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View Full Version : Ideas for Next Snake?


debitumnaturae
02-14-17, 01:52 PM
I currently have a ball python and would like to move up the scale so to speak. I volunteer at a reptile store doing animal care and handling far more exotic snakes and will be helping out there for the next 7 months (only saying this so you can understand my experience level). I wouldnt say I'm an expert by no means but I am around other species of snake beyond the everyday ball python.

I'm thinking of expanding my collection and maybe purchasing a snake rack. What snakes do well in snake racks in your opinion? What are some snakes that aren't too difficult to take care of but a step up from a ball python? I'd also prefer them to have a good temperament.

I was considering a Red Tail Boa (yes I am aware of their adult size and their lifespan). How long could a red tail stay in a snake rack (assuming the snake rack was built to the specifications to comfortably house adult ball pythons) before they'd need to be moved to a larger enclosure? Would you recommend keeping them in a rack at all when they're young? Any tips, warnings or comments about this choice of snake?

Sorry for the length! Thank you in advance for answering :)

awwalz01
02-15-17, 10:01 AM
You should look into carpets! They can be a little snappy as babies, but they mellow out a lot with age (so I have been told). They have a lot of personality and get larger than ball pythons.

RAD House
02-15-17, 11:05 AM
In my opinion you should refrain from keeping any arboreal species, like a boa or a carpet, in a rack. That being said people do it. I think their natural habitat should definitely be a concern when planning their enclosure. I think something like a woma python would be much better suited to a rack situation.

TRD
02-15-17, 11:14 AM
^ I second that. Well, imo keeping a snake in a rack is when you are breeding and as a result you have not the space. In such cases a rack is a temporary housing... no snake is going to be happy stuffed away in a dark box for 15+ years.