Adult ball python or baby ball python

[RyanLuvSnakez]

What would you get, an adult bp or a baby bp. Im leaning towards the adult, because he is stocky and i can get him/her a permanent cage. But with babies, they will bond more and get more used to you.

[DZ Reptiles]

Both? Haha I know what you mean, but, their lives change so much with different owners. It's kinda like they're re born :p

[TheWinWizard]

I'd prefer the baby, I like to watch them grow up.

[Alexandra V]

My vote goes for baby because that way you can bring it up and socialize it the way you'd like, and because that way you can get used to it as it grows.

Plus it's super fun to watch them grow!

[cschneider]

I think it depends on what your plans are. If you just want a pet, or know you have a few years before thinking of breeding them, I would get a baby. They are way cheaper and it's fun to watch them grow and their color develop. I also think if you raise them from babies, it's more rewarding when they produce a clutch for you.

On the other hand, if you find a good deal on an adult, and it would fit into your plans perfectly, I would definitely buy the adult. Adults also tend to be more docile, so in my opinion, I don't think the "raise them from babies so they bond with you" is really relevant. I have found that some baby BPs I have purchased were sweethearts and some are temperamental, but the adults I have purchased were all very docile after giving them a few weeks to settle into their new home. In the end, they all have their own personalities.

[PitOnTheProwl]

I got almost all babys so I chose adult

[wendhend]

I like to get them as babies and then watch them grow up. I'm always amazed how quickly ball pythons seem to grow up!

[Stewart_Reptiles]

But with babies, they will bond more and get more used to you.

If it was a dog or a cat it would be correct however it is a BP and it really does not matter at least not unless you get a wild caught animal which is absolutely not recommended in your case.

Adults have the size and tend to be less nippy and defensive than young individuals that's the only difference I see.

[rabernet]

Either one. I LOVE a nice big stocky snake. But it's also fun to raise them up yourself.

Doesn't really matter, snakes don't really bond to you as much as become familiar with you and comfortable with you.

[Giftbearer]

I'd rather have a baby. I'd like to do some breeding in the future but I'm not in a huge hurry to turn out tons of new animals. A pair of good ones will work for me, at least for now. I think it gives them time to acclimate.

Some of the adults on the market may be fine but somebody brought up on one of the other forums a good point; that sometimes adults are being sold for a reason (the former owner may not want it because of a health and/or temperment problem) and you might not know it until you've already paid for them and they've been shipped.