Just to give you an idea of costs for a male Columbian if that helps any.

Big Iris tubs at WalMart right now (see Becky's thread about this) are running about $20.00 and are a great size for a male adult. A small baby would of course fit nicely in a much smaller (and even cheaper) Sterlite or Rubbermaid. Add in a couple of cheap hides, some substrate, a water dish and whatever heating method you personally prefer to those start up costs.

Rauri is a 6 foot male columbian. He eats twice monthly and will either consume two jumbo rats or one very young meat bunny. Depending on which way we go, it generally costs a bit under $10.00 every two weeks or $20.00 per month to feed him. That's about the same as a dog basically isn't it? Of course a baby columbian would be different but just to give you an idea.

From what we've read and seen with Rauri, columbians are not picky eaters and Rauri will happily snarf down rats or bunnies with equal zeal! We do have a local meat rabbit breeder though. Bunnies at the pet store are way over priced! I know some folks are kind of wierded out with feeding "cute" baby bunnies but remember these are meat rabbits and never meant for pets nor handled that way by the people that breed them.

Columbians do get big though especially the females. At six feet Rauri is a big, very strong snake but incredibly easy natured considering his past poor care.

Good luck with your decision making. It's great to see you doing the research first so you end up with the snake you want and one that properly fits your life.


~~Jo~~