New Guy

[Carpenter78]

Hello everyone!

I was a member here over 15 years ago but I gave all my snakes away and my wife and I did field biology work for several years.

We have a little girl now and a few years ago she came home from daycare and was talking about how scary snakes are....... well I felt like I failed!

So I got a boa, a Male because they are smaller. He is over 7' long! But he is amazing, and my girl loves him and talks about how great snakes are to people.

I am thinking of getting a Childrens python, something that is a little easier for her to handle than my 17lb boa.

Thanks folks!

Josh

[EL Ziggy]

Welcome back Josh! I hope you find that Children's Python you're looking for!

[Aaron_S]

Hello everyone!

I was a member here over 15 years ago but I gave all my snakes away and my wife and I did field biology work for several years.

We have a little girl now and a few years ago she came home from daycare and was talking about how scary snakes are....... well I felt like I failed!

So I got a boa, a Male because they are smaller. He is over 7' long! But he is amazing, and my girl loves him and talks about how great snakes are to people.

I am thinking of getting a Childrens python, something that is a little easier for her to handle than my 17lb boa.

Thanks folks!

Josh

Congrats! Children's are a little harder to find in the country but not impossible.

If you'd like other options feel free to ask. Also where are you in Canada?

[Carpenter78]

Hi Aaron,

I am definitely open to other options.

I really like boas and pythons, so those are what I am interested in. I would like something that doesn't get too big so my girl can hang out with her. A thinner snake that is 5 or 6 feet would be fine.

[Carpenter78]

Oh right, I am in in Peterborough Ontario, not far from you!

[Veronica]

You should get a carpet python! (totally not because I really want one and think they are awesome)

[Carpenter78]

Hi Veronica,



That is what I have been looking at as well!


Great advice!

[Aaron_S]

Hi Aaron,

I am definitely open to other options.

I really like boas and pythons, so those are what I am interested in. I would like something that doesn't get too big so my girl can hang out with her. A thinner snake that is 5 or 6 feet would be fine.

Oh right, I am in in Peterborough Ontario, not far from you!

Okay cool.

First up, you're right you're not too far from me! Secondly, there's some reptile stores in your town! I've only been in one and it was alright. I do know there's a reptile expo coming to Peterborough soon! So you could attend that and see a number of breeders/stores. I know a good friend is going, the store, The Reptile Wrangler. He will have some balls most likely and I'm unsure if anything else boa or python as they have a ban where he is from.

Second, as for other boas and pythons. Spotted pythons are similar to children's however they grow a little larger and easier to come by.

If you're not planning on getting a baby snake then carpets are a good choice as you can buy a larger animal with a good personality already. Babies tend to be nippy and you probably want your child to be able to handle it sooner than later.

Ball pythons are a good option for kids as well. There's good reason they are so common and dominate the snake world.

Rosy boas/rainbow boas (columbians are smaller)/sand boas - all fit into the same category. They are good animals if you can find them and are a little nervous/can be nippy as babes but can also be good pets later on. I don't recommend them for young kids right away.

If you'd like something different that isn't a boa or python then I stand by my goto of an adult corn snake. You know the temperment, health, come in many colours. Nice and easy for a kid.

If corns aren't your thing and you're still interested in colubrids then house snakes are neat. I have some and they are becoming more popular again. These are mini-pythons. They are constrictors, look like pythons to a degree and pretty docile from my experience. Honduran milks are also becoming more popular in Canada again and would make a decent pet.

With all that said, my personal belief when dealing with kids and reptiles is to fully encourage the hobby/passion with them. This is why in general I will always recommend the beginner animals for kids as they are safe and a good way for them to enjoy the hobby, feel good about it and grow. (Not saying you're doing anything bad, it's just a belief and reasoning behind my recommendations.)

[Carpenter78]

Thanks for the great response Aaron,

Sometimes I just need someone to put my feet back on the ground.

My first snake was a corn snake. He was an amazing critter, very easy going. The one thing is he would poop almost every time I took him out. I dont know if it's because he was moving and just worked things out or what! But it wasn't wonderful. From what I have read that is not common.

I'm not a huge fan of ball pythons, I like snakes that hang on, I suspect my daughter will too but of course that could just be me and they all may end up being mine at some point.

I am leaning towards a corn snake for my girl and still getting a carpet for myself.

We do have the expo coming to town in a month, but we will be on vacation at that time.

Thanks again for your help, Josh.