Any better snake recommendations?

[trailblazer295]

Hey all

I moved my BP into a new home which leaves his 24x24x12 pvc cage empty. I have since added a pro products rhp and replaced the zoo med stat with ranco stats, 1 controlling the UTH and another the RHP. Now I had planned to buy a childrens python because of there small size, python markings but more active corn snake like nature, kind a best of both worlds combo. But being new to herps and not knowing what's out there, I thought I would ask if anyone has any better suggestions on a snake that can live it's whole life in this cage and not be cramped. I bought a 48x24x16 cage for my BP because I felt he should have more space when he is bigger. I'm open to other ideas.

[Aaron_S]

Hey all

I moved my BP into a new home which leaves his 24x24x12 pvc cage empty. I have since added a pro products rhp and replaced the zoo med stat with ranco stats, 1 controlling the UTH and another the RHP. Now I had planned to buy a childrens python because of there small size, python markings but more active corn snake like nature, kind a best of both worlds combo. But being new to herps and not knowing what's out there, I thought I would ask if anyone has any better suggestions on a snake that can live it's whole life in this cage and not be cramped. I bought a 48x24x16 cage for my BP because I felt he should have more space when he is bigger. I'm open to other ideas.

Smaller species would far better. Something like rosy boas or sand boas.

[trailblazer295]

Smaller species would far better. Something like rosy boas or sand boas.

The reason I chose childrens pythons is because they seem to be 2-2.5ft usually. Mushu is already 24" and he is 6 months old.

[Aaron_S]

The reason I chose childrens pythons is because they seem to be 2-2.5ft usually. Mushu is already 24" and he is 6 months old.

They are a larger antaresia species. I found they get closer to the 3 foot mark but that's not too much of a difference. Stay fairly slender.

[trailblazer295]

I'm open to any snake I can keep in this cage that a reptile newbie could keep.

[Aaron_S]

I'm open to any snake I can keep in this cage that a reptile newbie could keep.

As I said, rosy boas, sand boas. Smaller milksnakes like pueblans.

[trailblazer295]

I'll look into those thanks, only done a quick read on the rosy boas but so far I like what I'm reading and seeing.

[pet_snake_78]

One note of concern, if you buy too many common snakes too fast, you may tire of them. I try to buy things I don't see at every reptile show. While there's nothing wrong with the few species that have become ultra common and it's certainly great that they have, you can see them most anywhere, anytime you wish. I would urge you to consider all your options before making a final decision and spend some time reading about the full range of options available. I held off for a while on a few snakes I really wanted and just kept watching and waiting and over a period of a year or two my wish list changed a good bit. Even if you want a fairly common snake, it takes a while to find out who has the best examples you can get so it's still worthwhile to learn as many details as possible before purchasing.

[Minkness]

Perhaps a nice garter snake? Most are pretty affordable and still a bit unique and considered an 'odd ball' type to keep. For a bit more $ you can also find some really nice morphs.

My personal fave is the neon blue red sided californian garter.

Good luck!

[trailblazer295]

One note of concern, if you buy too many common snakes too fast, you may tire of them. I try to buy things I don't see at every reptile show. While there's nothing wrong with the few species that have become ultra common and it's certainly great that they have, you can see them most anywhere, anytime you wish. I would urge you to consider all your options before making a final decision and spend some time reading about the full range of options available. I held off for a while on a few snakes I really wanted and just kept watching and waiting and over a period of a year or two my wish list changed a good bit. Even if you want a fairly common snake, it takes a while to find out who has the best examples you can get so it's still worthwhile to learn as many details as possible before purchasing.

You make a valid point. I have the equipment needed just have to set up the temps. I chose to upgrade my bp for his health not to buy a second snake. But I have a lot more options available then I originally thought so a tank this size. I'll have to do a lot more research to narrow it down to one I really like. I'm happy with my choice in a BP his temperament is excellent and seems very relaxed with me.

[millertime89]

Moved to general discussion, was in field herping.

[D Grade]

Mex Black King, Pueblan Milk, Bull Snake, etc... Cant really go wrong with any Colubrid.

[trailblazer295]

Don't some of those get pretty long? Was trying to stick with smaller species so they don't feel cramped and I'm not wanting to upgrade them too lol it's a vicious circle I'm trying to avoid. Thanks for the help guys. I'll have to keep reading and find something special that really grabs me.

[IW17]

One note of concern, if you buy too many common snakes too fast, you may tire of them. I try to buy things I don't see at every reptile show. While there's nothing wrong with the few species that have become ultra common and it's certainly great that they have, you can see them most anywhere, anytime you wish. I would urge you to consider all your options before making a final decision and spend some time reading about the full range of options available. I held off for a while on a few snakes I really wanted and just kept watching and waiting and over a period of a year or two my wish list changed a good bit. Even if you want a fairly common snake, it takes a while to find out who has the best examples you can get so it's still worthwhile to learn as many details as possible before purchasing.

Excellent advice

[jjhill001]

Since when are Children's pythons common?

[Aaron_S]

Since when are Children's pythons common?

Since the 70's.

[trailblazer295]

In general you're right they aren't. Finding any info on them is hard. Visually they are not extreme. But there body size and shape and behavior is cool. They are still on my list of potentials but I'll have to research all viable options before pulling the trigger. Don't want to make a quick choice to learn about another snake that would I'd like a lot more.

[D Grade]

Don't some of those get pretty long? Was trying to stick with smaller species so they don't feel cramped and I'm not wanting to upgrade them too lol it's a vicious circle I'm trying to avoid. Thanks for the help guys. I'll have to keep reading and find something special that really grabs me.

The biggest Kings get 6' but the average is 4'-4.5', about the same with Milks and Corns but I think they are more likely to reach the 5'-6' plateau since Milks and Corns generally get the length while Kings generally get the girth as opposed to length.

[trailblazer295]

Hmm that will be bigger then my BP who was moved to a 48x24x16. Didn't think a 24x24x12 would be big enough for an adult.

[Ouroboros]

No one's mentioned Wester Hognoses yet! They're extremely morphologically different from a BP, stay between 2-2.5' long, and have hilarious faces.

[trailblazer295]

Thank you for the suggestion, I was debating moving my BP but the other night I found him hanging out on one of the wooden branches and today while feeding I could see all the paths beaten flat in the cocohusk where he is exploring at night. He has gone the perimeter of his cage. I'll have to monitior how much he uses the space over the next few months. So far from what I've read a hoggy (as I've read on here before ;) ) is an excellent choice for my smaller cage. Cool looking while remaining small.

[trailblazer295]

The more I read the more confusing everything gets. Or I should say the more undecided I am on which is the right one for me and this cage. I want one that isn't restricted of space, I've always been a go big or go home mentality and bigger cage for pets.

[jjhill001]

Since when are Children's pythons common?

Since the 70's.

When I think of common snakes I think of stuff you only find at pet stores IE the big four Balls, Common Boas, Corns and Cali Kings. I've got to be honest I don't think I've ever actually seen a Children's Python in person. Even though they were always in care books even back when I first got into herps (90's).

[jjhill001]

The more I read the more confusing everything gets. Or I should say the more undecided I am on which is the right one for me and this cage. I want one that isn't restricted of space, I've always been a go big or go home mentality and bigger cage for pets.

I wouldn't sweat it too much. Take your time, look around. Go to a few shows see everything. Then make your decision that way. There is a plethora of species that would live in that size terrarium not even limited to snakes.

You can think of other factors like the awesome garter snake idea from earlier they are more active and depending on what you feed them can be fed more often. They are a bit of a hands off species depending on your individual's temperament because they can be a bit skittish in my experience. Given that they feed more they need cleaned more because they poo more. Do you have time for that added responsibility. One of the big bonuses of snakes is that you really only "need" to do any sort of work with them once or twice a week.

Hognose, garters, some water snakes, Rosie's, sand boas, some kingsnakes (Ruthvens, Mexican, some of the mountain kings) most Milksnakes, a few of the Asian rat snakes, house snakes. The fact that it is 24inches wide gives you a little more wiggle (slither?) room because there is much more floor space than your typical 24 inch long terrarium.

Actually after punching the numbers you could probably keep stuff like corn snakes, rat snakes and mid sized kingsnakes in there as well. It checks out as a 29 gallon size enclosure. But your average 29 gallon has much less floor room than yours does. However I like you prefer to allow a bit more than the minimum so all the species I mentioned above would have plenty of space.

[Aaron_S]

When I think of common snakes I think of stuff you only find at pet stores IE the big four Balls, Common Boas, Corns and Cali Kings. I've got to be honest I don't think I've ever actually seen a Children's Python in person. Even though they were always in care books even back when I first got into herps (90's).

You should find them at reptile specific stores a little more frequently. Usually they pop up in the classifieds a few times a year.

[trailblazer295]

I wouldn't sweat it too much. Take your time, look around. Go to a few shows see everything. Then make your decision that way. There is a plethora of species that would live in that size terrarium not even limited to snakes.

You can think of other factors like the awesome garter snake idea from earlier they are more active and depending on what you feed them can be fed more often. They are a bit of a hands off species depending on your individual's temperament because they can be a bit skittish in my experience. Given that they feed more they need cleaned more because they poo more. Do you have time for that added responsibility. One of the big bonuses of snakes is that you really only "need" to do any sort of work with them once or twice a week.

Hognose, garters, some water snakes, Rosie's, sand boas, some kingsnakes (Ruthvens, Mexican, some of the mountain kings) most Milksnakes, a few of the Asian rat snakes, house snakes. The fact that it is 24inches wide gives you a little more wiggle (slither?) room because there is much more floor space than your typical 24 inch long terrarium.

Actually after punching the numbers you could probably keep stuff like corn snakes, rat snakes and mid sized kingsnakes in there as well. It checks out as a 29 gallon size enclosure. But your average 29 gallon has much less floor room than yours does. However I like you prefer to allow a bit more than the minimum so all the species I mentioned above would have plenty of space.

The less daily work needed is why I have a snake instead of a lizard. I like them but my work schedule is highly inconsistent. I don't have the set schedule and time to take care of one and the majority of beginner lizards require the most daily care. Being unable to go away for the weekend wasn't right for me. Snakes are more my speed, my work schedule generally means I only have the time to sit down and interact with my snake once or twice a week anyway. The looks of hognose is very interesting to me. I've never seen one here though, I'm not sure if they are legal in Canada or not. If they are then they'll be on my short list of possibilities.

[reptiledude987]

hoggies are legal in Canada and are available at most of the toronto expos.

[Akuma223]

You could try garter snakes, or african house snakes. Garter snakes have very interesting and curious behavior and can live in small groups without issue unlike most snakes.

[jjhill001]

You should find them at reptile specific stores a little more frequently. Usually they pop up in the classifieds a few times a year.

I see them online a bit just no reptile specific pet stores in my area unfortunately just the main Petsmart, Pet Supplies Plus and Petco and then there is a fish store that gets unique things in but not as much as I'd like to see and its a bit of a drive to get there. I might have to check out Cleveland it's not more than an hour and 20 minutes and there might be one up there.

[Aaron_S]

I see them online a bit just no reptile specific pet stores in my area unfortunately just the main Petsmart, Pet Supplies Plus and Petco and then there is a fish store that gets unique things in but not as much as I'd like to see and its a bit of a drive to get there. I might have to check out Cleveland it's not more than an hour and 20 minutes and there might be one up there.

Good luck! Interesting little Aussie snakes.