Adopting an older larger snake vs. purchasing a baby?

[seraphim08]

What are the pros and cons? My boyfriend is currently trying to talk me into just buying a baby. I promised him I would think about and at least entertain the notion. So now I ask for your opinion and information...

Luisa

[eddie]

You can actually find many larger boas in rescues, for adoptin.
It gets them out of needing a permanent home and typically have many possible health problems eliminated during their foster home visit.

Larger snakes can also be better adjusted to humans, meaning less stress and problems in feeding etc.. (not all, but many)

Another advantage to getting a larger boa, is in the caging area.. needing to supply one, possibly two cages for its entire time in your care, vs a baby, needing several cage size upgrades along the way.

[seraphim08]

hehehe good answer eddie....exactly what I think but I can't seem to get him to accept that a larger one is better. argggh keep em coming what else is better?

[eddie]

Ummm.. can you cry on demand?

[seraphim08]

absolutely....it comes automatic with the y chromosome along with innnate guilt trip ability and the talent to turn any situation around on the other person.

[eddie]

Hahaha!

A biggie is the savings you can have just in cage expenses alone
although it is very possible to go beserk on just one cage

[sebcambon]

Originally Posted by seraphim08

absolutely....it comes automatic with the y chromosome along with innnate guilt trip ability and the talent to turn any situation around on the other person.

You go girl!!!

[eddie]

Maybe one thing that can change his mind the easiest, is if he has a chance to hold a larger one for a bit
get to see what it's like and the feeling of power and grace coupled into a pretty efficient critter

[Wrasse]

Sitting on the lounge in front of the TV with a little bub is no where as 'rewarding' as sitting there with 4 foot plus of snake friend.

You can lose the little ones too easily, you really have to keep an eye on them when they are out and about.

(Don't forget to mention the 'Hero' power in front of his mates when holding a big one.)

[haroldo359]

i like getting babies and trying to get them to grow up healthy. but, then you have to deal with changing size of food. sometimes it is harder to get baby snakes to eat, or to get them to eat f/t. change in size of enclosures. and the escape factor. i have had a few little snakes get out and be found. there is still a pueblan milk around here somewhere... like i said, i like getting babies. but i would also love to run along an adult i could adopt too. so just weigh the options. any way to get a snake sounds good to me.

	Frozen/Thawed A rodent or other prey item that is frozen and then thawed to be fed to a reptile or other animal.

[Tom]

Hi Luisa

I would have to disagree with Eddie, as I think a baby would be better to start with. Most rescue boas are rescues because they are unwanted, sick, problem eaters or just plain mean. There are a few good rescues to be found out there, just be sure to check them out first. Don't impulse buy.
Most of your problem boas can turn in to a healthy boa, with enough time and money.

I also do not believe you need a small cage for a baby boa. I have kept babies in 6' long cages and they are just fine in them. Just as long as you give them all the proper husbandry they need they will be fine. When you start with a baby boa you will know it's complete history. There are some people out there that will tell you anything just so you buy from them. One last thing.....it's a great feeling of accomplishment when you raise a baby boa up to a 20 year + healthy adult.

Take care,
Tom

[Kent K25]

Um not to burst anyone's bubble here, but unless I am mistaken and haven't learned a thing in my Biology class....Seraphim, uh you don't have a Y chromosome, that would make you a man. So maybe the ability to cry on demand comes with the extra X chromosome. Only males have a Y chromosome. It explains our inability to match clothes, decorate, etc... not even all our chromosomes match, how are we gonna do any better?!?

[seraphim08]

oooh i think sopure busted me on that one...you're absolutely right.....ouch...can you blame it on ummmmm.....a hard day's work? yeah that's it. That's a good way to turn it around.....If I hadn't had half a dozen emergency cases using up all the brain cells I might have been able to get the right genetic jargon down.......