Best Medium Sized Snake for fist time owner?

[sthall21]

Hello guys, I just found this forum today and had a quick question. I have gotten really interested in snakes the past few day and was wondering what the best snake for me would be.I have experience with other pets but not much with snakes. I have done a lot of research about snakes and know what it takes to keep one as a pet.

I want a bigger snake, something like a ball python. I would get a ball python its just that I've heard that they aren't very inquisitive. I went to my local pet shop and met a few snakes and I have to agree with people saying that ball pythons are like " pet rocks", meaning that they don't move much in your hand. I also got to handle a red tail boa and I very much liked that snake. It was much more curios and quite a bit more active. The problem is that I don't want a snake that will grow over 7 feet in length. I also don't want a skinny snake like a corn snake and I like the size of ball python.

What would be good snake that is 5-6 ft in length, thick, very active, likes to be handled and isn't too hard to maintain? I did some research and found that the Brazilian rainbow boa, woma python, and jungle python somewhat meet these requirements. Can anyone advise me of these snakes and maybe suggest some more?

[phassin]

Carpet pythons are a great choice. I have a coastal jaguar and he's the easiest guy to care for. They get about 7 feet max but are fairly slim so it's still not nearly as much snake as a 7 foot boa. They are definitely inquisitive and you can spot them climbing if you give them limbs and branches. I also think they are some of the prettiest of snakes with the bright yellow and black markings. Lastly they are great eaters and can thrive in a pretty wide variety of set ups. Look for Irian jayas, jungle carpets, or jaguar morphs of you want to make sure they are under 7 feet.

[Karilyne]

Woma Python!
I would also recommend Savu Pythons. This is definitely one you want to see in person and handle. They can either be the sweetest snake you've ever met or completely mad. Both are gorgeous, a good size, and if you pick them right, of good temperament.

[Karilyne]

Also, if you want something similar to a ball python but bigger...check out Angolan Pythons. They are cousins but the Angolans are much more inquisitive and their scales have a really cool beaded texture.

[sthall21]

Thanks so much for the advice! I looked into the coastal jaguar and the Angolan pythons, and they both seem like good choices. The problem is that my local pet store doesn't carry them so I would be forced to order online. Is this a good idea. It seems like shipping a snake to my doorstep would be harmful to the snake. Have you ever ordered as snake online and would you recommend it?

[EL Ziggy]

Welcome and best wishes sthall. A Carpet Python of any kind would be my first choice. After that I'd go with a Bull Snake or a Texas Leucistic Rat Snake. All of these critters get fairly large but they're still manageable. The husbandry is pretty simple too.

[bigsnakegirl785]

If you liked the boa but didn't like the potential size, check Nicaraguan boas, Tarahumara boas, Crawl Cay boas, Caulker Cay boas, etc. These guys should stay under 6'. I think Boa constrictor amarali also stay small, 6' or under. Boa constrictor longicauda can max out at 7', but they are much leaner than a Colombian/common boa, so they'd be easy to handle even if they got that big.

Don't get a Hog Island or a Costa Rican boa, I see people recommend Hog Islands all the time as "dwarfs" but they aren't. They average the same size as Colombians, and the biggest boas (not boa, boaS) I've seen were Costa Ricans.

[toddnbecka]

A gopher or bull snake would also fit those requirements very nicely. Easier to maintain than a boa or python for temps and humidity, and they're active by day. I don't know of any snakes that actually like to be handled, but some are more tolerant than others. My baby bull snake is as easy to handle as my Dominican mountain boas, and even some of those sometimes musk if they're not in the mood to be picked up.
Carpet pythons are generally pretty easy to maintain too, but their dispositions are more variable among indivdual animals.

[Karilyne]

The only breeder who I would recommend for a true dwarf is Vincent Russo of Cutting Edge Herpetology. His Hog Island Boas are gorgeous and tiny. Also, my experience has been that the dwarf boas don't take as well to handling as their bigger cousins. I am on a wait list for a Hog this summer, but I purposely chose a man who breeds them for a slightly larger size, higher pink and blue coloration, and minimal speckling. The mom is gorgeous.

[Karilyne]

http://i430.photobucket.com/albums/qq28/kari_lyne/image_zpszvs9jdi7.jpeg (http://s430.photobucket.com/user/kari_lyne/media/image_zpszvs9jdi7.jpeg.html)

I am very partial to Womas. They are very docile, seem to almost enjoy handling, a nice size, and they don't have any crazy husbandry requirements. Keep the warm spot at about 86 degrees...the cool side is at 78. They have an awesome feeding response...no worrying over skipped meals here.

[RAD House]

One thing that is quite important is how big of an enclosure are you willing to provide? Also just a side note but a hot spot of 86 degrees for a woma, an Australian species, seems really low. Even my native American colubrids do better at temps above 87 degrees.

[Andy_G]

With womas the ambient should be 80-85 and a hot spot of 90-92 should be given. If the hot spot is 86, you may run into potential R.I. problems.

In regards to the OP, I second the bull snake/carpet python recommendations!

[SerpentineDream]

Black milk snakes are cool. They are the biggest of the milk snakes and are found in the cloud forests of Costa Rica and Panama. As such they like cool temperatures. They are big, hefty, powerful snakes but very docile and laid back. Babies are tricolored like most banded milk snakes, but as they mature they darken to an iridescent black. They have strong feeding responses.

Womas are fascinating. I agree with Andy_G, temps ahould be a little warmer. They are graceful, curious and fun to watch. They have crazy feeding responses so watch yourself at mealtime. My woma is still figuring out that I am not edible.

[Karilyne]

With womas the ambient should be 80-85 and a hot spot of 90-92 should be given. If the hot spot is 86, you may run into potential R.I. problems.

In regards to the OP, I second the bull snake/carpet python recommendations!

Just curious where you got that information from? I've looked all over and the recommendations are always in the 80's range. My Woma only hangs out on the warm side after being out of the tank for awhile, and spends all of her time hanging out on the cool side of her tank. I have a temp gun so I'm certain that the temp readings are correct. Could it just be individual preference? The author of the below article clearly states that although they live in the desert they spend the majority of their time in burrows where the temp is both cooler and more consistent.

Woma Python Care and Breeding (http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Woma-Python-Care-and-Breeding/)
A
This recommends temps similar to where I have mine.

[Derek Roddy]

Just curious where you got that information from? I've looked all over and the recommendations are always in the 80's range. My Woma only hangs out on the warm side after being out of the tank for awhile, and spends all of her time hanging out on the cool side of her tank. I have a temp gun so I'm certain that the temp readings are correct. Could it just be individual preference?

Woma Python Care and Breeding (http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Woma-Python-Care-and-Breeding/)
A
This recommends temps similar to where I have mine.

The best place to get information about any species environment is to look at their environment.....not books, etc

Temps in Woma territory can get in excess of over 100 degrees most of the year....(during the day)

Because of this fact, they would need access to warmer temps than a tropical species, etc.

86 is great for ambient but, I offer mine a basking of at least 92/94 and they spend a good deal of time there during the day.

D

[Andy_G]

Just curious where you got that information from? I've looked all over and the recommendations are always in the 80's range. My Woma only hangs out on the warm side after being out of the tank for awhile, and spends all of her time hanging out on the cool side of her tank. I have a temp gun so I'm certain that the temp readings are correct. Could it just be individual preference? The author of the below article clearly states that although they live in the desert they spend the majority of their time in burrows where the temp is both cooler and more consistent.

Woma Python Care and Breeding (http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Woma-Python-Care-and-Breeding/)
A
This recommends temps similar to where I have mine.

I mentioned an 80-85 ambient with a 90-92 hot spot, whereas you say you keep your woma at 78 with an 86 degree hot spot...that article recommends 79-85 ambient with a 90 hot spot... so that actually matches my friendly suggestion (off by 1-2 degrees) much closer than your current husbandry (off by 4+ degrees). I would also agree that they spend most of their time in burrows, but I bet they come out to bask while they're digesting in MUCH warmer temps (their natural "hot spot") than we keep them at in captivity.

I'd follow Derek Roddy's advice over mine, though. I have a little bit of experience with these guys, but it pales in comparison to Derek's. :)

[Karilyne]

I mentioned an 80-85 ambient with a 90-92 hot spot, whereas you say you keep your woma at 78 with an 86 degree hot spot...that article recommends 79-85 ambient with a 90 hot spot... so that actually matches my friendly suggestion (off by 1-2 degrees) much closer than your current husbandry (off by 4+ degrees). I would also agree that they spend most of their time in burrows, but I bet they come out to bask while they're digesting in MUCH warmer temps (their natural "hot spot") than we keep them at in captivity.

I'd follow Derek Roddy's advice over mine, though. I have a little bit of experience with these guys, but it pales in comparison to Derek's. :)

I checked the temps today and the warm spot is around 92 degrees. I moved the cool hide over a bit so she is sitting at about 82 degrees. Closer to your suggestions. We will see how she does! I'm just confused as to why she rarely goes to the warm side if that side is closer to what she needs? Thanks for the corrections though y'all!

[Andy_G]

She should only use the warm side if she is digesting or if you were handling her and she cools off and needs to warm up a bit.

[jpsteele80]

She should only use the warm side if she is digesting or if you were handling her and she cools off and needs to warm up a bit.

I think it all depends on the snake, i have retics that never go to the warm side even when digesting food.

As far as a medium sized snake, i think one of the coolest species is definitely a blood python, they get very big in the mid section but stay a short length, that would be my choice :D

[Karilyne]

Honestly, my suggestion is to go to a store specializing in reptiles and explain what you want in a snake and how much you want to spend. Also, check out expo's and reptile rescues in your area. There are tons of amazing snakes out there and you will "fall for" the right one when you meet it. All of the suggestions here sounded good to me! For a first snake I really recommend buying one in person instead of online. Temperaments among individuals vary and you could end up with a feistier one you aren't quite ready to handle.

[Andy_G]

I think it all depends on the snake, i have retics that never go to the warm side even when digesting food.

As far as a medium sized snake, i think one of the coolest species is definitely a blood python, they get very big in the mid section but stay a short length, that would be my choice :D

USUALLY what you are mentioning would indicate that the hot spot is too hot even if by a few degrees, and in some species from humid areas if the heat source provided saps the air they will avoid it as well...but there are definitely oddballs out there and I am sure you're on top of you husbandry. ;) As long as you are providing the proper gradient, they will go where they want to go.

Bloods are great, but they are a very hard to read species for a newbie when it comes to the defensive strike/bite...no tail rattling/waving, not usually much posturing, not usually any hissing, just a slight difference in breathing before the strike...not to mention that these guys can strike straight backwards! I owned 7 red bloods in total (excluding the borneo short tails...had a pair of them and they were calm even as young hatchlings), 3 were too nervous no matter the approach or effort and would bite contantly and repeatedly, 4 were extremely docile and not even a little bit head shy. Even 10-15 years ago WC bloods were quite common and usually quite nasty, but it would be easy to find a CB calmer individual now. Things to consider.

[jpsteele80]

I would never buy an animal from a pet store, you don't know where the animal came from, the history on it or anything, buy directly from a breeder or a reptile show where you can get a better feel for the animal. A pet store will tell you anything they think you want to hear to sell something.

[Zelg]

Thanks so much for the advice! I looked into the coastal jaguar and the Angolan pythons, and they both seem like good choices. The problem is that my local pet store doesn't carry them so I would be forced to order online. Is this a good idea. It seems like shipping a snake to my doorstep would be harmful to the snake. Have you ever ordered as snake online and would you recommend it?

While I cant imagine the snakes ENJOY being shipped, if you get it from a pet store, it was shipped there from somewhere else :P

I recently ordered a carpet online and had it fedex'd to my doorstep. It was overnighted and came in a little bag with some padding around it and a heatpack, all in a nice little box. He arrived safe and sound and is now doing wonderfully in his tub. I wouldnt worry any about shipping.

[pet_snake_78]

Fedex overnight will almost always be fine if you buy from a reputable breeder. Of course no one can say 100% for sure, things do happen, I would take my chances on shipping versus something out of a pet store. I get the willies just walking into one of those places.

[Karilyne]

I know a really great guy who breeds Angolan Pythons if that is something you are interested in. He doesent have any yet this year but is hopeful that he will have a clutch. Price is $400 plus shipping. PM me if you would like his info :)

[sthall21]

Ok after a lot of researching I think I have fallen in love with the brazillian rainbow boa. I know they may not be as easy to care for as other snakes but I think I can handle it. This is my first time buying a snake online so do you have any advice on where to get the snake from? I'm looking for a baby male. Also any advice or tips on keeping this snake as a pet would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Lol I'm so excited to get it 😆!

[riddick07]

Living Gems Reptiles...if you want a rainbow I'd go with them! Hop on to the wait list:) It'll give you plenty of time to research and setup.

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/epicrates/111748-living-gems-breeding-plans-2016-a.html

[SirHiss]

Carpet pythons are a great choice. Look for Irian jayas, jungle carpets, or jaguar morphs of you want to make sure they are under 7 feet.

I have a jungle carpet first time snake too and she's great. perfectly said already by phassin.

[Karilyne]

Living Gems Reptiles...if you want a rainbow I'd go with them! Hop on to the wait list:) It'll give you plenty of time to research and setup.

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/epicrates/111748-living-gems-breeding-plans-2016-a.html

I agree! They have gorgeous BRBs!
Group 2 looks amazing! Those thick dorsal edges remind me of Peruvian Rainbow Boas.

[eminart]

The best place to get information about any species environment is to look at their environment.....not books, etc

Temps in Woma territory can get in excess of over 100 degrees most of the year....(during the day)

Because of this fact, they would need access to warmer temps than a tropical species, etc.

86 is great for ambient but, I offer mine a basking of at least 92/94 and they spend a good deal of time there during the day.

D


I think this is generally true, but not fool proof. We have to remember that a wild snake has a huge area to roam, and microclimates to take advantage of as needed. A captive snake can only move around so much. So, you can't just look at an animal that lives in the desert and immediately adjust the ambient temps to match. That animal may live in a burrow where the temps are 20 degrees lower.

For example, eastern indigos live in the heat and humidity of the extreme southeastern US. But, many have died in captivity as the result of temps being too high. They do best with temps in the 70's and never getting into the 80's. A warmer spot is ok, but high ambient temps will kill them. That's counter-intuitive when thinking of a snake that lives in areas where mid 90's and up are the norm for summer.

[daisymaisy]

I was going to suggest a BRB! They are on my want to get list for sure.