It depends on what you want for the snake. Do you want a snake you can handle often, a display snake, or something else? It is best to buy from a breeder and wether or not you want a hatchling is up to you. Sometimes its best to get an adult if you dont want to buy more than one enclosure as it grows. Also, in my opinion snakes do not bond. My snake is more at ease with me mostly because I know how to hold him and this relaxes him but I dont think he recognizes me as an individule.