Quote Originally Posted by billyb View Post
The whole frozen/live debate. While the concept of frozen seems more convenient, is that the case in reality? I understand that it may be cheaper but the idea of having mice in the freezer, then having to thaw them might be something that is a hassle to deal with? I am not sure the wife would even allow this option.
I would suggest f/t, primarily because if you just have one BP and he starts a six month hunger strike, you'll end up caring for his last unwanted meal during that time. Rodents require more effort to day care than snakes, and I prefer not to have them in the house - it seems to me that they can't go more than five minutes without doing a job. Keeping a supply in the freezer, packaged separately from my food, is not a big deal.

Do they need to be fed in a separate tank? We never did this as kids but it seems I read that over and over. I would think it may create some stress for the animal moving it back after eating as well as possibly a higher chance of the snake striking her?

No. I used to and found out the hard way it's a good way to end up bitten. Just feed in the enclosure.

As my wife despises snakes, I was thinking a male would be better for her as they are generally smaller in size. Aside from value does it matter? Is one more docile than the other?

Males typically stay smaller, though there are exceptions to every rule. Also, all of my males are pretty chilled out, and the only BP's I have who hiss or have struck out defensively are the girls. That said, my most "in your pocket" BP is an adult normal female.

I like the idea of either re-homing one that an owner can no longer keep or buying one from an enthusiast. I understand there are risks in this thinking as you do not always know the history of the animal and in cases there would be no way or returning a snake. There is certainly a cost benefit as I regularly see snakes, and the complete setup on Craigslist for far cheaper than at a pet store (I do not want to buy from a pet store).

If you're patient and savvy you can find gems on CL. I just checked mine locally and found two worth at least an in-person look (adult pastel male and juvenile spider female) for $100 or less, if I happened to be in the market for one.

Lastly my thinking was rather than get a "normal" ball I should get her one that has some sort of breeding value. I am generally not crazy about obtaining a pet for the "look", but if they are about the same temperament-wise then I guess it is not so bad (she loves the spiders!). My thinking here was if husbandry was something she may wish to do she would not have to give up her now beloved pet (we have some experience in this realm). In addition if it were something that she lost interest in then recouping some of the cost would also be a possibility.

There's nothing wrong with getting an animal and recognizing that because it's long-lived, while you fully intend at this time to give it a forever home, life happens and it will be easier to find a new home for a morph than a normal. People lose jobs, they get sick or die, they move, etc. and the animal simply can't be kept any more.