I feel the same way. I've also seen it ruin relationships. One friend gets a free/cheeper animal others want that too. You'll be turning more people down or worse the same person who wants something else. Sometimes its best to keep friends and family separate from business. If you feel that you want to do this than explain to him that if it doesn't work out for him that you would like a chance to buy back the snake. In the end- its what ever you are comfortable with.