A good starter snake.

[Columbiano Rojo]

Ok I am not an owner of a snake yet but am going to buy one in the not too distant future. I was wondering If somebody could tell me what a good starter snake would be for me. I was thinking either a Columbian Red Tailed Boa, or a Ball Python, I am even considering perhaps a green tree python. Which would you all recomend?:confused:

[viper99]

a ball python or corn snakes are good begginer snakes

[RIBBIT]

Columbia boas have a somewhat beginner taste but are 12 feet can you handle that? tree pythons need a huge tank and are super aggressive. go for a corn if 1-13 years above or with alot of experience with snakes a ball is good

[PDXErik]

GTPs are also difficult to maintain as their environmental needs are fairly particular. Aside the whole "getting bit more often than not" thing. And do you really think you'd spend $500 on a starter snake? They sure are pretty, though.

Balls kick butt, not too big, not too small, they wind up getting fairly beefy while only getting to about 4-6 feet (6 is on the rare side).

When an RTB gets fairly big, 6-7 feet, large rats get moderately difficult to find, at least where I am. A ball will get a medium rat at it's biggest and be happy with it.

[Aaron_S]

I don't reccommend ball pythons as a starter snake. Sometimes, even captive bred, have eating problems. I would suggest a corn, milk, king. They all do fairly well. If you want something a little larger a bullsnake, gopher or pine snake are good choices. I'd stay away from aboreal snakes, like the tree pythons as they tend to be very finicky and aren't very good about handling most of the time.

[totheend]

Ball pythons make good starter snakes in my opinion. Every captive bred BP that I have had have been good eaters. My CH on the other hand is not the best eater, but she was also my first snake and I did just fine with her. Sometimes you just have to get over the fact that they don't eat like a corn snake, doesn't mean that they make bad first snakes. I think that there are many snakes that make great 1st snakes. To name a few: Childrens pythons, spotted pythons, corn snakes, Kenyan sand boas, ball pythons, gopher snakes (bulls also), and the list goes on.

[RIBBIT]

TOTHEEND same my female is I found out wc and its the $#!+^!$& feeder she only ate twice after having her 5 weeks almost

[Greenlover]

id say a ball python becuz if never owned a boa... but green tree python as pretty as they are... like to refuse meals and are really picki... so to start off unless u got some one to help you id go for the ball... also there alot cheaper

[totheend]

TOTHEEND same my female is I found out wc and its the $#!+^!$& feeder she only ate twice after having her 5 weeks almost

Yeah, she eats when she wants to. Winters are the worst as she will only eat once or twice. She is also a live feeder and just started eating rats (after years of trying) so she was eating like 4 or 5 mice per meal:eek:. There is something to be said about CB animals:rolleyes:.

[SnakeManLew]

I don't reccommend ball pythons as a starter snake. Sometimes, even captive bred, have eating problems. I would suggest a corn, milk, king. They all do fairly well. If you want something a little larger a bullsnake, gopher or pine snake are good choices. I'd stay away from aboreal snakes, like the tree pythons as they tend to be very finicky and aren't very good about handling most of the time.

A good starter snake is one that you are willing to put the time in as far as husbandry is concerned. DOn't let anyone talk you out of any snake that appeals to you. I would suggest you do your homework BEFORE making your decision. Many of the comments made here are absolutely false - or "urban legends". GTP are not finicky or difficult or hard to keep - you need to do your homework.
Snakes are not something you pick up in the pet store, like a goldfish, etc. Different species have different needs and as long as youknow them and are prepared to provide that - then any snake is a great beginner snake.
"I'll get off my soapbox now......":mad:

[PDXErik]

Ok, difficult and hard to keep are subjective terms.

More objective would be to say that the amount of attention and margins for some snakes are different than others.

My white lip python needs a higher level of humidity than my rtbs, mist more, pay more attention to the signs that it doesn't have what it needs. The RTBs margins of humidity and temp range are wider than that of my Amazon tree boa, perhaps not harder, but certainly more attention needed.

I still wouldn't start with a very expensive snake, but GTPs are way way way cool and if you're willing to put in the time and energy, go go go. I'd anticipate getting bit once or twice, but the bites I've gotten off of my 5' RTB and my little Amazon are comparable to a papercut, so no big deal.

[rosky19]

I just started caring for snakes I have Kenyan sand boas. By there self they only require a ten gallon ter. They are gorgous and dont get all that big at all they were a great fit for me. Id say do your research and find the one that best fits your lifestyle and the time and energy you want to put into it. Also Sand boas are fairly inexpensive around 50 to 75 dollars and rarely ever bite. I love mine so. Good Luck finding your fit!

[Meltos]

Personally, I'd Go For A Milksnake Or Some Sort Of Colubrid. (E.g. Cornsnake, Kingsnake, Milksnake etc.).

Ball Pythons are to much of a fussy eater for beginners. And I Know when i got mine (second snake - milksnake was first) i was overly worried about mine not eating. Ball Pythins go off food a hell of a lot.

Colubrids for beginners all the way :]

[SnakeManLew]

Once again,
If you read before you get your snake - you will be aware of the fact that's it's very common for male pythons to go off food for months on end, and then all of a sudden will resume eating without missing a beat. Once again - be prepared BEFORE making your decision and snakes are not difficult to keep - you just need to provide them with what they need.

:Wow:

[drec91]

there are many snakes that can make good beginners. Different snakes have different charactaristics. Kings snakes are usually acosiated as being good eaters. It is true that ball pythons can be finicky eaters, but there upside is their great disposition. Get the snake that you want, but be prepared and knowlegdeable on the species. Take the time necisary in deciding. I reccomend corns,kings,ball pythons,and sand boas based on size, hardiness, and expense.

[Columbiano Rojo]

thank you all for your advise! if anybody else wants to throw in their advice, please, fell free to share.

[SnakeManLew]

there are many snakes that can make good beginners. Different snakes have different charactaristics. Kings snakes are usually acosiated as being good eaters. It is true that ball pythons can be finicky eaters, but there upside is their great disposition. Get the snake that you want, but be prepared and knowlegdeable on the species. Take the time necisary in deciding. I reccomend corns,kings,ball pythons,and sand boas based on size, hardiness, and expense.

My english teacher would have a field day with that post! lol:confused:

[RIBBIT]

wow just wow

[drec91]

what are you talking about