Buy a Pastel now or wait?

[iCandiBallPythons]

Definately wait until you are more stable, any animal is a resposiblity and the more you add the greater the responsibility, also you may end up losing intrest once your off to college.

[SnakeKB]

That is true. My sister was big into horses but once she went to college it went to nothing. Wait till you get more stability. Maybe an apartment at/around college and make a snake rack.

[rj1204]

I would wait. Why get something that YOU cannot enjoy and burden others with it? You said you buy your rats at the pet store and probably spend at least $3 per rat. That is $150 a year (give or take) per snake........x 4 years AND $130 for the snake, you are looking at over $700. In 4 years, I would be willing to bet you can buy and adult pastel female for WAY less then even $500........and you would not have to burden anyone with care, feeding, changing substrate, cleaning supplies, worrying if your friends/family are taking proper care of your BP, etc. I would hold off for just a little bit and who knows, a year from now you maybe living in an apartment and you can bring your male and buy a female pastel/spider next year.

[Generationshell]

I think I will Def wait. I mean Its hard to not go buy a cute, adorable hatchling just on impulse but there are just too many factors to consider. Change in the ball python market/ cost/ knowing that its getting the absolute best care it can get. I know I could give it 100% but as for my dad I'm not sure.

I'll admit I bought my first bp on impulse but in no way shape or form do I regret any of it. Watching it grow and thrive is the best thing ever. A year a go I was depressed. Not any more though :] But there are always time where u get a lilo hint of sadness And Now even in hard times where I feel alone. Just getting my snake out and holding it comforts me. And I know my parents realize that which is why they dont give me hard time about having it. My snake means a lot to me. It distracts me. Which is why if i go off to school and lose the passion it will be bittersweet.

[bsash]

I think I will Def wait. I mean Its hard to not go buy a cute, adorable hatchling just on impulse but there are just too many factors to consider. Change in the ball python market/ cost/ knowing that its getting the absolute best care it can get. I know I could give it 100% but as for my dad I'm not sure.

I'll admit I bought my first bp on impulse but in no way shape or form do I regret any of it. Watching it grow and thrive is the best thing ever. A year a go I was depressed. Not any more though :] But there are always time where u get a lilo hint of sadness And Now even in hard times where I feel alone. Just getting my snake out and holding it comforts me. And I know my parents realize that which is why they dont give me hard time about having it. My snake means a lot to me. It distracts me. Which is why if i go off to school and lose the passion it will be bittersweet.

I'll admit, it is hard not to buy on impulse, but it is better not to, in most cases any how. I know it's hard, but I really think you are doing the right thing for you, your Dad, and your future snake. I really hope you stay attached to your snake the way you are, and they are great for the down times, especially when you have as many as I do. I wish you the best of luck in college, and if you decide to get into breeding in the long run.

[seeya205]

I would buy now if your dad does not mind caring for it as it take a couple years to get a female up to size! Like another has stated, you can buy a breeder size female next year!