What do you think I should get him?

[jpsteele80]

My 6 soon to be 7 year old son ( next month ) wants to get a snake just like his daddy's (no way I would get him a retic btw) so what would you think is a good snake for a kid this age, he likes big snakes like me so I was thinking a blood as they get real heavy bodied but yet stay pretty manageable in the length department. Any thoughts?

[sharthun]

My 6 soon to be 7 year old son ( next month ) wants to get a snake just like his daddy's (no way I would get him a retic btw) so what would you think is a good snake for a kid this age, he likes big snakes like me so I was thinking a blood as they get real heavy bodied but yet stay pretty manageable in the length department. Any thoughts?

Black Milk!;) They can reach 6 feet and super docile. And don't require any heat source if room temps are low to mid 70's. Great eaters as well.

[jpsteele80]

I'll keep that in mind

[Jim Smith]

Also consider a Honduran Milk snake. Plenty of beautiful morphs to choose from, mild mannered and while not really heavily bodied like a python, they do reach a respectable size. Here's a link to the Lampro blog site that will give you more information. Scroll down towards the bottom to see just some of the morphs available. Just a thought...

» The Lampro Blog: Honduran Milksnakes - Herp Nation Media (http://www.herpnation.com/hn-blog/the-lampro-blog-honduran-milksnakes-2/?simple_nav_category=hn-blog/the-lampro-blog/ross-padilla)

[jpsteele80]

Didn't know there were so many morphs of milk snakes out there, a milk snake may be the way to go, not sure yet but thanks for the link

[moonchild]

What about a ball python?

[MCB]

I'd say a Blood python, but my lad loves his big 6ft patternless Anery corn and his bp though and he's six going on seven too

[CosmicOwl]

I may be biased, but I'll say gray rat snake. They don't seem to have much rat snake attitude and they're very active so you always have something to watch.

[Vysathi]

While he likes the big snakes (as you said) have you considered getting him a sand boa? They're kinda neat looking, very manageable, and easily cared for. [This is from my reading on the forum and around the internet.]

If you're looking for something big-ish, I think a ball python or blood python might be the way to go!

[EL Ziggy]

How about a beautiful bull snake? They're large, hardy, great feeders, and come in many beautiful morphs. Best wishes with whatever you choose.

[sharthun]

How about a beautiful bull snake? They're large, hardy, great feeders, and come in many beautiful morphs. Best wishes with whatever you choose.

Another great choice!

[JWFugle]

"childern's python" smaller but thick bodied

Childrens Python Care Sheet (http://www.backwaterreptiles.com/reptile-care-sheets/childrens-python-care-sheet.html)

durmeril's boa" slightly larger, but slow grower, never hear of a mean one.

Dumeril's Boa Care Sheet (http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Snakes/Dumerils-Boa/)

fyi just giving a first google care sheet. not what i would finalize with.

[SuperSleuth]

Hog nose maybe?

[jpsteele80]

Thanks for all the great ideas guys, ill sit and dwell on it for a while

[wrecker45]

Ask your son what he wants. Might surprise you.

[eminart]

A couple of snakes I'm interested in myself.....

Brazilian rainbow boa
Woma

[SuperSleuth]

Ah yes. I love love love my rainbows :) The one I got from Cliff at Living Gems is crazy sweet and has never tried to nip me.

[jpsteele80]

The only thing that worries me is he may not be ready for one for another year plus my wife is still dealing with her fear of snakes, I let him hold my retic once and he started heading towards my wife with it (to show mommy it was a nice snake) and I thought she was going to come out of her skin ( shes doing a lot better now almost ready to touch her) but it still worries me he might be a little irresponsible to have one yet.

[marvelfreak]

The only thing that worries me is he may not be ready for one for another year plus my wife is still dealing with her fear of snakes, I let him hold my retic once and he started heading towards my wife with it (to show mommy it was a nice snake) and I thought she was going to come out of her skin ( shes doing a lot better now almost ready to touch her) but it still worries me he might be a little irresponsible to have one yet.
My wife is scared to death of them flicking her with their tongue or getting near her face. She don't care if they bite her just don't flick her. lol

[jpsteele80]

My wife is scared to death of them flicking her with their tongue or getting near her face. She don't care if they bite her just don't flick her. lol

I think its the no legs thing that freaks my wife out

[millertime89]

Coastal or IJ Carpet or Bredli. Manageable size, come in a variety of patterns and colors, similar (near identical) husbandry to retics, reasonable attitude (unlike Bloods and some womas).

[marvelfreak]

Bloods are not a beginner snake. They require patience, they can get stress and die from stress very easy as babies. Babies can spook super easy and go on a striking frenzy. If you did go with a Blood Blacks are the mellowest but even then not a good snake at all for a young kid.

[jpsteele80]

Coastal or IJ Carpet or Bredli. Manageable size, come in a variety of patterns and colors, similar (near identical) husbandry to retics, reasonable attitude (unlike Bloods and some womas).

I was thinking of a bredli as well, I want a pair of these myself so if he loses interest (probably not likely) I can just take them over and cross then off my list :D

[millertime89]

Well there ya go.

[LiL Zap]

A corn snake! I've seen some pretty good size ones and mine is pretty big. My female is over 5ft easily and has a nice girth.

EDIT: Also, they have great temperaments. I've never gotten bitten by any corn. This is my opinion at least.