Okay, final update on this thread.

I am possibly getting another snake. I will explain more below, but don't want to jinx things. Katie likes him, but hasn't given the go ahead yet and was sick today (fever). So I haven't been pushing and am nursing her instead.

The tank I would need ultimately, will fit in the reptile area, on the opposite wall where I have some movable storage bin/racks that can go next to the large Boaphile tower.

The animal I am interested in is on a hold by the breeder until tomorrow evening when I should get back to him.

I am happy to hear everyone's viewpoint here; either a go ahead/Mazel Tov, or a NO!

I know that realistically I can't get every animal I could ever want. My house would be full of tanks. My time would be even more limited, if I had free time at all!

However, I've given it much thought and I do not think one more will destroy the hobby for me. Not sure how many more times I will be able to say that, if any. However, I found a very special animal that I've never owned and I am excited for.

Frankly, the only snake left on my bucket list, is a 1/2 Dwarf Burmese, but that only happens if the Lacey act is lifted, and even then, it's a good chance it doesn't. I don't trust either the Federal Government not to bring it back, or something similar, or Connecticut, where I live, to do something stupid either, even if they do lift it.

I would never risk taking on an animal that I might have to get rid of, or worse, have to destroy.

Anyway, I digressed.

I originally thought Hognose because of their unique look, personality, and I could keep in a small tank in my office.

My major hold up with another animal was the added commitment of course, but more importantly, where to put a tank. I've solved that pretty well and am comfortable with the small change to the reptile area.

How did I get here?

First, I saw the hognose and was really keen to it. Then I thought about, with much help from people on this forum, the risk of their saliva/venom and how I would react being a kidney transplant recipient and immune suppressed. That become a quick no go.

However, I'd thought about it and had become excited about the prospect of another reptile in the collection. I realized that one more would not break the camel's back and having a unique species that I had never had before would be fun and challenging.

So, secondly, I researched many different species.

I was potentially interested in a dwarf boa species, but a quick email to Vin Russo, who breeds a lot of them, and that was quickly put to rest. Apparently, many of the dwarf species do not share their personality with their cousins, BCI's. I was told not to expect a sweetheart like Behira, but the opposite in most cases.

Temperament and eating F/T are my two biggest requirements. So those were out.

Next, I looked at milk snakes. I found a breeder with killer smaller milks, but I can't shake their general nervousness. Also, not a huge challenge given I have two corns already, who I might add, are as sweet as can be.

Then, on Phillydubs recommendation, I looked at Solomon Island tree boas. Small snake, incredibly docile, and a huge color assortment to pick from. I talked to the main seller of them in the US, DM Exotics, and unfortunately they are all imported and also eat live prey.

I didn't want to take the risk of disease with imported animals, and the breeder didn't want to offer F/T for a few meals to see if they would take it anyway. He has buyers apparently and I understand him not wanting to waste his time. Unique and cool animal, but ruled out.

So, I was thinking about something that didn't need a huge tank, didn't get huge (Behira is enough big snake for me), was a good eater, friendly, personable (for a snake), and liked the idea of an arboreal/display snake as well.

I had read about the Irian Jaya Carpet pythons and saw one I particularly liked and contacted the breeder. Apparently, she is very docile, eats like a champ, and is gorgeous. He asked what I was looking to do with the animal and I said "pet only." He asked if he could send me some pictures of a few other smaller carpet pythons that were less investment grade price, as she is a genetic powerhouse, and I said sure.

Katie/SunshineWalker and I looked at the pictures, and really liked one male he sent over. He's a cross between an Irian Jaya and a Darwin Carpet Python. He will max out 6-6.5FT like a female IJ and I have been told repeatedly that I can comfortably keep him in a 3X2X1.5' arboreal cage for life. Jeff Ronne at Boaphile makes arboreal cages now as well and can have a 2+" PVC bar running across the tank from side to side. I would go that route as I love his cages (all my others are his) and his customer service. He'd also have it to me in 7 weeks or less and in the meantime can keep the little guy (22 inches and a 2017 baby) in a small enclosure I have until that comes.

This little guy is apparently super friendly, has yet to get defensive, and isn't even cage defensive. He's one that the breeder can reach in and pick up with his hands. I would probably hook train anyway, given his adult size, but the more docile the better.

I'll post pictures if we decide to go that route.

Any thoughts are welcomed and I appreciate everyone letting me work things out in my mind on the forum.

I'll keep everyone in the loop!