provided isnt really worth having let alone paying for. So evaluate the caging and see if it is really adequate.

$250 sounds a lot.

Bear in mind that yes you would need to get a wellness check and fecal at least done at the vet and there is always the possibility of inheriting someone elses problem - it would be nice to be able to just trust they are telling you the whole truth but I always have doubts.

If you really have decided you want to get another at this time then consider getting one from an established breeder who will make the process as painless as possible - JGlass just posted an ad you might want to check out for example.

I don't mean to put you off but just keep a weather eye open for little indicators.:)


dr del

I was gonna get a female normal too, but then a breeder by the name of Markus Mandic www.ballpython.ca told me, why breed only normals when you can explore the many morphs, but pay a little extra,, It's just my :2cent: but I'm buying a morph for my second BP.

There is always room for another snake, thats my way of thinking anyway. The price seems a little high though. You could buy all that brand new at a pet store (thats not a suggestion) for less. Its never too early to start thinking about breeding. The female isn't ready for this year so you have a year (atleast) to research, plan and get what you need. With alittle reasearch you can come up with an inexpensive diy incubator.

Good luck and have fun

Hi,

I also just have the one BP right now, and like you, we were ready for another very quickly! We've had him for 3 months now, and he's just great!

Here is my plan, for what it's worth. :)

We are going to get a 100% het. for something other than normal just in case we decide to breed. That way we're likely to produce something cool if and when we breed. :) I really like the patterns on our normal, but it would be neat to produce an albino or something different if we're going to go to all the trouble. :)

I think I want to breed eventually, but after reading tons of posts about it, I know it's a big commitment, and I want to be ready. That's another strategy we're using- buying babies on purpose so we get all the experience raising them until they're ready to breed. Of course, if you get them from a reputable breeder you don't have to worry too much, but it's just nice to know exactly how your snakes have been cared for their whole lives. :)

As far as the 'adoption fee', I remember reading a post warning about those... I've never used craigslist before, so I'm not sure about that... but at any rate, $250 is a lot (as everyone else has already said!)! Around here, normals go for no more than $75, and I got mine for $40 from a pet store (I know, I know!)... like dr. del said, even if that includes their setup, it probably sucks anyhow! You'll get a giant aquarium with a couple of heat rocks or something! lol

Good luck on your purchase!

250 is definetly high
if you wan another snake i'd suggest looking up some breeders, theres a ton of em on this forum and normals a pretty cheap so if you really want another talk to a breeder

Try to find a Reptile show in your area. You won't be disappointed with the prices of normal BPs there. And once you see some morphs in person.....

Try to take some money with you. :D

Whenever someone posts an ad in my area that includes the enclosure, I always tell them that I don't need the enclosure, I'm only interested in the snake. I can get a tub set-up for much less than $200 ($50 is the MOST I'm willing to pay for an "adoption fee" for just the snake).


Why don't you ask this person what the adoption fee would be just for the snake.

I've also recently picked up a gorgeous girl - who turned out to be a boy instead. If that doesn't matter to you, then that shouldn't be a problem. I never told the person that I would only take it if it was a girl, so I didn't probe or pop it when I picked it up - took the gamble.

I'm answering another ad right now, and this time I DID tell her that I was only interested if it was female, and we're meeting next weekend so that I can sex it for her.

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!

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 :)

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Originally Posted by SatanicIntention

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 :)

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true dat!

bps are not sexually dimorphic animals you have to pop or probe to find out the sex for sure.

Everyones covered everything but one detail. In the beginning, I thought taking care of my 2 snakes was not too bad; now that all six are growing like weeds I feel like I live my life cleaning up snake pee and poo. What kills me is that I'll clean and then they'll go again the day after! Not one of the most important points but its currently the only complaint I have.

I give it six months before you cave in and get another :)

Melissa,

If you seriously want another snake have you entertained the thought of buying from a respectable breeder? Some of the best BP breeders around post and contribute here regularly. You need to remember that a BP is a long term investment and IMHO it's very much worth it to take every precaution when making a purchase. By buying from a breeder you will get peace of mind as well as a healthy, well cared for snake. I found buying from a breeder to be a super enjoyable experience which made being a new BP owner that much easier. You're going to be stressed out in the beginning regardless of where you get the snake but if you can eleviate some of those stresses all the better. Just something to think about ;)

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Originally Posted by SatanicIntention

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

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I wasn't feeling well, so my husband took Mr. Snake. I was disappointed to hear he did a visual check for the sex. But I wasn't there to do more, so... For now, my 6 yr old, who really wants Mr. Snake to be a boy, gets to have his boy.

But the snake is from Petco, so I suspect it probably is.

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Originally Posted by MelissaFlipski

But the snake is from Petco, so I suspect it probably is.

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Not necessarily - the last time I was in Petco and asked to see some of their babies and popped them, there were males and females. I wonder if there are any members near enough to you who have experience sexing ball pythons that could help you?

Yep I'd have Mr. Snake resexed either by another vet (I'd not trust a vet that thinks visually inspecting a snake is a good way to sex it to be quite honest), a breeder or an experienced hobbyist. Popping or probing is your safest bet to properly determine gender.

Melissa I got my first snake from petco, and it's a girl. I also picked up another rescue and she gave me my first clutch this season. :D

Yep, I have one male(possibly) and one female from Petco, so they aren't necessarily all males just because they're from a petstore.

There are people all over the US on this site who could probably sex your snake for you. I'd likely trust one of them over an inexperienced vet anyday.

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Originally Posted by rabernet

Not necessarily - the last time I was in Petco and asked to see some of their babies and popped them, there were males and females. I wonder if there are any members near enough to you who have experience sexing ball pythons that could help you?

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How do I found out who is near me? Is there a search function? Or should I post a question?

Thanks, all! You're the best!

You could try searching for a local Herpetological Society in your area. Mine on long island has a website, worth a shot.

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Originally Posted by MelissaFlipski

How do I found out who is near me? Is there a search function? Or should I post a question?

Thanks, all! You're the best!

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You could always start a new thread asking if there is anyone near you who can probe or pop, and if there are any members near you that know how to sex and see it, they can respond.

Is there a major zoo in your area? You can call their reptile department and see who they recommend. The Herp Society idea was good too.