Suggestions for my 8 y.o's first snake

[sirchaosofgb]

Our 8 y.o has taken a liking to all the mophs and such and wants a snake of his own. We looked at several on craigslist but none really turned him on. The cinny was close but he wants unusal and cool. We went to a local reptile store that we didn't know had TONS of morphs...(couldn't get him or I out of there...just like heaven for us!) He really wants a bumblebee and there is one available for 180.00. So here is my question...Is there anything particular we need to know about that morps...quirks, defects etc. We BOTH are new to snake genetics and are learning slowly. Should i make him start with a normal first? We eventually want a breeding project...any suggestions would be helpful. Thank you.

[satomi325]

$180 sounds really cheap. I'm skeptical about that bee. I know they're coming down in price, but spiders and good examples of pastels still go for those prices.

With the bee, its a pastel + spider. Snakes carrying the Spider gene can have a neurological disorder we call a 'wobble'. It can go unnoticed and be a minor issue or the snake can be full out corkscrewing. It varies from animal to animal.

And if you plan on breeding in the future, start off with buying females. They take time to grow to breeding size.(average 2 years or so)

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[The Serpent Merchant]

For the most part the morphs are exactly like their normal counterparts, but there are a few morphs that have issues.

You mentioned the bumble bee. To produce a bumble bee you breed a pastel with a spider ball python. The spider morph has what is called a "wobble" this is a neurological issue that causes them to lose motor control, and seem to not be fully aware of their orientation. That being said it is rare for the wobble to cause any issues and I personally feel that people make way to big a deal of it. Some have it worse than others. I have one and 99% of the time you wouldn't even know that he had any issues.

[Royal Hijinx]

$180 would be a really good deal for a Bee, almost too good of a deal, especially from a store.

[Mike41793]

I dont think youre looking at a bee for $180... If you want a cool looking morph youre looking to spend close to $400.
Imo there are some really cool base morphs out there too. A high quality pastel, pinstripe, lesser, butter, or mojave are all good options...

[Royal Hijinx]

I have seen some stunning Mojaves for less than $200, as well as CLEAN Spiders, Pastels, Pins. Maybe a bit more for females.

I have seen Albino or Orange Ghost males for as little as $250 (less for the OG actually), if you like recessive.

[DooLittle]

I would be skeptical of what you are actually getting for that price. Bee prices aren't that low yet, and pet stores are always over priced. I would think more in the $400 range for a morph. If you don't want to spend that much, a normal would have the same personality as a morph, just not the same visual appeal. Please make sure you read through the care sheet on here and get your set up first. Proper enclosure, with uth on a thermastat, proper hides, and get it up and running with the right temps before you bring home a new snake. Bps also when you first bring them home, let them be untouched, no fussing with or holding for a week. Then after they feed for you, start handling. I have seen many newbie come on with their snake being stressed on not eating, and they usually don't have them set up right, or are handling them too much. Welcome to the addiction, though!

[Mike41793]

I have seen some stunning Mojaves for less than $200, as well as CLEAN Spiders, Pastels, Pins. Maybe a bit more for females.

I have seen Albino or Orange Ghost males for as little as $250 (less for the OG actually), if you like recessive.

Very good point.
When i said $400 i was thinking super pastel, bee, lemon blast etc

[satomi325]

Sirchaos,

I recommend double checking on that bumble bee before purchasing it. Ask the store owners if there are any issues with it. Is it feeding regularly and on what? Does it have a wobble? etc etc. Look for anything abnormal.

Maybe take a picture of it and post it back here so we can take a look at it.

It doesn't seem right that a Bee is going for such a low price.

[BFT12890]

I know this is slightly off topic, but have you looked at corn snakes by chance? dont get me wrong I LOVE bp's, but for an 8 year old a corn may be something to look into, they are hardier in their husbandry requirements, stay about the same length but have a slightly thinner body, and have some pretty neat, colorful, cheap morphs. also, they are more active and "user friendly" then balls who curl up/hide most of the time. Again dont get me wrong, im by no means trying to deter you from a ball, or tell you what you should do. but I have a 8 y/o sister and 5 y/o brother, and they like my ball, but they get bored fast because she doesnt do much.

regaurdless, happy hunting I hope you are able to find something your son likes :]

EDIT: reason I bring it up is because you say you are both new to morphs and all, and I didnt see a list of what you own so I wasnt sure what interaction you have had with the various snakes.