WWYD (what would you do? )

[EL Ziggy]

Ok ladies and gents, I've got a bit of a dilemma and I'd appreciate some feedback. I'm leaning in one direction but haven't made my final decision. A big part of it comes down to delayed vs. instant gratification. I'll be brief...
I'd set a budget for a new carpet python, most likely my last snake, and a new pvc enclosure. I couldn't find the JCP I was originally looking for and decided to wait until the 2015 clutches came around. Well now I've really started to like the zebra carpets but they're a bit pricier than the jungles. I can get the zebra for about the price of a jungle and a new enclosure, give or take a few bucks. The new enclosure was going to be for my yearling Bull Snake who's currently in a 40 gallon tank. The carpet will go in a tub for a while. What would you do? Get the zebra now or get the pvc enclosure now and the jungle later? Please share your thoughts.

[MDT]

I'd set a budget for a new carpet python, most likely my last snake.

This part made me laugh....

[trailblazer295]

Now lets go under the pretense your next snake will be your last (most people on here have said that and then got another) for arguments sake lets say it is.

Personally I'd take care of the ones you have now first, buy the new enclosure now as it sounds like it's needed more. It seems like the zebra is your pick over a jungle if everything else was out of the equation. That being said simply wait a bit longer to save the money for a zebra and a cage to house him. In the long run your bull will be happy, your new snake will be happy and you'll have the one you really wanted so you'll be happy. The prices of each snake are similar so don't settle, buy the one you want just wait until you can do it right.

My .02

[EL Ziggy]

TB, I like your logic, and I don't necessarily disagree, but tbh the bull doesn't really NEED more space right now though I'm sure she'd appreciate it. She's right at 4ft. in that 40 gallon. If she were 5ft I'd feel more of a sense of urgency. The carpet is going in a tub regardless. It won't get a larger enclosure for a year. I'd still get the new pvc cage for my bull in May or June. I also can't say I prefer the zebra over the jungle it's just the bird in hand vs a bird in the bush. I'd have to wait months for the 2015 jungles and patience isn't always my strongest virtue. :(. Perhaps this is a good time to work on that. Thanks for your input.

[trailblazer295]

Haha I know the feeling, once the gears start turning in your head it's hard to slow it down. My BP has a new cage double the size (not yet set up) less than 2 months after buying him. Good luck with your choice. Post pics of the new addition.

[shaunyboy]

do what ever you think will give you LONG term gratification mate (always better than short term)


cheers shaun

[Mikoh4792]

do what ever you think will give you LONG term gratification mate (always better than short term)


cheers shaun

Agree with this. What do you prefer? Do you prefer the look of a normal jungle or the look of a zebra jungle? I currently have one zebra and 3 normals. If I could only have one jungle carpet my entire life I would always choose the normal. Morphs are really just a novelty to me, and my heart will always be with wild types/normals. That's just my personal preference.

[IW17]

Get what you want. Just because you can't afford the pvc cage for your bull at the same time, doesn't mean you can set up a large tub for much cheaper that will work just fine until your financially ready to buy the pvc cage. Get what makes you happy and you'll thank yourself in the long run.

[Jim Smith]

I have a feeling from your posting that you will not be happy unless you get the zebra now and wait for the new enclosure. You can always find a used larger enclosure for a reasonable price if you look around a bit and keep your eyes open. If you pass on the snake, you'll be wishing you hadn't even before the new enclosure arrives. Just one man's opinion...

[BIGT FROM F.B.]

Repticon Greenville is this weekend. I am going to see what they have. Never been to one out of state. Maybe there would be something up there for you. Plus, Cyndi at Reigning Reptiles can probably track down anything that you want.

[sharthun]

do what ever you think will give you LONG term gratification mate (always better than short term)


cheers shaun

I have always been the instant gratification type and I'm starting to learn that it doesn't always pay off. I'm starting to lean towards Shaun's advice. We are making a long term commitment to these critters so it just makes sense to take your time,plan and get what you want in the end. EZ forget anything I said before about instant gratification in previous conversations. lol:p

[EL Ziggy]

Man, I'm torn. My intentions were originally set on the jungle and when that fell through the zebra was kind of a consolation prize. Now I've grown to like the zebras and jungles equally. In the end I'll get the snake and the enclosure within 4-6 months. It's just easier to clear the investment with my accountant /significant other when I split it up into smaller increments (2 @ $500 as opposed to $800-$1000 at once). She was already opposed to the idea of another critter so I've got to pull this off with a little bit of stealth. I figured its easier to sneak the small snake and biggest cost in now, let that settle for a few months, and then BAM!! Get a new T-10!! How does that sound? Who's with me? ;)
Jim- You're right. The snake now will give me more joy now and later than the enclosure will give me now. I can get that anytime :).
Thanks so much y'all. I appreciate the wisdom. I'll keep you'z informed.

[trailblazer295]

If she takes you out, we'll adopt your snakes buddy ;) Remember soft foot steps.

[EL Ziggy]

Ok team, after lots of careful thought and consideration I've decided to hold out for the jungle. It was a tough choice but since I wasn't 100% sold on the zebra I chose to exercise some patience and restraint. I'll know when I find the perfect one because my choice will be easier to make like it was for all the snakes I keep now. If it don't fit, don't force it as they say. Thanks for some really sound advice y'all. Happy Herping! :)

[trailblazer295]

Smart move man, seeing as they are such a long lived animal buy the one you really want.

[D Grade]

Definitely hold out for the jungle. I love that snake and Im gonna be super jealous when you get it. :)

[fainche]

IMO, if you have budget then better to buy that carpet now.

[EL Ziggy]

IMO, if you have budget then better to buy that carpet now.

The budget is there, it's just all the best 2014 jungles are gone. I'm only going to buy from a reputable breeder and none of my favorites have any jungles right now. Trust me, I don't want to wait :).

[EL Ziggy]

Definitely hold out for the jungle. I love that snake and Im gonna be super jealous when you get it. :)

Thanks D. It took a lot of willpower to not buy that zebra. I'm not big on delayed gratification but sometimes you have to hold out for what you REALLY want. Hopefully you'll add one to your crew soon too ;).

[shaunyboy]

The budget is there, it's just all the best 2014 jungles are gone. I'm only going to buy from a reputable breeder and none of my favorites have any jungles right now. Trust me, I don't want to wait :).

when it comes to Carpets,imo it's always best to wait and seek out the highest quality example you can afford mate


happy hunting


cheers shaun

[D Grade]

Thanks D. It took a lot of willpower to not buy that zebra. I'm not big on delayed gratification but sometimes you have to hold out for what you REALLY want. Hopefully you'll add one to your crew soon too ;).

Thanks bud, me too. Theres two in town but they're a bit older and not as brilliant as I'd like.