adoption vs. buying from a breeder
im planning on buying a ball python in a few months. i was planning on buying a female cinnamon for $300 from a breeder, but found a few normals at a shelter for an adoption fee of $40 ea.
lets do the pros and cons...
breeder-
pros-
all the snakes are captive bred
all the snakes are well adjusted to feeding & handling
cons-
high price tag
looking at a 3 hour drive to get to them
shelter-
pros-
lower price tag
cons-
they are not cinnamons like i really want
unknown reason as to why they are at the shelter
unknown health issues
unknown if they are good feeders & tolerate handling
possible 4-5 hour drive
im really at a loss here.
i feel so sorry for the snakes in the shelter & i feel an urge to "save" them but am afraid they may require extensive (& expensive) veterinary care. i have alot of what ifs.
but i want to buy from the breeder cuz i have spoken with him a few times and feel confident that he will do what he promised in making sure i get a snake that is friendly & is a good feeder.
should i "save" the snakes in need or just buy the snake i really want for the steeper price tag? either way im gonna feel bad for something in the end.
if i save the snakes in need i will regret not getting the cinnamon i want.
if i buy from the breeder i will regret not saving the ones in the shelter.
i certainly cannot buy them all, lol. that would be stupid.
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