Buying adults seems really no different then buying hatchlings.

[Joe Cope]

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

[Lolo76]

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!

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

[CoolioTiffany]

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.

[tbowman]

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:

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

[Quickone4u]

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!

[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.

[Lolo76]

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

[Lolo76]

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.

[CoolioTiffany]

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

[Lolo76]

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




Toby now (a few weeks ago)




Delilah then




And now...