first snake, which one should i get?

[brandes]

k soi have done hours of research, and am putting alot of research into this because i want to take care of it properly and because its going to be a long commitment 20-30 years from what my research shows, so i am just wondering what snake you guys would reccommend, i am thinking about getting a ball python but the fact that its width gets kinda fat that concerns me, and the fact that cool morphs cost hundred of dollars, and the normal morph dosnt appeal much to me, i wanted the main color to be black, but nyways i think id be able to find the color for like 2 hundred but what im most concerned about is the width, i dont know how big that can get some say as big as a pop can, ideally im looking for a snake 3 inches diameter at the most and 6 feet tops, the reason why i was a bal python is because their personality appeals to me, and they dont musk much if not at all, ive heard corn snakes are more livelyerand will try to escape from your hands and more around, and that they are more likely to musk, another thing about the ball they say he has eating problems, but i think i can handle that, its the temperature thing that makes me un easy, and what are the differences between a ball, and a childrens python, are they generaly the same calm docile kind thats another im thinking of getting, anyone know their diameter when fully grown? but nyways to sum it up

i want a slow moving, docile snake that would just be chillin instead of tryin to explore everywhere if put on the floor, minimum musk, probably minimal care as im new, under 6feet, between 2-3 diameter,

any snakes you reccommend please tell me the lenght and width fully grown, ive herd milk,king and garter snakes musk more often so i havnt really considered them, plus are pretty active

i think im over concerned with the width of this snake, i guess i just have to see one up close to make a decision, i just dont wanna end up having to buy a big tank for it, and ive herd balls dying days after or in a few years, probably due to bad handlers, and so i dont wanna spend a few bills just so my snake can die a year later,

anyways sory for the long post, but i need a rest from research, hoping you could help narrow down my search and save me hours of research, ive closed in on the breed type though! one step closer to my new snake!(btw, dont want a small small diameter snake as i have a goldenretriver/standard poodle mix and he has more retirver in him, so he may go after him one day or like step on him by accident and then thats bye bye snake, thaks for the info

[infernalis]

http://www.thamfriends.com/mat.jpg

[marvelfreak]

Hello and welcome!

[Lankyrob]

Corns are a great startersnake in my opinion, mine arent that lively to be honest, they dont lie around like a ball python would but also arent manically trying to get away when being handled.

[Reptile_Reptile]

for the size you say corn snake sounds best. most snakes get rather large between 5-8ft i would say is average for a captive snake. and the smaller species tend to be a bit squirmy... sooo Royal python, corn snake, Brazilian rainbow boa, and i think a SOME if not 1 type of carpet python are roughly between 5-7 feet

idk dont hold me to it lol

[marvelfreak]

for the size you say corn snake sounds best. most snakes get rather large between 5-8ft i would say is average for a captive snake. and the smaller species tend to be a bit squirmy... sooo Royal python, corn snake, Brazilian rainbow boa, and i think a SOME if not 1 type of carpet python are roughly between 5-7 feet

idk dont hold me to it lol
Irain Jaya Carpets only get 5 to 5 1/2 feet tops.

[belovedboas]

Hello and welcome to the forum, I would definetely say a cornsnake or a ball python in means of easy care....theres a few other breeds that are quite easy to care for aswell like sand boas, minimal care and dont get very large either:)

[Sapphyr]

for the size you say corn snake sounds best. most snakes get rather large between 5-8ft i would say is average for a captive snake. and the smaller species tend to be a bit squirmy... sooo Royal python, corn snake, Brazilian rainbow boa, and i think a SOME if not 1 type of carpet python are roughly between 5-7 feet

idk dont hold me to it lol

I wouldn't recommend a BRB to a beginner. I mean, I'm a beginner -snake- owner, but I'm not a beginner to messing with humidity levels. If you're familiar with humidity, then ya, a BRB would be fine, but they have high demands for humidity and it can be a bit of a struggle for beginners. Just my personal opinion.

[brandes]

what about a rosey boa? i herd there actually pretty small 2-4ft but they have the width that i want,(at or over a golf ball) i thought corn snakes were the width below a golf ball, and can anyone with bal pythons tell me how wide they are and there age?, as for the humidity i think the best thing to do would be to set the tank up and fiddle with everything for a few days and make sure i know how everything works before going out and buyign the snake, so im sure i wont have much problem with it. and snakes are basically solitary right? so its probably not a good idea to keep two in the same tank?

[totheend]

Rosies are really easy to care for and stay fairly small....but they can be a little bitey. If you really wanna know how big a ball python gets.........google them :D You will see pics of people hanging on to them so it will give you an idea. And you are right, don't keep 2 snakes together.

[NennaMeerkat]

Am I the only one to suggest a Western Hognose? Even though you can, at times, have trouble feeding them due to finicky habits they are GREAT beginner snakes. They only get a foot long (the females...males are smaller) and generally bigger around than long. Every hognose that I have had, cared for, or held always seemed REALLY mellow and chill. Though they will "cruise" when you have them out generally it is more of a casual thing rather than what some corns or other beginner snakes will do. Hoggies don't require a lot of humidity, temps don't have to be high, and who can resist the cuteness of that face that they have.

[Sapphyr]

what about a rosey boa? i herd there actually pretty small 2-4ft but they have the width that i want,(at or over a golf ball) i thought corn snakes were the width below a golf ball, and can anyone with bal pythons tell me how wide they are and there age?, as for the humidity i think the best thing to do would be to set the tank up and fiddle with everything for a few days and make sure i know how everything works before going out and buyign the snake, so im sure i wont have much problem with it. and snakes are basically solitary right? so its probably not a good idea to keep two in the same tank?

I personally don't know a lot about Rosy Boas, though they intrigue me, so I can't say much.

On the two in one enclosure, thing... It's honestly debatable. Most people say it's not a good idea and not good for the snakes, but others will say that it's ok, from personal experience. A post I read on here, can't remember who, stated their pairs get stressed if they're separated from one another.

[spottedgal1294]

Hi and welcome! I am probably just being biased because I have one myself but I would suggest a spotted python. What you are describing is very similar to the size and temperment requirements that I wanted when looking for a snake. Spotted pythons will not exceed your width requirements (they get about as wide as a king snake I would say) and reach about 5 feet long. They aren't as docile as a ball python but with regulate handling make awesome pets. They are good eaters, and not too active though they aren't gonna just sit in your hand like a ball. My spotted is extremely well tempered not a musker and eats every feeding except when she's in shed, and not bitey. Plus these snakes are stunningly beautiful. Check them out!

[presspirate]

I'd recommend a Nicaraguan Boa. All the beauty of a Full sized boa in compact size. I have a female, full grown at 4 1/2 feet and just a little bigger around than a golf ball.

[brandes]

alright everyone thanks for your input, i think im going to buy a female rosy boa, now all i have to do is find a breeder in toronto, what is your opinion on getting them shipped from websites, the whole idea of the it makes me skeptical but it may be my only choice as it may be harder to find a local breeder, and a 10 gal tank is good for babys, but what size would i need for adults and how long till i can switch the the bigger tank?

[mld]

Good luck with the Rosy Boa, I think they are great!

Here is a place in Toronto
Port Credit Pet Centre (http://www.portcreditpets.com/)

[brandes]

also are there any specific questions i should ask, anything special to look for when picking em out?

[totheend]

Brandes.....if you want a rosy, I know an amazing breeder in Toronto. Please send me a pm and I will give you contact info.