What snake do you recommend as the next step up from beginner?

[Idkmyusername]

Hey I’m a somewhat intermediate snake keeper and I want to take the next step up to a larger python or maybe a boa I’ve had experience with a couple other snake species ball pythons and sand boas and really want something more substantial I want a larger snake I love my ball python and sand boa but I want to get something that’s a lot larger I know pythons like rock pythons and retics aren’t reccomended for people who are knew to keeping large snakes but i was wondering what any of you guys thought. I was looking into burms and Central American boas already and I want a snake species that can become as tame or close to as tame as a ball python just withought the whole potato feel that comes off them and I want something large but not massive I was thinking the 8 to 15 foot range also I want a species of snake that’s slightly forgiving with there care so if I accidentally screw up slightly like forget too must for like a day or have to leave on vacation they won’t die on me.

[Aaron_S]

8 to 15 foot is pretty much every large species of snake.

Your best bet is BCC or a female BI boa. I'd look at those. They get around the size you're looking for, closer to the 6 - 9 foot range. Girthy, easily docile, forgiving husbandry.

[trailblazer295]

King cobra








8-15' is a huge range and there is a wide variety in terms of body build even within the same length. Small snakes give you next to no useful experience for dealing with giants. A large BCI or average BCC would be a better choice.

This is an example of a standard male burm

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/giant-python-discussion/114059-wilson-then-now.html

[Krj-2501]

I would suggest either - Boa Imperator(Central American Boas), or if you a looking for a python - maybe Super Dwarf Retics (they tend to stay in the manageable size range - 5-10 feet).

[sgtstinky]

retics can be great pets, get one young and learn to handle her as she grows in size. Research their propensity to have a strong feeding response while they are in their enclosures. Knowing this up front may save you and the snake a lot of trouble. Boas are also good pets, so find what works for you and go for it !!

Just make sure you get enough cage, and you understand the commitment behind owing a large snake. They can live up to 15-20 years. Also, big snakes make big messy poops, so do your research.

[condescomputers]

Look into Blood Pythons. Great snake. Only poops once every month or four. Great colors.

[craigafrechette]

Bloods/Borneo & Sumatran STPs are great snakes.

There are many localities of boa that would be good choices.

Carpet pythons?
Angolan pythons?
Olive pythons?

Bullsnakes...