If I had $20,000 to spend on snakes, I'd invest my money for a few years, put it with other money, and get a bigger house so that I'd have room for more snakes.

If I were you, my first $60 would go towards the NERD book. While I've not read the book and have heard good and bad about it, reading the words of someone who has successfully done what you intend to do is always a good start. I was surfing the Pro Exotics website the other day, and they mentioned a couple of other snake and reptile books that seemed very worthwhile. One was about parasites, and I think you'd be wise to read that one to protect the rest of your investment. They also mentioned another "classic" text on ball pythons, and I'd add that one to my collection.

My second investment would go towards gasoline and motel rooms to visit some folks who are breeding. The biggest commercial breeders may not let you into their snake rooms, but you can probably find some people who are willing to let you see their setup. I still wish I could trade visits with some experienced keepers in my area.

I also agree with crazydart that a big piece of that investment should go towards the equipment that you will use to keep these animals. I'd want to keep a big piece of it in reserve for vet bills or other emergency needs.

For the snakes themselves, I'd look at mohaves and pieds. I think both of those are neat-looking animals.


Bill
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It's not how many snakes you have. It's how happy and healthy you can keep them.

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