Buying/Adopting Adults vs Hatchlings

AndrewM1217 · 07-27-16, 04:00 PM

Just curious as to the benefits of both. Obviously with a hatchling the snake has more time to get acquainted with you and its easier to ensure a more mellow animal that's not always ready to bite.

At the same time, though, I'm conflicted over buying hatchlings since there are plenty of grown snakes that could definitely use a good home. I know they don't sit in the pet shop or breeder's rack waiting for a "forever home" the way that cats or dogs do, but it seems like somewhat of a shame to have perfect examples of beautiful animals just sit in a shop because everybody wants a baby snake instead.

I don't necessarily mean rescuing snakes that are blatantly in need of new owners before they get sick and/or die, just buying adult snakes in general.

Just looking to have some discussion on the matter! Post away

SerpentineDream · 07-27-16, 05:27 PM

I have done both. The advantage of buying an adult snake is that you know exactly what you're getting in terms of size, color and temperament. They also tend to be less fragile. They are more expensive than hatchlings because someone else has done the work of raising them to adulthood.

Hatchlings are adorable and you get the experience of raising them up. However they tend to be more delicate, and you don't always know the exact size and coloration they will develop as adults. Some species such as corn snakes can undergo a complete color transformation as they mature. For example, a muddy brown hatchling Gold Dust corn becomes brilliant gold and yellow as it matures, though the intensity varies with the individual. Babies also tend to be flighty, bitey and defensive, simply because they know they are easy prey for anything that wants to eat them and the world is big and scary to a small snake. They mellow with age, most times. Not always.

The vast majority of my snakes were bought as babies, both for economy and the joy of raising them. But if you're in a hurry to start breeding or if you just want a sure thing, you might find an adult works better for you.

sattva · 07-27-16, 05:55 PM

I am just not a small snake kind of guy... I had a male and female baby albino checkered garter snakes... They were real tedious, feeding them twice a week... Having to run to the pet store, twice a week, to buy a dozen rosy red minnows, bring them home, separate the little guys, for safety reasons, and that each would get a fair amount.... It got real old after four months so I traded them off... Give me a full grown medium to large size snake any day over a small or baby snake...

chairman · 07-27-16, 06:04 PM

I think that it depends what your plans are for the species.

If you just want a pet, go for an adult. All the hard work has been done and you'll have an established animal to enjoy.

If you have significant space constraints, then get an adult. You'll never need a bigger cage than the one your adult needs and you won't have an empty juvenile enclosure that you'll be tempted to fill.

You want to breed, even just once or twice, get the youngest hatchlings that you can. That way you'll run the gamut in terms of problems and your eventual hatchlings won't be the first ones you've dealt with.

Of course, once you're experienced, get whatever floats your boat. There are benefits and drawbacks to animals of any age but once you know what they are, making decisions gets easier.

**EL Ziggy** · 07-27-16, 07:00 PM

I love raising my snakes from little hatchlings and watching them grow into healthy, hearty adults. To see my pencil sized critters transform into big, beautiful beasts is a very rewarding experience for me. I've had all but one of my snakes since they were only a few months old. The oldest snake that I've ever purchased was a yearling.

riddick07 · 07-27-16, 07:16 PM

I never really find hatchlings to be all that fragile but I also haven't bought any of the snakes that have the more difficult care. Most of my guys were bought as hatchlings. I like watching them grow and change colors. I've bought a couple that were a year old too but that is still pretty young.

The only adults I've bought are my 2 adult Chinese beauties. The first because he was available by chance since the breeder lost the female that was paired with him and I had been eyeing the beauties for a little while. Couldn't pass it up. The second adult because I wanted to breed the first one and it was quicker to buy an adult female. I don't mind buying adults if it's something I want but that doesn't happen all that often.

**Tsubaki** · 07-27-16, 09:52 PM

I prefer juveniles or at least young animals, especially with giants. People tend to overfeed their animals, and you can't really tell if they have been overfed (if you can physically tell its been overfed, a lot of irreversible damage has been done) giants are especially sensitive to this, I see so many sausage type Burmese and retics that have just been stuffed to get a nice big snake ASAP. Such a shame, as their organs become encased in fat and are basically rushed into physical/sexual adulthood. They often die relatively young, to me the faster grow speed isn't worth it. Rather wait 6 or even 7 years for an adult breedable size, than say goodbye a couple of years too soon. And I rather not risk buying overfed animals, slimmer snakes tend to live longer is what seems to be the case. So I prefer to raise the myself unless I can buy from an like minded individual.

bigsnakegirl785 · 07-30-16, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tsubaki

I prefer juveniles or at least young animals, especially with giants. People tend to overfeed their animals, and you can't really tell if they have been overfed (if you can physically tell its been overfed, a lot of irreversible damage has been done) giants are especially sensitive to this, I see so many sausage type Burmese and retics that have just been stuffed to get a nice big snake ASAP. Such a shame, as their organs become encased in fat and are basically rushed into physical/sexual adulthood. They often die relatively young, to me the faster grow speed isn't worth it. Rather wait 6 or even 7 years for an adult breedable size, than say goodbye a couple of years too soon. And I rather not risk buying overfed animals, slimmer snakes tend to live longer is what seems to be the case. So I prefer to raise the myself unless I can buy from an like minded individual.

Exactly my worries, right here. For me, it's all about not knowing their history. Also, watching them grow has it's own sense of fun, even if at times I feel like they're staying tiny forever. lol

I am also not worried about temperament or size, so that's one thing out of my way. lol If a baby is snappy, it will generally outgrow it, and if it doesn't I have plenty of other snakes to handle. If I was worried about size, I wouldn't get a snake that has the potential to get too large.

macandchz · 07-28-16, 08:22 AM

mac was small enough to crawl under my bracelet when i got him. it has been so much fun to watch him grow and thrive. i would have to say raising them from babies is the way to go.

**Aaron_S** · 07-28-16, 01:54 PM

I recommend for first time snake owners to buy a more established animal. Juvie or adult is best.
This way you only need to concentrate on husbandry and you KNOW the temperment, feeding habits, etc. of the snake. You also only need an adult enclosure and no need to upgrade ever.

serpentgirl123 · 07-28-16, 04:46 PM

I personally prefer hatchling/young snakes (under 2yrs old for most species). I can grow them up at my own healthy pace (seen a lot of overweight snakes/animals in general), love watching them grow, get to establish their personalities/needs early on, know their background (have no idea how many times an adult/older snake has changed hands/conditions etc), and not in any hurry to breed.

trailblazer295 · 07-28-16, 08:02 PM

Personally I prefer buying babies or juvies. I like to watch the snake grow from a noodle into an adult. 3 of my 4 snakes were juvies or babies when I bought them. My kingsnake was an adult that someone was selling.

When buying young snakes

Pros
Watch the snake grow
change of colour (with certain species)
Handling more bitey species you can work with them. Adults that are aggressive can be harder to tame down and some just don't. Something to keep in mind if you're okay with that or not.

Cons
Cage upgrading with size, more upgrades depending on species
Feeding schedule
Changing prey size often or vastly depending on growth rate/adult size which could be more of an issue depending what size your other snakes are eating.

When possible I like picking young snakes but depending on if you want the animal for breeding or just buying it for a pet and enjoyment. If looking at young snakes best to research the adult size and cage requirements and growth rate. You might not be able to house a medium to large snake now but if it's a slow grower like BCI that takes years to reach adult size then you might be okay.

pet_snake_78 · 07-29-16, 10:04 PM

I have taken a look at rescues in my area. They are mostly ball pythons and boas here. If you just want a pet snake of a common species, I think it is a worth endeavor.

Piggybuns · 07-30-16, 02:22 PM

My first bab was a hatchling. I went for a baby because I WANTED to be exposed to the hard stuff; the flighty temper, the picky eating, the possiblility of a crabapple personality... I wanted all that from the getgo. I'd researched husbandry so much I had the whole terrarium set up and at the right temps before I got her, plus had a whole year's supply of mice, and everything's been grand.

She even turned out with a sweet temperament, so far. I can tell when she's crabby, but she's never bit me. I reach in, rearrange her space, give and take the water bowl, and reach in to pick her out and feed her so she got used to me. Now I can walk up to the side of the tank and peer in at her from the side, and she'll crawl right out to the glass and check me out. It's great to watch her grow and change, and experience the toughness firsthand so I can get more experience raising herps faster and get the "worst" over and done so I'm ready in the future.

But I'm not at all against getting adults either! I very much took Aaron's points into consideration when I was checking out the different morphs 7 months ago. I just decided to go "let's do this." It's a great feeling. .)