Buying adults seems really no different then buying hatchlings.

[Simpson Balls]

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:

Wow! Only a year and is a beast!

Daniel