Will, WOW...sounds like you are off to a great start already!



My experience with reptiles has taught me several things. Mostly that SNAKES are the way to go. I didn't start keeping snakes as young as you but I was certainly in the field catching them. I think that lizards are great BUT as you get older and have more things going on in your life, you will have less time for actually caring for them. Snakes can be less maintenance than turtles and lizards and other herps. Plus, it can be difficult to find others to feed/care for animals while you're away, on vacation. With snakes, there is no worries if you are away for a week as long as the snakes have water.



Also, whatever you decide to keep, try to stay focused on the future. Visit some websites that explain genetic traits and maybe think about what normal snakes you can buy cheap now but may be able to produce desirable morphs later down the road.



Reptiles will always burn a hole in your pocket, at least for me it did and it will continue for at least another 3-4 years until most of my snakes are mature, breedable adults. However, even then I may never make back the money I spent. I will always try to keep reptiles as a hobby. As far as what snakes you should keep.....go with what interests you the most. Spend some time on this forum and in the classifieds and get a feel for fair pricing of different species or morphs and who sells them. Right now, ball pythons are the hottest snake on the market b/c of all the new morphs...HOWEVER, their prices are really high. Other snakes are just as popular like locality boas, given their variation in color and pattern. Hogg Island boas are really nice. As for corns....bloodreds, butters, lavenders, are the current favorites among keepers but its totally up to you....
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Sincerely,

Jason

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www.members.aol.com/northeastsnakes

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