Buying adults seems really no different then buying hatchlings.

[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.

[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

[sg1trogdor]

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.

[joepythons]

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 .So if you have lots of love and time into your snakes thats how it makes this hobby greater

[Hulihzack]

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

[Kaorte]

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.

[Lolo76]

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!

[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.

[rabernet]

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 .So if you have lots of love and time into your snakes thats how it makes this hobby greater

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.

[Lolo76]

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!