THANK YOU VERY MUCH Charis and Philly for taking the time and responding. Your information has been a big help! Still debating between the Trans Pecos and Mandarin. To be truthful, I am in love with those big eyes the TP rat snake has, and even though I love the colors of the Mandarins, I would be nervous about keeping a proper habitat with the cooler temps and humidity. I think i found a breeder here in Canada who has a male & female blonde trans pecos. And with it still being within Canada, there is no middleman at the border. Still nervous though about shipping. But I am going to contact the breeder on Monday to get more details. Any how... my journey continues! Would it be ok to PM you both to chit chat more in detail??? Wanted to ask first