Keep in mind you will need to buy/build a rack with all the fixins, a hatchling rack ready for babies, an incubator and of course high quality thermostats for all three. If you keep it small you don't have to breed your own rats but look into buying bulk frozen and have a place that consistantly has plenty of live feeders. I Just got into the hobby this past June and that time plus roughly $2000, not including the price of feeders, has me ready to breed this summer. I have 6 snakes, 2 racks (one I built, one I bought), one 18 tub hatchling rack and an incubator (converted wine cooler)