Trades

[ALTownsend1]

So lets just say "my friend" stumbled across a beautiful female Mojave, and does not have the financial standing to afford said snake, but can dream. My friend spoke with the owner, a respectable local breeder, and was told that the Mojave could be acquired in a trade for his male 386 gram Pastel male, let's say his name was "Wyatt"...plus $100. So his $75 dollar "Wyatt" plus $100 for a gorgeous, 4-500 gram female Mojave with a semi-striped back...Otherwise the guy is asking $325 for her

In all seriousness, am I a total jerk for even considering this? Is there an unspoken rule to keep your first ball python? Have you all had experience with trades? If so, I'd love to hear your stories and how you felt about it. I'm not some breeder with a million snakes, Wyatt is my first and only BP.

Most importantly, I don't want to sound like I'm "over" my little guy, because I still adore the dude. He's single handedly got me hooked...

Grrrrrrr...I almost wish the guy hadn't dangled this carrot in front of my face. Oh, and here are a few photos of said snake (quality sucks)...Maybe I'm crazy and she's just a plain jane mojave. I'll be at Repticon Orlando in a week or two, and Repticon Tampa in June, so I'm in no rush and had no plans of bringing home anything new yet... Thanks for the readily available help guys, you all rock

[Boanerges]

Depends on which one you want more. If it were me and I would rather have the mojo female then I would personally do it. If you would rather have your male pastel then keep him. If you do decide to trade just check the mojo over and make sure it is healthy, eating good, really a female etc.

[Sarin]

If you are able to give up your first snake, then go for it. If I was in this position, assuming the breeder takes good care of his/her animals, I would've taken the deal in a heartbeat. That is an amazing Mojave!! And a female to boot!!

[Zach Nasty]

If you feel you can part with him, I'd make that trade. He could possibly also put Wyatt back up for sale and you could purchase him back when you got more funds together.

[ALTownsend1]

Thanks all around. Keep the opinions/comments coming! Any first hand experiences?

[bsash]

I know that I wouldn't give up my first, or really any of mine.

[alittleFREE]

It's really all up to you, but speaking for experiences, I would say no.

I personally sold my first BP after owning her for a year, because I decided I wanted to focus on geckos...

5 years later, and I still regret that. Of course the geckos were kind of a phase and now I really miss my dear Cupid. I have tried and failed many times to contact the person I sold her to, just to see how she is doing and all... still wish I could have my baby back. The funny thing was, I was SO SURE of myself when I gave her up. I just wasn't as "into" her anymore as I was this new project I had, and I needed funds to help start it..

So, I have to say, that knowing what I know now, I would definitely not give up your pastel. It may seem like a sweet deal, and this might not be the case for all people, but there's a chance that when you get the female after the initial excitement wears off, you'll be feeling pretty empty. That was and is me. I personally wouldn't risk it.

Plus, if you just save up the money, not only will you get to keep your boy, but you'll feel extra rewarded when you can finally get that mojave after saving for it.

Just a different viewpoint and my 2 cents.

[Emilio]

When I'm attached to an animal I just won't trade it, I worry about where its going and its future husbandry. Then I start to think about the habits of the animal I'm picking up. But then you might ask me. Wow then you must never pick anything up? I do I'm just really picky I observe the animal and look at there weight and ask the owner alot of questions before I do anything. Good luck.. By the way she is a hott mojo.

[ALTownsend1]

By the way she is a hott mojo.

I think so as well, but you all know better than I do, being such a newb to all this

[LadyOhh]

I have to say I'm rather surprised that the breeder would do that trade to begin with, but with that being said...

Trades are great, as long as you are pleased with the outcome.

If you are attached to your baby as you say you are, just make sure you aren't going to regret the action later.

Good luck!