I have the bug now... what next?

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I may be the minority here, but I dont forsee myself becoming a breeder anytime soon and figure Ill be more of a beauty collector.

Can yall suggest some interesting snakes that would be:

*Affordable to pick up

*Pretty! (I know this is subjective)

*Odd (just not the standard pet store type snake)

Also, while I have your attention, 2 dumb questions I cant seem to google an answer for:

My Rainbow Floyd does this thing when he gets around my forearm hair where he "noses" me a little. Im not scared or worried about nips, but I just wonder if thats a sign of some kind. I dont suspect any respiratory issues at this time (no other signs). It just looks like hes about to give me a "taste"


And, whats the general rule on different kinds of snakes in one enclosure? Assuming the space and environmental needs for both types is the same (temp, humidity etc) would it be doable? Just thinking ahead with this one.


You guys are awesome BTW, thank you for your patience.

[bigsnakegirl785]

Garters are a good choice of snake that is often overlooked, they're easy to care for and are very cheap. They do stay rather puny (even the biggest species only gets 4'), so if you want a bigger snake it may not be the best choice.

Russian rats seem to be a good choice. I'm not sure how much they are or how easy they are to find in the US, though. They get a decent size, very active, inquisitive, and interactive snakes.

Anything from the Antaresia genus could be a good choice. They're rather bland-looking, being mostly brown, but they have a wonderful iridescence and pattern and I love their faces. They also stay kinda small, generally under 4'.

Pituophis is a good choice, some species can get rather large, but they seem to be a decently active and interactive species, should be fairly cheap and come in a few morphs.

That's just a tiny sliver of the iceberg.

The behavior you describe can oftentimes preclude a bite, sometimes they're just getting a sniff at you.

Don't house multiple snakes together. No matter what you do, no matter how big the enclosure, no matter how many resources you give them, you are still opening all the animals in that cage up to the chance of disease, injury, stress, and cannibalism. If they have access to each other, all these things are possible. You may lower the chances of it happening, but you can't get rid of the chance altogether. It isn't worth it if you're not going to breed, and even then they shouldn't live together 24/7, only during breeding.

[RAD House]

Very few snakes do well in a communal situation especially with an entirely different species. In fact it can dangerous for the animals. The only non hot exception I can think of is most garter snakes species, many people keep different species together successfully. I have actually read reports of people keeping water snakes with garters with great results. If you are looking for a beautiful snake it is hard to beat a neon blue California red sided garter snake, but there are many morphs of Thamnophis radix, T. marcianus and T sirtalis that are quite neat.

[Aaron_S]

African House Snake!

[macandchz]

how about a piebald python? i think they are a great looking snake!

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how about a piebald python? i think they are a great looking snake!

I'd love one, but from what I've seen they fall outside of the affordable range currently

[KrokadilyanGuy3]

Picking the animal will be a bit hard for anyone to choose for you but the previous mentioned are perfect animals and actually a few of my favorites. But, they don't escape the "Pet store" type animals except for the high end Thamnophis, but all great and active animals.

Thai red ratsnakes are pretty sweet, vibrant and do well in a cool air conditioned home. Still somewhat rare in the trade but not all that expensive. They are pretty active despite being somewhat subterranean. They do not do well with heat though.

I do community enclosures and have been for at least 16 years. I have never had an issue myself but it can be tricky and it does leave little room for error considering feeding, wellness, attacks, ectoparasites ect and is typically frowned upon.

[KrokadilyanGuy3]

double post.

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Im so happy right now, tonight was first feed since bringing him home. I must admit I made a few missteps but he was HUNGRY! Struck as soon as he got a lock on the mouse and after me being dumb, he ate with no issues (I am amazed at how fast the mouse goes as far down as it does).

I really do appreciate the help, you guys are going to get me in trouble.

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After doing a lot of looking around, I have come up with some ideas, but would love feedback from the consensus here.

Id like a mix of snakes, all unique in their own way preferably. My list of "wants" in no particular order:


Dumerils Boa

Emerald Tree Python (might have fudged this ones name... but the venting in the face is AMAZING)

Pied Ball (or other oddball morph, granted not the least expensive route to take, but...)


I REALLY love the coloration on the Dumerils, and the Emerald is just gorgeous and a nice arboreal "showy" snake.

I still kinda dont like balls just because they can be found EVERYWHERE, but thats why im going to look into a morph to make it interesting.


All that said, I am also trying to track down anything thats all black (or close), preferably boa or python (not retic...woman wont let me bring in a snake that big...yet)

And Ive been offered a Green Anaconda, which Im in love with but am slightly terrified of. I know shell get big...

[Albert Clark]

I'd love one, but from what I've seen they fall outside of the affordable range currently
Hey def, if you are interested in a ball python, i will have some hatching out in July '16. They will be PASTEL 100% het for pastel pied. I have made them affordable for forum members. Just shoot me a pm .:)