Help for an indecisive newbie?

[whatclaptrap]

Hey guys! As some of you know, I've yet to get my first snake, and been researching various snakes for a while. I desperately don't want to be one of those owners who puts the cart before the horse, so to speak, so I've been putting a lot of thought into what snake I want to get, including lots of visits to reptile stores in my area.

This is essentially round one of questioning you guys. Hope you don't mind! :]

A lot of people recommend the corn snake (for good reason), but having held both corn snakes and various pythons and boas, I have to say that as adorable as they are, corns seem like they're too wriggly for me. First, though, before I discount them, do they calm down as adults? I don't want to discount a perfectly good snake because I'm lazy, haha.

Other breeds I've looked at have been rosy boas, kenyan sand boas, children's pythons and spotted pythons, ball pythons, carpet pythons, and woma pythons. Rosies are native to where I live, which has a nifty element to it; i've heard overall they're pretty friendly snakes. I haven't heard much about their feeding habits, though; I have no idea if they're good feeders or picky little guys.

I've heard both good and bad things about sand boas - anyone with experience have horror stories/love stories? What's their temperament like, are they nippy or pretty chill?

On some care sheets and various different websites, I've seen childrens pythons and spotted pythons described as pretty chill little guys. However, at both of the reptile stores I've visited, the employees seemed to think pretty much the opposite. One guy I talked to said that all of the childrens pythons he'd worked with had been pretty strikey. Anyone have experience with childrens? Want to prove/disprove this reputation?

Before this post gets too long, I'll cut it short, haha. :] If anyone has anything to say about ball pythons, womas, carpet pythons, or even any random suggestions/redirects to other threads, I'm happy to hear from you.

[marionsclan]

Personally, I own a Ball python and are very happy with her placid and calm temperament. I am also planning to save up to add another snake to my zoo ;) and the fore runners are the Woma Python and the Hognose snake. Both are said to have a very mellow temperament.

[NennaMeerkat]

My personal suggestion is a Western Hognose. They need basically the same setup as a corn snake BUT are much calmer overall. And they don't get as big either...usually fatter than they are long.

[KD35WIN.AS.ONE]

My personal suggestion is a Western Hognose. They need basically the same setup as a corn snake BUT are much calmer overall. And they don't get as big either...usually fatter than they are long.

Yea throw in the fact that there Rear rang venomous and you have a pretty awesome snake, i didnt really consider ever owning own before this website. Im looking at hoggies and FWC's to add to my collection.

[stephanbakir]

I can tell you right now, FWC are NOT what you want, probably the same for hoggies...
If you want placid go for a ball python. They come in every color imaginable, are not normally biters and are placid.

[reptile65]

I personally would not recommend a ball python for your FIRST snake. I'm not saying they aren't great snakes, but I think it's best to have a little bit of snake experience under your belt before you get one. That is just my opinion.

To answer your question on corn snakes, it really depends on the individual snake. Colubrids in general are usually a bit more "energetic" and quick than pythons and boas. However, many corns will get used to being handled and will be very calm and slow when you handle them. Babies are generally going to be a little bit squirmy. You could always try to find an adult corn, that way you can handle it beforehand and see what its personality is like.

[forza_inter]

im actually the same way.....i find that colubrids are too "lively" for my liking. haha as weird as this may sound, i would rather handle a boa or python then i would a garter snake. i live right next to a forest and in the summer there are garters all over my backyard and front yard. i stopped attempting to handle them from how many times i have almost been bit....just not worth it, so i let them be....i just make sure they are out of the way when i go by with the lawn mower.

but in regards to owning a snake, my dumerils boa is the first that i have ever owned and its only been about 2 months now....but honestly, shes the calmest, most well tempered snake i have ever held. she has never once tried to bite me, i have no problem handling her while shes about to shed....right before her last shed i had her out and i ended up letting my gf, my cousin, my brother and his gf hold her....(and i've read many snakes tend to be a bit more aggressive when they are in shed)...yet she was still super calm.

like i said, im no expert by any means. but from what i've read and what i have experienced with my girl so far.....dumerils make EXCELLENT pets

[Coffee Black]

I really think a first snake, if possible, should be a baby colubrid whose requirements match your current climate. Far less chance at huge husbandry mistakes and any made will not be as serious and be easier to fix.

[TeaNinja]

i agree, dums are awesome pets. keep in mind the reason snakes go "blue" is because they make some liquid in between the old layer and new layer of skin to loosen the top layer for shedding. if you handle your snake during blue, the two skins can stick to each other making shedding much harder. i just learned that a while ago. also that's why sheds feel soft a lot of the time.

[forza_inter]

i didnt know that....i actually only took her out bc my cousin was moving to italy and he wanted to face his fears and finally hold a snake before leaving....and then my brother and his gf happened to come home around the same time so it just happened to play out like that

and her shed wasnt as good as her 1st one....so im assuming thats why. def wont be doing that again

thanks zak

[Lankyrob]

Corn snake - we have two yearlings bought as babies and an adult rescue - the adult is a bit of a handful but is approximately four years old and wasnt ahndled until we got it 8 months ago - the yearlings are placid as hell - they do move around but arent frantic or difficult to control. VERY easy husbandry and care and mine are all out and about pretty much every day so see them alot.

Ball Python - we have a yearling - care is slightly more complicated than cornssnakes as you need to keep higher humidity and they can be difficult eaters at times (not all the time) mine is very docile, easily handled but doesnt do anything and spends all my waking hours (i am up for about 20 hours in every 24) hiding so we rarely see it without disturbing him.

Carpet pythons - we have a two year old Jungle Carpet - very bitey as a youngster, can now be handled but is the snake most likely to bite you in our collection. Very active, out and about a lot. needs about the same amount of care as a corn but needs climbing space rahter than floor space.

For a first snake i would always recommend a corn snake, second snake Ball python and then move onto any of the others you fancy - this is just my own opinion!

Cant comment on your other ideas as have never owned any of them but hope this helps.

[TeaNinja]

i didnt know that....i actually only took her out bc my cousin was moving to italy and he wanted to face his fears and finally hold a snake before leaving....and then my brother and his gf happened to come home around the same time so it just happened to play out like that

and her shed wasnt as good as her 1st one....so im assuming thats why. def wont be doing that again

thanks zak

months ago i didn't even think about it and took my bp out during blue and shot some pics and stuff. i didn't think about the fact that i probably shouldn't be messing with him in blue till after.

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/general-python-forum/86431-bp-blue.html

mikey let me have it ;)

[whatclaptrap]

Thanks for the info, guys. Definitely helpful. And now I know something about shedding snakes that I didn't know before! Learnin' every day. :]

So, on the subject of colubrids as first snakes, more specifically corns. They get recommended to me a lot; is this partially because they don't have the humidity requirements of a BP, or is it the ball python's occasional feeding issues that set them apart?

Thanks again guys. :]

[NennaMeerkat]

Its all about husbandry. You would want to get a "native" snake to your area...IE Corn Snake, Garter Snake, Milk Snake ect. because you basically just have to make sure you give them the basics (hides, correct bedding, and a little heat) and you are good to go. Tropical snakes need much more humidity, heat, and other things that first time snake owners cannot always get right or keep right. No offense to anyone.

It would be like being a first time lizard owner and trying to own a Chameleon.

[KD35WIN.AS.ONE]

I can tell you right now, FWC are NOT what you want, probably the same for hoggies...
If you want placid go for a ball python. They come in every color imaginable, are not normally biters and are placid.

Yea as a first snake i would in no way recommend a a False Water Cobra, i was just speaking in terms that thats what i want, more so then the hognose. But from what i hear from people on here they seem to be pretty straight forward snakes. Im almost positive for a new person with past snake experience (non-venomous) looking to move into Rear Fanged slightly venomous, a Hognose would be there best bet, but thats off subject.

[KD35WIN.AS.ONE]

Also just as a question how does owning a corn snake in which you dont need to adjust any temps or humidity, give you the experience to own a exotic species? I dont see the median there what so ever. I think with proper research, and ALOT of dedication you can move straight to an exotic species... Owning a Ball python in my past didnt give me experience i needed own a BRB because of the lower heat but higher humidity, but because i was dedicated to its care i did the research required and now have a very healthy snake. Its all in the owner, if your not looking to own colubrids in the future then dont start with one... Getting husbandry is as easy as looking at someones set up that has it correct already then mimicking it. 1 to 2 hides, a water dish and some newspaper lol. Temps arent extremely difficult to get right they just may take time, and with a thermostat its as simple as hitting a button. Common sense will tell you how to keep humidity in a confined space. I personally dont think snake care is as difficult as people make it out to be, dedication to knowledge and care for any snake you get is the key... This is all My Opinion, feel free to disagree or agree.

[Gungirl]

Also just as a question how does owning a corn snake in which you dont need to adjust any temps or humidity, give you the experience to own a exotic species? I dont see the median there what so ever. I think with proper research, and ALOT of dedication you can move straight to an exotic species... Owning a Ball python in my past didnt give me experience i needed own a BRB because of the lower heat but higher humidity, but because i was dedicated to its care i did the research required and now have a very healthy snake. Its all in the owner, if your not looking to own colubrids in the future then dont start with one... Getting husbandry is as easy as looking at someones set up that has it correct already then mimicking it. 1 to 2 hides, a water dish and some newspaper lol. Temps arent extremely difficult to get right they just may take time, and with a thermostat its as simple as hitting a button. Common sense will tell you how to keep humidity in a confined space. I personally dont think snake care is as difficult as people make it out to be, dedication to knowledge and care for any snake you get is the key... This is all My Opinion, feel free to disagree or agree.

I agree with this as long as you don't want to jump right into hots...

[KD35WIN.AS.ONE]

I agree with this as long as you don't want to jump right into hots...


I agree with this as well, although i have my set opinions on that subject as well. Hot ownership should be held in reserve till you gain proper respect and technique with snakes in general... That is something that must be learned from experience not from research.

[stephanbakir]

Hots are tricky regarding who should own them. I've met people that are in it for the rush, who have proper training and technique but throw it all out the window in front of friends to be cool, and I've met the non idiots. People in it for the rush, and to show of should simply not own them, and move on to more ferocious animals like rat snakes!

[Lankyrob]

I agree with this as long as you don't want to jump right into hots...

I understand where you are coming from but owning a "simple" snake an teach someone about handling, feeding, reading a snakes mood etc whilst not also having the worry about keeping humidity etc at the right levels at the same time. Less to worry about at the beginning.

Not saying it cant be done, i had 3 corns, a BP, JCP, GTP and SD Retic plus two lizards within about three months of starting in this hobby, BUT i did have the help and support of a well established reptile breeder/keeper/shop owner just down the road as well as the people on here. Its down to the new keepers confidence and how much support they have in person that should decide it imo.

[KD35WIN.AS.ONE]

I understand where you are coming from but owning a "simple" snake an teach someone about handling, feeding, reading a snakes mood etc whilst not also having the worry about keeping humidity etc at the right levels at the same time. Less to worry about at the beginning.

Not saying it cant be done, i had 3 corns, a BP, JCP, GTP and SD Retic plus two lizards within about three months of starting in this hobby, BUT i did have the help and support of a well established reptile breeder/keeper/shop owner just down the road as well as the people on here. Its down to the new keepers confidence and how much support they have in person that should decide it imo.

I do see your logic there, and to add to your point the difference between handling a ball python and a Green Tree Python is huge, so i can see where your coming from there. Reading a snakes mood and proper handling of some snakes is more difficult then others snakes and so that is something learned through trial not research. I also agree with your last statement to.

[marionsclan]

Being a good pet owner of any animal means that, besides having done the research, you need to have a knack for it.

There are many dog owners who have owned dogs their whole life but that does not make them good owners because some people just can't read the animal or do not, instinctively, get what their needs are.

So, when someone says that snake ownership is fairly easy that could mean one of two things; You either have the knack for it or you don't recognize the signs of illness or stress and think everything is OK which should make you a good owner.

[whatclaptrap]

Hahaha, I have to say, the idea of either having the knack or not is kind of intimidating. But I guess I'll never know if I don't ever try, right?

I can see where everyone's coming from, for sure. I'm still not certain about corn snakes, but I plan on revisiting some reptile stores near me and checking out their stock, so I'll be seeing more corns. Who knows what I'll find out.

As for a real life support net in case of catastrophic pet snake failure, I do want to reassure you guys, I'm not alone in my snake interest. My interest in snakes was actually piqued by my friends, one who has a ball python and another who's got a BRB, so that's good, and there's a couple specifically reptile-oriented places around here that seem relatively good. I'm doing my best to go into this eyes wide open, haha. :]

[stephanbakir]

I do see your logic there, and to add to your point the difference between handling a ball python and a Green Tree Python is huge, so i can see where your coming from there. Reading a snakes mood and proper handling of some snakes is more difficult then others snakes and so that is something learned through trial not research. I also agree with your last statement to.
Rob had a great example of how green tree pythons should be held. The amount of times his GTP had been held could be counted on ONE hand, with spare fingers. Nuf said.

[stephanbakir]

Hahaha, I have to say, the idea of either having the knack or not is kind of intimidating. But I guess I'll never know if I don't ever try, right?

It can be learned.
Explained its: support the snake but don't hold it, guide the snake but avoid jerky movements, if bitten DON'T put the snake back until he calms down, you don't want to teach him that biting = getting left alone.

[KD35WIN.AS.ONE]

Hahaha, I have to say, the idea of either having the knack or not is kind of intimidating. But I guess I'll never know if I don't ever try, right?


Its not a sport, there's no knack for it. I would completely disregard the above posters portion of that statement for more then one reason. Like everything else your good at it because you took the time to apply yourself.. There's no magical trick to it, by definition knack would mean a trait that makes you good at something that cant be taught. An example of a knack is "that guys good at playing basketball because hes 6 foot 11 inches." Dont be intimidated by that statement.

[marionsclan]

Its not a sport, there's no knack for it. I would completely disregard the above posters portion of that statement for more then one reason. Like everything else your good at it because you took the time to apply yourself.. There's no magical trick to it, by definition knack would mean a trait that makes you good at something that cant be taught. An example of a knack is "that guys good at playing basketball because hes 6 foot 11 inches." Dont be intimidated by that statement.

Well, disregard it or not, I still stick by my statement that people who have a knack for something are naturally usually better at it than anyone who has read up on it. And even when you apply yourself you may never be as good as someone who does it naturally. However, I am not saying that people without knacks won't be good pet owners they will just have more questions regarding temperament and identifying posture and moods than people to whom this comes naturally.

P.S. Your example is not a knack but an poor assumption. A knack is a special skill, talent, or aptitude which has nothing to do with size.

[marionsclan]

Hahaha, I have to say, the idea of either having the knack or not is kind of intimidating. But I guess I'll never know if I don't ever try, right?

That is exactly right. :)

[red ink]

Hey guys! As some of you know, I've yet to get my first snake, and been researching various snakes for a while. I desperately don't want to be one of those owners who puts the cart before the horse, so to speak, so I've been putting a lot of thought into what snake I want to get, including lots of visits to reptile stores in my area.

This is essentially round one of questioning you guys. Hope you don't mind! :]

Not at all

A lot of people recommend the corn snake (for good reason), but having held both corn snakes and various pythons and boas, I have to say that as adorable as they are, corns seem like they're too wriggly for me. First, though, before I discount them, do they calm down as adults? I don't want to discount a perfectly good snake because I'm lazy, haha.

Don't have any experience with them or know the first thing about them so I'm no help there

Other breeds I've looked at have been rosy boas, kenyan sand boas, children's pythons and spotted pythons, ball pythons, carpet pythons, and woma pythons. Rosies are native to where I live, which has a nifty element to it; i've heard overall they're pretty friendly snakes. I haven't heard much about their feeding habits, though; I have no idea if they're good feeders or picky little guys.

I don't know anything about BPs or Boas.... I do however know about all the Australian species you have listed there. All of which are pretty easy to care for. For small pythons Antaresias are good if you and something a bit more sizable then the Morelias... Womas are great and are pretty calm, the only thing about them is they are very food oriented.

I've heard both good and bad things about sand boas - anyone with experience have horror stories/love stories? What's their temperament like, are they nippy or pretty chill?

Don't know anything about boas

On some care sheets and various different websites, I've seen childrens pythons and spotted pythons described as pretty chill little guys. However, at both of the reptile stores I've visited, the employees seemed to think pretty much the opposite. One guy I talked to said that all of the childrens pythons he'd worked with had been pretty strikey. Anyone have experience with childrens? Want to prove/disprove this reputation?

Anteresias "can" calm down with age but as hatchlings they can be little chainsaws. Each snake is an individual though so you can't put temperment down to a species really...

Before this post gets too long, I'll cut it short, haha. :] If anyone has anything to say about ball pythons, womas, carpet pythons, or even any random suggestions/redirects to other threads, I'm happy to hear from you.

There is no such thing as a biginer snake first and foremost IMO.....
I say go with the species you really like the look of research a heck of a lot about them and their husbandry requirements.
Take a deep breath and reflect on whether or not your willing to undertake the amount of work needed in regards to their husbandry be it simple or complex....

If you like the "look" of the snake, don't base your choice on the opinions of others.... All the other stuff that comes with keeping a snake is just good ol' fashion research and hands on experience. You might as well get a species you find interesting and for the lack of a better word "pretty" as it will keep you entertained and striving to provide it the utmost best conditions.

Obcourse were here to help if you need it though :).

Cheers,

[SpOoKy]

Can I throw into this mix a suggestion for a Bull/Gopher snake...?!?!?!

I recently acquired my first bull and I love him. I actually went back to the guy the next weekend a got another one a little older and bigger. Until them I had only owned pythons and boa's but these guys really have great personalities and are an easy snake to take care of. they are pretty energetic when you first take them out so it will definitely teach you about handling snakes but after about 10-15 min of squirming they chill right out and just hang out on you. I am supper happy with the both of them and I personally think they are a great snake to own.

[forza_inter]

Just get what you want man, you seem passionate enough that you would do what it takes to properly care for whatever you get so I say go for it.

[KD35WIN.AS.ONE]

Just get what you want man, you seem passionate enough that you would do what it takes to properly care for whatever you get so I say go for it.


That is exactly what i told him, him being here asking those questions is grounds enough for me to assume he will take good care of any snake he gets...

@marionsclan to completely disprove your theory, not in a negative way: by definition a knack is a skill that can not be explained a phenomenon were the subject has a skill with out recollection of how he/she obtained it. You cant just magically know how to take care of a snake, through time, dedication and practice ANYBODY can take proper care of an animal. Practice makes perfect...

[forza_inter]

That is exactly what i told him, him being here asking those questions is grounds enough for me to assume he will take good care of any snake he gets...

@marionsclan to completely disprove your theory, not in a negative way: by definition a knack is a skill that can not be explained a phenomenon were the subject has a skill with out recollection of how he/she obtained it. You cant just magically know how to take care of a snake, through time, dedication and practice ANYBODY can take proper care of an animal. Practice makes perfect...

i must have missed your post....but ya i agree 100%

[marionsclan]

@marionsclan to completely disprove your theory, not in a negative way: by definition a knack is a skill that can not be explained a phenomenon were the subject has a skill with out recollection of how he/she obtained it. You cant just magically know how to take care of a snake, through time, dedication and practice ANYBODY can take proper care of an animal. Practice makes perfect...

You just explained skill, talent and aptitude just in different words. And if practice makes perfect then we all could achieve to be an Olympian athlete, a Nobel prize winner, etc., but most of us won't because no matter how much time, dedication, and practice we put into it, we just don't have what it takes.

In any case, at this point I would just say that we should agree to disagree and continue giving our best advice and opinions possible without putting others down. Agreed?

[KD35WIN.AS.ONE]

You just explained skill, talent and aptitude just in different words. And if practice makes perfect then we all could achieve to be an Olympian athlete, a Nobel prize winner, etc., but most of us won't because no matter how much time, dedication, and practice we put into it, we just don't have what it takes.

In any case, at this point I would just say that we should agree to disagree and continue giving our best advice and opinions possible without putting others down. Agreed?


No i didnt, i stated the definition of the word "knack", by the English dictionary it has a similar definition. A skill is gained through work in that particular area of interest, not something you are just given from birth like a "knack". Which is my point exactly.

Caring for snakes.....Being a Nobel prize winner....? yea ill leave it at that.

If i put you down in any way shape or form i am sorry, never meant any harm, i just strongly disagree with your logic and the fact that it has intimidated someone looking to venture into the hobby who shows passion because god knows how many people these days get snakes and toss them aside the next year because of lack of passion. I will agree that you have your opinion and you are 100% entitled to it but i wont agree with its logic. Again sorry if i was offensive at all, my apologies.

[DeesBalls]

Well I am on my phone, so I only read first page, but i wwoukd day a ball python, or a Kenyan sand boa.... my ksb. Was very nice, though she has her moments, I may even get another one soon. 1 of my BP is sweet as a puppy, my other is a baby, so still sort of nippy. Balls are very good cuz they mainly will sit and hang out l.

I also have a brazilkian rainbow boa, while probably no one else will agree wiwith me, I find that she is been very easy to take care of as well...

Ksb are found in many colors, and have great temperaments and husbandry is easy as can be...

My vote is for ball python, or kenayn sand boa...

KB, by the way, live the screen name, is it from borderlands??? Lol!!!

[marionsclan]

i just strongly disagree with your logic and the fact that it has intimidated someone looking to venture into the hobby who shows passion because god knows how many people these days get snakes and toss them aside the next year because of lack of passion

Honestly, I would hope that anyone who plans to venture into unknown animal territory is a bit intimidated by it and will therefore do the proper research before jumping right into it. Maybe then more thought will be put behind the purchase of an animal and less animals will be discarded.

As for passion, this can't happen unless you have something to be passionate about so once he gets his snake and is still into it after a while then yes, he is passionate about it. Right now I think he is in the excitement mode that anyone who is planning on getting something new and exciting starts out in. I know I'm still in it, but I'm feeling the passion building because I am seriously looking at adding another snake to my zoo and I am constantly trying to find more information about my snake.

And last but not least, I applaud his endeavor and reaching out to others to get his questions answered and do think that he will be a conscientious snake owner. And I think he got what I meant and that's good enough for me.

[whatclaptrap]

And last but not least, I applaud his endeavor and reaching out to others to get his questions answered and do think that he will be a conscientious snake owner. And I think he got what I meant and that's good enough for me.

This 'he' is actually a she. ;) Sorry I wasn't clearer earlier, haha! And seriously, guys, thanks for the various votes of confidence. I appreciate it. :]

[whatclaptrap]

There is no such thing as a biginer snake first and foremost IMO.....
I say go with the species you really like the look of research a heck of a lot about them and their husbandry requirements.
Take a deep breath and reflect on whether or not your willing to undertake the amount of work needed in regards to their husbandry be it simple or complex....

If you like the "look" of the snake, don't base your choice on the opinions of others.... All the other stuff that comes with keeping a snake is just good ol' fashion research and hands on experience. You might as well get a species you find interesting and for the lack of a better word "pretty" as it will keep you entertained and striving to provide it the utmost best conditions.

Obcourse were here to help if you need it though :).

Cheers,

Haha, for sure! And yeah, regarding the various antaresias, I know that I can't really rely on a 'breed standard' haha. Snakes are, like every other pet I can think of (maybe excluding fish), individuals, but broad tendencies in a breed can be helpful to know.

That said, I am pretty interested in them despite possibly being a little chainsaw, haha. I've heard they've a tendency towards random biting - has that been your experience with them?

Thanks!

[whatclaptrap]

My vote is for ball python, or kenayn sand boa...

KB, by the way, live the screen name, is it from borderlands??? Lol!!!

Out of curiosity, has your sand boa ever had feeding issues? I've seen that come up a couple times on other random websites.

And yeah, you got me! My screenname originally was inspired by borderlands :D

[marionsclan]

This 'he' is actually a she. ;) Sorry I wasn't clearer earlier, haha! And seriously, guys, thanks for the various votes of confidence. I appreciate it. :]

hahaha Sorry about the He. I get that a lot too with my name (Marion) and I've always have to make sure they know that I'm a girl for I found that I get treated differently.

[whatclaptrap]

hahaha Sorry about the He. I get that a lot too with my name (Marion) and I've always have to make sure they know that I'm a girl for I found that I get treated differently.

Hahaha it's no problem. :D I was actually kind of surprised when people started referring to me as a 'he' - I always feel like I write in a kind of girly manner. XD

You've been mistaken for a guy before on forums? I'm actually kind of surprised - I tend to assume Marion is a girl's name myself, haha.

On a separate note - today I swung by one of the reptile stores in my area and handled a spotted python. Despite being in shed, he was pretty friendly and pretty alert (he ended up rubbing a little bit of shed off on my boyfriend's hand, lol), and looked pretty healthy. I'm thinking about going for it. What do you guys think?

[stephanbakir]

Spotted pythons are interesting and I like them, but would never own one. Before buying it try and make sure you have everything they need in advance :)

[whatclaptrap]

For sure. :] Gonna start collecting all the stuff I need, definitely!

Out of curiosity, why wouldn't you own one? Just wondering haha.

[KD35WIN.AS.ONE]

I'm thinking about going for it. What do you guys think?

Good choice, id love to see pictures if/when you get him.

[whatclaptrap]

Good choice, id love to see pictures if/when you get him.

Haha of course. I'll probably flood the forum with fangirling and pictures if/when I get him. Although, now that I'm poking around looking at setup stuff, does anyone have recommendations for good thermometers/hygrometers/undertank heating pads/everything else?

Thanks everyone for being so patient with my questions, haha. :]

[marionsclan]

I would check ebay and craig's list to see who is selling what and then compare it to the store bought prices. Also, check your local Freecycle group (if you have one). I've gotten a complete setup for free that way.

However, IF you have the money then I would go and buy new quality equipment.

[Jay]

My first snake was a Colombian Red Tail. I have been around reptiles for as long as I can remember, and even with that experience I can honestly tell you I was not prepared. I did very little research, I just thought that I knew what I was doing. My advice to you is get what snake you want, talk to local breeders. Keep it simple, do your research and you will be fine.

[KD35WIN.AS.ONE]

Haha of course. I'll probably flood the forum with fangirling and pictures if/when I get him. Although, now that I'm poking around looking at setup stuff, does anyone have recommendations for good thermometers/hygrometers/undertank heating pads/everything else?

Thanks everyone for being so patient with my questions, haha. :]


Good im excited to see them, im glad your gettting a snake im sure you will be completely content with. I wish i had stores around here that sell Pythons like that, even just so i could look at them. As for Therms/Hydro meters, Walmart has one for like 10 bucks with a probe (digital) its called AcuRite. I think ive seen some pictures Infernalis posted with one in them.

[red ink]

Haha, for sure! And yeah, regarding the various antaresias, I know that I can't really rely on a 'breed standard' haha. Snakes are, like every other pet I can think of (maybe excluding fish), individuals, but broad tendencies in a breed can be helpful to know.

That said, I am pretty interested in them despite possibly being a little chainsaw, haha. I've heard they've a tendency towards random biting - has that been your experience with them?

Thanks!

I think all snakes have a tendancy of random biting though.... I may not be the best peson for advise in regards to handling as I don't handle my snakes much. That said all of mine are calm outside of the enclosure but i would never stick my hand in their space either. All of mine are "hooked out" of their enclosures. That's the way i interact with them as I don't want anybody being able to open the enclosure and grab any of them out without paying a price that is....

As for my spotted she is the devil incarnate when in her enclosure but an absolute angel once she's hooked out and on bare skin (I really like it that way)....

pics to help you along :)

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn214/Red-Ink-Buldogs/bug/P1020043.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn214/Red-Ink-Buldogs/bug/P1020045.jpg

Cheers

[marionsclan]

I find it very interesting how many different approaches about snake handling there are. Some people prefer to feed only live animals so to keep the instinct alive, other only feed killed because they don't want their snake to get hurt. Some hook them out so that they stay territorial, and other prefer the hand so that the snake gets to trust them. And there are many more different dynamics between owner and 'pet'.

I think when asking questions for advice and tips, some information is purely based on facts given the research and type of animals, however, a lot of information is based on the experience coming from the individual approaches and should always be taken into account rather than relying solely on it. IMHO

[Lankyrob]

I find it very interesting how many different approaches about snake handling there are. Some people prefer to feed only live animals so to keep the instinct alive, other only feed killed because they don't want their snake to get hurt. Some hook them out so that they stay territorial, and other prefer the hand so that the snake gets to trust them. And there are many more different dynamics between owner and 'pet'.

I think when asking questions for advice and tips, some information is purely based on facts given the research and type of animals, however, a lot of information is based on the experience coming from the individual approaches and should always be taken into account rather than relying solely on it. IMHO


Totally agree - the whole point of research is to gain as much knowledge (facts) and Experience as possible and then make up your own mind as to what is "right". As long as you dont argue the facts then you wont go wrong!

[whatclaptrap]

Totally agree - the whole point of research is to gain as much knowledge (facts) and Experience as possible and then make up your own mind as to what is "right". As long as you dont argue the facts then you wont go wrong!

I totally agree. It's definitely nice to have some idea of what other people have experienced, though. It won't ever be exactly the same experience, but it can give an idea of some things that might happen, so they're not as surprising if they happen, if that makes sense haha.

@Red Ink - aaah, she's absolutely beautiful! :] Is she full grown at this point? This might make me weird, but the idea of hooking a snake is actually a little more intimidating than just reaching in, haha - I'd be afraid that I wouldn't be as dextrous with the hook.

[stephanbakir]

Hooking a snake is not as complicated as you think, it doesn't take long to learn.

[forza_inter]

Lol sorry about thee gender confusion, I'm sure it happens in the forum more then people think.

As for hooking, I use a hook for the sole reason that I see my boas tank as her tterritory, and using a hook opposed to just reaching in and grabbing her makes me feel that I'm respecting her territory and kind of giving her that personal space. If that makes any sense lol

[stephanbakir]

What type of hook? Especially with boas that tend to be heavily bodied, I'd advise you use a python hook, they are wide so you aren't putting pressure on individual ribs and hurting the snake.
Monster snakes and a few other companies sell them pretty cheap.

[forza_inter]

im using this one:

Deluxe Collapsible Snake Hook (http://www.zoomed.com/db/products/EntryDetail.php?EntryID=329&DatabaseID=2&SearchID=5&SearchContext=YTozOntzOjg6IlNlYXJjaElEIjtzOjE6IjUi O3M6MTA6IkRhdGFiYXNlSUQiO3M6MToiMiI7czo4OiJLZXl3b3 JkcyI7czowOiIiO30=)

[stephanbakir]

I would invest in a wider hook for sure. If you want, when I get back home I can give you a few links to a few good ones.

[marvelfreak]

Try this link. Reptile Husbandry and Stainless Products (http://www.reptilebasics.com/husbandry-stainless)

I have one of the collapsible hooks and they suck. Keeps falling apart. A solid one is the only way to go. I am getting this one. Snake Hook 38"- Reptile Basics Inc (http://www.reptilebasics.com/snake-hook-38)

[KD35WIN.AS.ONE]

Totally agree - the whole point of research is to gain as much knowledge (facts) and Experience as possible and then make up your own mind as to what is "right". As long as you dont argue the facts then you wont go wrong!

I like how you put it.

[stephanbakir]

Try this link. Reptile Husbandry and Stainless Products (http://www.reptilebasics.com/husbandry-stainless)

I have one of the collapsible hooks and they suck. Keeps falling apart. A solid one is the only way to go. I am getting this one. Snake Hook 38"- Reptile Basics Inc (http://www.reptilebasics.com/snake-hook-38)
That hook is great for snakes that don't get girthy.
For the larger heavy bodied snakes go for one of these.
Monster Hooks - The Monster Store - Welcome To Monster Snakes Forums!! The #1 Large Constrictor Site In The World!!! (http://www.monstersnakesforums.com/forum107/)

[KD35WIN.AS.ONE]

For the larger heavy bodied snakes go for one of these.
Monster Hooks - The Monster Store - Welcome To Monster Snakes Forums!! The #1 Large Constrictor Site In The World!!! (http://www.monstersnakesforums.com/forum107/)


Theres nothing there... i need one to lol.

[stephanbakir]

The Monster Store - Welcome To Monster Snakes Forums!! The #1 Large Constrictor Site In The World!!! (http://www.monstersnakesforums.com/category14/)
Try that one?

[forza_inter]

nothing there man

[stephanbakir]

http://www.snakesandstuff.com/monster_hooks/2hooks_web.jpg
Snake Hooks, Hemostats, Forceps (Page 1) - Classifieds - Herps of Arkansas: Forum (http://www.herpsofarkansas.com/forum/topic/4628/snake-hooks-hemostats-forceps/)
Please tell me that the photo AND the link worked?
The one I'm talking about is the wide one on the left.

[forza_inter]

yup they worked....i dont see how 1 would hurt the ribs and not the other....

[stephanbakir]

The thinner ones fit between ribs, the wider ones pull against them. They get larger then the ones in the picture, was the only picture I could find since MONSTER HOOKS are down for some reason.