GOD!!!!! I don't know what to do.

[Thor26]

ok so heres the deal i REALLY want an RTB so i posted an ad on craiglist asking for healthy ones. A lady called me and the snake is beautiful and taken great care of. She wants $300 for a forty gallon tank the snake and all the stuff. Its also a possibility that i could get a 20 for cheaper and upgrade later.

Now on the other hand im 16 getting my liscence in a week and need to save up for a car. which if i get my new job at a pet store i will need.any ways thanks in advance for your input-josh

[dalvers63]

Before paying to get one of off CL, I'd suggest you check with the Pacific Northwest Herpetological Society for one to adopt. Once you're a member, the adoption fee is only $20. We just had two beautiful adult boas that needed homes. I know that one has been adopted and the other is still available the last I knew.

Go to www.pnwhs.org and look under Adoption. You can also check the forums.

[Thor26]

WAAAAY ahead of you i was gonna go to the last meeting but i was really sik. but ya i will chek it out

[littleindiangirl]

Prioritize! If your 16 and are also saving for a car and gas, can you afford the weekly feedings of a large rat? Can you afford the bedding and husbandry for a snake that can grow in excess of 10 feet? Are you 100% certain you can drop 200$+ at any moment for a vet bill and treatment??


With any animal, your making a commitment to provide everything it needs at any time.

I would also ask why she's getting rid of it... check it out in person first, make sure it is healthy, alert, no mites, good build and weight...

If you can handle that, I think your good to go, just use caution when dealing with craigs list...

[Thor26]

shes selling because her new job doesnt alow her to give it enough attention

[starmom]

Hmmmmm, snakes don't really require much attention......

[edie]

Trust me, craigslist is a shady place to be getting a snake from! Like dalvers63 said, check with your local herp. society first if you're looking to adopt.. I've bought/traded snakes from 4 people that are part of the AZ herp. society and have never had a problem once!

If you are not looking to adopt then check out some reliable RTB breeders that could ship you one, you can check breeder reviews too.. that way you know what other peoples experience has been with them before you purchase from them.

[Street Killer]

you're leaving out an important element of your situation. when you say RTB, what specifically are you talking about?

[akaangela]

If you are dead set about getting it for 300, I would say make her get a vet certificate of good health. Then you know the animal is healthy. I always wonder when people say "I don't have enough time " for a snake.

My advice is WAIT! Get your car first for several reasons if you get a job you will need it. When you get a job it will make affording a snake much easier. Second a snake is not as important because you can ALWAYS get a snake, jobs are not as easy to get. I don't know much about RTB's but I would feel around here and fauna. There are a lot of people there that are willing to give young herper's a chance if you impress them with your willingness to learn.

I am not trying to patrinize but one thing you have to learn as an adult is patience. There are a LOT of things I really WANT, but I have to wait. I really really really WANT an albino ball python (I dream of them all the time) but I have to wait.

[ChicaPiton519]

Well, if you are getting a job at a pet store... my first tad of advice... is wait and save your money, put some away towards a snake, and then you can get a really nice one from a good breeder.
then you also have a good deal of background on it, and you know it will eat good for you...

i just had to sell 3 of my snakes because i dont have the time for all of them... i like keeping mine handle able.. because i use them as a tool to help people get over their fear... so its a good idea to think about it for a while, and not rush into it.


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