Good day to all of you!

[Empyrean]

Hi there! I'm in the midwest USA and new to the snake world. I don't have any of my own yet but am prepping for one!

I haven't decided what kind I want yet. My partner and I would both like something with a thicker body than your typical colubrid and something more active than a ball python. Maybe an IJ or jungle carpet python? I don't want something as large as a coastal; something in the 5-6' range is most interesting to me. What are your thoughts? Would an IJ or jungle be a poor choice for a first snake?

Any other recommendations are welcome :-). Thanks!

[sharthun]

Hey and welcome!

[franks]

Welcome to both you and your partner. I think carpet pythons make great first snakes. They are more "involved" then corn snakes so they do have a little more of a learning curve, but as long as you do your research you are fine. IJ'S generally stay around that 5' mark that you mentioned- jungles can get bigger. It is not uncommon for a female jungle to hit the 7' or even 8' mark. As a rule of thumb, males are smaller than females with this species. Hatchlings can be a bit nippy- most calm down as they get bigger. Some can be difficult to switch to rats from mice. Most have very good feeding responses. They are typically docile snakes, but they are not snakes where you can just waltz right in to grab while a rat is defrosting. I have kept many different species of snakes and they are by far my favorite. If you have any questions make a post. Those of us on here with carpets love talking about them.

[EL Ziggy]

Welcome and best wishes Empyrean. Carpets are definitely one of the most beautiful snakes out there. If you're open to other options take a look at some of the different bull, gopher, or pine snake morphs. They're larger than most colubrids with very simple husbandry requirements. They eat like monsters and have just the right amount of attitude. I love both of mine :). Black milks or Honduran milk snakes are other great choices.

[Empyrean]

Thanks so much for the welcome everyone!

It is not uncommon for a female jungle to hit the 7' or even 8' mark.

So how big is the step from a 5' snake to a 7' snake? Do the housing requirements for a Jungle vary much from an IJ? I'm trying to educate myself as much as possible on the needs of whatever snake I get. I'd rather spend more money and get a proper enclosure than just the bare minimum.

If you're open to other options take a look at some of the different bull, gopher, or pine snake morphs.

I'll absolutely take a look at these, thanks! I've always heard that bulls aren't the best for handling - what's your experience with them?

[UwabamiReptiles]

Welcome to the forum! Carpets are a good choice. I have 5 and they are all great snakes. They can be nippy as babies but all snakes are like that. In my experience, they seem to calm down around a year or so. I think them having a little more size at that age gives them a little more confidence and they aren't as scared of everything. If you do go with carpets, find one you like and get that one. IJs can get just as big as jungles. There are plenty of variables that play a part in how big they get. For example, I have an 8ft IJ and a 6ft jungle. That isn't the norm of course but it does happen. So my advise would be figure out what snake you really like since you'll be looking at it and cleaning up after it for the rest of its life. If you like earth tones I'd say go for an IJ. If you are more into bright colors, find a reputable breeder and get you a nice jungle from a proven line.

As for colubrids, as mentioned earlier, black milks are great choices. I've never had one but I've heard great things from everyone that has one. Great temperaments, good feeding responses, and they chance from bright colored babies to jet black snakes over the first year or two. Second, I would throw Russian rat snakes in there. I have a pair and they are great snakes, just like the black milks in terms of temperament and feeding. Russians are black with yellow banding down their bodies. Both are known for being super docile and very curious in nature.

[Pirarucu]

Welcome aboard!