Buying adults seems really no different then buying hatchlings.

To me, buying an adult/sub adult BP (or any adult/sub adult snake) seems just like buying a hatchling or juvenile. I don't really see a difference in purchasing a larger snake rather than a small. Would it be necessary to purchase a larger and more mature snake? I think it would, because once you start getting that large snake into handling and getting it used to your scent, it's sort of like you've had that snake for a while (like handling a baby snake, getting it used to handling and your scent). Besides size differences, I don't see how purchasing a large snake is any different than purchasing a smaller snake. Does it really matter? I remember not too long ago (before I purchased my 2nd BP, a while before purchasing the 2nd BP) I wanted an adult BP. It was a female, and I just fell in love with it. It's size and girth, just amazing. The thing was my mom didn't want me to have it because it's size, but it was such a sweet snake. My female will eventually get that large, so if she knew that then why wouldn't she be all right with me having a large snake? The snake was just a bit over 4 ft. too but was big in girth size. She doesn't take care of my BPs or any of my snakes, I'm the one feeding them and everything so I don't see what the problem is about getting an adult BP.

Though, she does seem to care what the family thinks when I get another snake. I always ask why she cares so much about what the family thinks (family isn't that "snake-friendly" let's just put it that way..) but she just says just don't tell anyone. Even after taking my snake to the vet she didn't want anyone knowing I took it there and have to give it a shot each day. She is so confusing sometimes.

the reason someone would buy an adult snake would be for breeding, you dont have to wait for the snake to grow up or spend the money to feed it to get it to adult size

Well your right and wrong. Buying an adult is no different then a hatchling unless your a breeder. Some people will buy an adult snake because its closer to breeding size/age. I prefer getting smaller snakes because lots of breeders do not handle their snakes and when you get a 3000g females ball thats never been handled they are not exactly pleasent to deal with. Thats just my take on it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CoolioTiffany

To me, buying an adult/sub adult BP (or any adult/sub adult snake) seems just like buying a hatchling or juvenile. I don't really see a difference in purchasing a larger snake rather than a small. Would it be necessary to purchase a larger and more mature snake? I think it would, because once you start getting that large snake into handling and getting it used to your scent, it's sort of like you've had that snake for a while (like handling a baby snake, getting it used to handling and your scent). Besides size differences, I don't see how purchasing a large snake is any different than purchasing a smaller snake. Does it really matter? I remember not too long ago (before I purchased my 2nd BP, a while before purchasing the 2nd BP) I wanted an adult BP. It was a female, and I just fell in love with it. It's size and girth, just amazing. The thing was my mom didn't want me to have it because it's size, but it was such a sweet snake. My female will eventually get that large, so if she knew that then why wouldn't she be all right with me having a large snake? The snake was just a bit over 4 ft. too but was big in girth size. She doesn't take care of my BPs or any of my snakes, I'm the one feeding them and everything so I don't see what the problem is about getting an adult BP.

Though, she does seem to care what the family thinks when I get another snake. I always ask why she cares so much about what the family thinks (family isn't that "snake-friendly" let's just put it that way..) but she just says just don't tell anyone. Even after taking my snake to the vet she didn't want anyone knowing I took it there and have to give it a shot each day. She is so confusing sometimes.

---

Well in my opinion i would rather buy a young snake and learn about it as it grows.This way when and if you decide to breed it it will make things more special when you see his or hers babies pip out :gj:.So if you have lots of love and time into your snakes thats how it makes this hobby greater :cool:

Thats a good way to look at it Joe. But when I recently bought a breeding group, I wanted adults and snakes that were old enough to breed next season because I was anxious to get a breeding project done. And I paid for that decision too, so I think that is really the reason that adults are different from babies, and why adults are more expensive of course. You pay more if you want a quick results (and return on investment). That's not to say you can't give your adults just as much love as a baby

If you are just getting snakes as pets then there really is no difference. All baby snakes will grow up into big snakes. As for temperament, I think that the older ones are more calm.

If you are breeding, a full grown sexually mature snake would be more desirable (and more expensive). It takes a long time to raise a snake to breeding weight and some people don't want to wait 2-3 years for that.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by matt71915

the reason someone would buy an adult snake would be for breeding, you dont have to wait for the snake to grow up or spend the money to feed it to get it to adult size

---

Yep. ;) I bought Mona as an adult (and proven breeder), when I realized Delilah wouldn't catch up with Toby in time. She's only 430g at around a year old, so I can't breed her for at LEAST another season or two. Toby, on the other hand, should be ready this winter... so it just made sense to get him a big girlfriend, rather than missing the next two seasons. She only cost $75 plus shipping, so it was a good deal too!

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.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by joepythons

Well in my opinion i would rather buy a young snake and learn about it as it grows.This way when and if you decide to breed it it will make things more special when you see his or hers babies pip out :gj:.So if you have lots of love and time into your snakes thats how it makes this hobby greater :cool:

---

I agree - I LOVE that all of my breeders I raised myself. I have ONE that I didn't raise myself, and she was dropped off at the pet store two days before I got her. Well, actually, I have two, but the second one is actually going to someone else, so I don't consider her mine - I'm just caring for her right now.

There's a real sense of pride on the ones that you took the time to lovingly nurture and raise into a beautiful adult.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rabernet

There's a real sense of pride on the ones that you took the time to lovingly nurture and raise into a beautiful adult.

---

I can't wait until my babies are all grown up, since I know it will be fulfilling... and I can only imagine the pride with your first clutch, especially if you raised the parents yourself! :)

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:

---

Originally Posted by Lolo76

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

---

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:

---

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.

---

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:

---

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

---

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:

The idea of raising a snake from a little worm is amazing.

Quote:

---

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?

---

I'm not into snakes for the money, but just wanted to let Toby breed next year... and my adult BP came from a reputable breeder, one who's from this site, in fact (J&J Reptiles). He wasn't "dumping" an unwanted snake, just thinning out his collection - and he has all of her records, so there's nothing unknown about her. She arrived healthy and fat 2 months ago, and has been an absolute gem! :gj:

P.S. She is also a proven breeder, and he told me what she laid last season - but I've since forgotten.

I think it's amazing to buy a snake when it's small and see it grow, but you can always do the same with an adult or sub adult. The snake can still get used to your scent, and still seem like you've raised it ever since it was a baby. I don't just buy snakes for breeding, I buy them because I love to care for snakes and not to make money off of them. Even though I'm going to breed my BPs next year and sell most of the babies, I still will love each and every one of the snakes and the snakes who made it happen. I just think it would be nice to buy a big snake, since no one really likes purchasing adults but for me I wouldn't mind at all. I would treat that adult like I've had it forever. I treat all of my snakes the same, and in return I have good feeders and docile snakes.

Quote:

---

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

---

He's probably 8 and a half feet. He's small, but he's also a male. He eats good and is healthy.

I personaly really look foward to raising mine up and starting to breed them. I can't wait for the projects to begin with it all. I thoroughly enjoy every aspect of this hobby and keeping these wonderful animals. It really is an amazing thing to be a part of and to enjoy!

One thing that a lot of people are forgetting is that even if you buy an adult proven breeder, that snake might take the next year or two off anyway while it gets acclimated to it's new surroundings. Buying a proven breeder is not a guarantee that it'll breed for you. Still, it can be worth it because they'll just be that much bigger when they do finally decide to breed.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tbowman

He's probably 8 and a half feet. He's small, but he's also a male. He eats good and is healthy.

---

That's small?? :D I've only had BPs, so that seems like a ginormous snake to me... he's beautiful, though!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MarkS

One thing that a lot of people are forgetting is that even if you buy an adult proven breeder, that snake might take the next year or two off anyway while it gets acclimated to it's new surroundings. Buying a proven breeder is not a guarantee that it'll breed for you. Still, it can be worth it because they'll just be that much bigger when they do finally decide to breed.

---

Good point... I'm not in it for money or anything, so that's fine if she takes a year off. I haven't even decided 100% if I will breed, but for some reason I still had the hankering for a BIG snake - and I love my big girl! :) It is fun to raise them up too, which is why my others were purchased as babies.

Sometimes I find raising baby snakes rather boring, but that's because I've always been raising baby snakes. The first large snake I've ever purchased was a 2-2 1/2 ft. long. Now he's a 4 ft. sub adult King whose 3 years old or so. I like the big adult snakes, and I won't buy them for just breeding, I would actually take minutes of my time to care for one because I think the snake deserves as much care as any of my other snakes. I just love the adult BPs... can't get over the size the female gets because it's just awesome. Such beasts:D

I just pulled up some old pictures of Toby and Delilah - I've only had them since May/February respectively, but they've already grown so much!

Toby then
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...s/DSCF5137.jpg

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...s/DSCF5150.jpg

Toby now (a few weeks ago)
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...s/DSCF6343.jpg

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...s/DSCF6345.jpg

Delilah then
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...s/DSCF4709.jpg

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...s/DSCF4727.jpg

And now... :)
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...s/DSCF6067.jpg

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...s/DSCF6069.jpg