Best snake??

[snakekid6996]

Hello everyone :). I have been saving up for a new snake. I was planning on getting a Brizilian rainbow boa, but since I've joined ssnakess I've learened there are a lot more species of snakes kept as pets than I though. I'm still planning on getting a BRB, but I want to hear about some other snakes you all have kept. What is your favorite snake you have ever owned?? I want to keep an open mind and see if I can find any other snakes I like more. Thanks. :)

[BarelyBreathing]

My favorite snakes are Amazon and emerald tree boas. I wouldn't recommend them for a relative beginner, though.

I'd recommend a hog nose or a Kenyan sand boa. I really like those. (Check out KKGal's paradox albino Kenyans!!!)

[youngster]

Carpet python, garter snake(s), and I really want a black racer, but I don't recommend that :)

Carpets are great, curious, they get a decent size without being huge, and they're really entertaining to watch.

Garters are cool in the same aspect as they're fun to watch. They are small and are one of the only social snakes, they do well in groups of 2 or more.

[KORBIN5895]

I have had garters, ribbons, corns, royal pythons and boas. Of them all I have enjoyed the boas the most. I found them more active than the royal and easier to handle than the smaller snakes. I also have never worried about them eating even when switching them over from live to frozen.

[snakekid6996]

I have a corn and he is amazing :), but i was looking for something a little bigger. I can't get anything huge though. i LOVE Red tail boas, but almost everything I read about them said they can get 10-12 feet which is just to big. I read that the BRB only gets from about 5-7 feet which is a more reasonable size. My corn is only about 4 feet and I like the looks of a lot of bigger and heavier built snakes.

[alessia55]

A ball python for sure! :D (although I'm a bit biased ;) )
Ball Python Care & Information (http://www.pythonregiuscare.com) has info
They're easy lap snakes, come in a ton of patterns and colors, and stay around 4ft but nice and chunky :D

[youngster]

i LOVE Red tail boas, but almost everything I read about them said they can get 10-12 feet which is just to big.

That's definitely not true, they CAN, but it's very unlikely,
If you're concerned about size, get a male or a dwarf species of boa.

[CK SandBoas]

Brazilian Rainbow Boas are amazing snakes! I have a beautiful male, who is close to 6 feet, and he is my gentle "giant". Babies can be nippy, and you need to keep their humidity higher than most other species, but they are fantastic eaters and their coloring is amazing :)

[BarelyBreathing]

Hogg Island boa!!! This is your new snake!

[snakekid6996]

A ball python for sure! :D (although I'm a bit biased ;) )
Ball Python Care, Information, About ball pythons (http://www.pythonregiuscare.com) has info
They're easy lap snakes, come in a ton of patterns and colors, and stay around 4ft but nice and chunky :D
I thought about that, but like you said they are kind of lap snakes. I've held mulitple ball pythons and they just kind of sit there. I don't want anything too crazy, but I'd like it if they moved a little bit more. I also thought about getting a milk snake, but they are kind of like corns and i'd like something a little different.

[snakekid6996]

Hogg Island boa!!! This is your new snake!
WOW! I just looked up a picture of them and they were BEAUTIFUL! I love it :). Could you give me any information on them?? Like size, humidity, esc..

[alessia55]

yes! a Hogg would also be awesome :D that's another of my dream snakes :rolleyes:

[BarelyBreathing]

Size: 4-7 feet (females are larger than males)
Humidity: 60%
Temperatures: Hot spot-95f, cool end-75f

[theapexgerman]

Why not get a dumeril boa there really good lookers there an lapsnake but can move at times to

[krystle]

I can't agree more brbs are amazing pets :D Brazilian Rainbow Boas are amazing snakes! I have a beautiful male, who is close to 6 feet, and he is my gentle "giant". Babies can be nippy, and you need to keep their humidity higher than most other species, but they are fantastic eaters and their coloring is amazing :)

[CDN_Blood]

Rainbow Boas are great first snakes, but don't limit yourself to Brazilians. Columbians can be really stunning, too. I give them a 9 out of 10

Royal Pythons are hard to go wrong with as a first snake also - so full of personality and curiosity. I give them a 9 out of 10.

I'd have to say that out of all the snakes I've kept over the years, the most fun I've had with something different that would make an excellent first snake is my Spotted Python. They start-off small, so you have to be prepared for that, but man-o-man, what personality! They've got all the characteristics of a much larger snake (particularly a Scrub Python) without any of the hassle of keeping a giant. Fascinating to watch, very-very social, extremely curious, totally casual and they make me laugh every time they look at me head-on 'cause they look cross-eyed with those big googlie orange eyes. I give them a 10 out of 10.

Royal Python
http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb347/CDN_Blood/Royals/Tanner/file.jpg


Adult Paraguayan Rainbow Boa w/juvenile Columbian Rainbow Boa
http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb347/CDN_Blood/Rainbows/file-5.jpg


Spotted Python
http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb347/CDN_Blood/Antaresia/Wiley/file-7.jpg

[exwizard]

Hello everyone :). I have been saving up for a new snake. I was planning on getting a Brizilian rainbow boa, but since I've joined ssnakess I've learened there are a lot more species of snakes kept as pets than I though. I'm still planning on getting a BRB, but I want to hear about some other snakes you all have kept. What is your favorite snake you have ever owned?? I want to keep an open mind and see if I can find any other snakes I like more. Thanks. :)

BRBs do make great pet snakes and you are right there are other species out there that make wonderful pets as well, my favorite of which is the Dumeril's Boas. On this point, I am in agreemwnt with the German Teddy Bear...

Why not get a dumeril boa there really good lookers there an lapsnake but can move at times to

They are very docile, easy to take care of, have a great pattern and are great eaters. You couldnt ask for any better traits in a snake.

In addition to these choices theres Macklot's Pythons and Carpet Pythons. Their temperments are very similar. Both are somewhat bitey as babies, both are long and slender, both are active and curious, both tame down very nicely as they mature making them quite fun and both have unique patterns that make them each very pretty. As far as the feeding drive is concerned Macklot's are the quickest and most ferocious of any snakes I have ever had but Carpets feed nicely as well.

Of course the easiest of them all to take care of are Corn snakes. You dont need much heat at all with them and the humidity requirements are not as critical either. They are also great eaters, they're very inexpensive and the variety of morphs is unmatched even by Balls.

Just a few things to think about but if I had to choose one, Id go with a Dum.

[marvelfreak]

I thought about that, but like you said they are kind of lap snakes. I've held mulitple ball pythons and they just kind of sit there. I don't want anything too crazy, but I'd like it if they moved a little bit more. I also thought about getting a milk snake, but they are kind of like corns and i'd like something a little different.
Carpet Python would be perfect then. They are very curious snakes so when you get them out they are always on the go checking things out. As soon as i walk into the snake room i always at least 4 of my 5 Carpets at there cage doors wanting out. I recommend Carpets.
BRB mine is a very active snake when out of his cage. Like my Carpets he want to check out everything. In his cage i hardly see him unless it's early morning or late at night. I recommend all Rainbows.
Dumeril Boa mine is really active out of is cage and semi active in it. They get to be between 5 to 7 feet and are really sweet nice. Like my Rainbow he loves to burrow. I recommend Dumeril and RTB.

Blood Pythons my male are very lazy and temperamental. My females are a little more active and much mellower and easy to handle than the males. I don't recommend Bloods for beginners.
Yellow Anaconda mine is very active in and out of the cage, but is unpredictable. He can go form being friendly to totally insane in a heartbeat. I don't recommend Anacondas to any one without at least 4 to 5 years experience working with medium to large size Boas or Pythons.

[exwizard]

Heres some sample pics of all 5 species I have. All my snakes are pets and they are all very handleable. Any choice would work. :)

[CDN_Blood]

I'm really surprised how many people are recommending large things as first snakes. That usually ends in some partially grown animal looking for a new home in very little time. My suggestion would be to start with something that doesn't get large.

If that goes well for you and you feel like you can handle something larger after a couple of years, then consider something larger, but starting with something that gets large usually ends poorly because new keepers simply aren't usually prepared for such responsibility - it can be a little overwhelming, so best to start small and nail down those keeping practices before moving to something more demanding.

Honestly, people...c'mon, lol.

[Gungirl]

I'm really surprised how many people are recommending large things as first snakes. That usually ends in some partially grown animal looking for a new home in very little time. My suggestion would be to start with something that doesn't get large.

If that goes well for you and you feel like you can handle something larger after a couple of years, then consider something larger, but starting with something that gets large usually ends poorly because new keepers simply aren't usually prepared for such responsibility - it can be a little overwhelming, so best to start small and nail down those keeping practices before moving to something more demanding.

Honestly, people...c'mon, lol.



The OP already stated that they do have a corn and wanted something larger though... I normally suggest starting with corns or royals but seeing as they want a larger more active snake then I agree with some of the recommendations made.

[CK SandBoas]

Here's a few pics of a couple of my snakes, one is my male BRB, and i also recommend Kenyan Sand Boas as well, though they are a tad bit smaller than a BRB:D

[alessia55]

"a tad", lol Chris :rolleyes: :p

I still say BRB, dumeril, or Ball python is the way to go :D

[Ridge Runner_20]

Hogg Island boa!!! This is your new snake!


GREAT call!! My little Hog Island girl is awesome! VERY good temperment, great feeder, and really a pleasure to keep. I also love their ability to change color phases depending upon time of day. Very cool! And like BarelyBreathing said, males top out at about 5'-5.5', females about 6'-6.5'. Find a reputable breeder and make sure you're getting a PURE Hog Island, and you're good to go! :)

RR_20 (Mike)

[Skumbo]

BRB's are great!

My two favorite snakes (my third is blood pythons but I'm waiting a bit, i'd rather have more experience before jumping into one of those) would be black milk snakes and BRB's.

BMS's are super calm, easy to care for (adults don't even need heat, just high 60's at night, low-mid 70's during the day, which is normal "room temp" in most houses!

As for BRB's theyre a tiny bit harder to care for, need more humidity, a humid hide, etc. nothing hard if you dont do the research. They're also a bit nippier at first. My BMS smelled my nose (his tongue flicked me it tickled really bad and was adorable lol!) and then climbed on my and was like yay you're warm when i got him, while my BRB tried to bite my face, lol!

That said, individuals will vary, but if you want a BRB i recommend David from rainbowsrus, hes awesome!

Doris (My brb, dur)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/Novocane/bhbNoflash.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/Novocane/Nom.jpg

and Genghis, my BMS:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/Novocane/pets/3cf5b57d.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/Novocane/pets/genghis6.jpg
(He'll be huge and solid black eventually lol, they're the biggest milk snake by a good margin)

[snakekid6996]

Size: 4-7 feet (females are larger than males)
Humidity: 60%
Temperatures: Hot spot-95f, cool end-75f

Thank you :) you might have just found my new snake. How much do they cost and do you know how I could order one in?? Any websites you have used and trust??

[snakekid6996]

BRB's are great!

My two favorite snakes (my third is blood pythons but I'm waiting a bit, i'd rather have more experience before jumping into one of those) would be black milk snakes and BRB's.

BMS's are super calm, easy to care for (adults don't even need heat, just high 60's at night, low-mid 70's during the day, which is normal "room temp" in most houses!

As for BRB's theyre a tiny bit harder to care for, need more humidity, a humid hide, etc. nothing hard if you dont do the research. They're also a bit nippier at first. My BMS smelled my nose (his tongue flicked me it tickled really bad and was adorable lol!) and then climbed on my and was like yay you're warm when i got him, while my BRB tried to bite my face, lol!

That said, individuals will vary, but if you want a BRB i recommend David from rainbowsrus, hes awesome!

Doris (My brb, dur)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245//bhbNoflash.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/Novocane/Nom.jpg

and Genghis, my BMS:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/Novocane/pets/3cf5b57d.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/Novocane/pets/genghis6.jpg
(He'll be huge and solid black eventually lol, they're the biggest milk snake by a good margin)
I love your BRB :) beautiful

[Ridge Runner_20]

Thank you :) you might have just found my new snake. How much do they cost and do you know how I could order one in?? Any websites you have used and trust??

You should be able to find a very nice Hog Island for about $100-$150, but shipping will probably be extra unless you can find a local breeder. I would check out Rio Bravo Reptiles and Cutting Edge Herps, although as much as I tried, I had NO response whatsoever from the latter. But Gus Rentfro (Rio Bravo) and Vin Russo (Cutting Edge) are at the top of the heap for Hog Island breeding, so their animals will be unquestionably pure. You might also check out various internet classified sites and do some research on breeders with animals for sale. That's how I found my Hog Island, and as luck would have it, the breeder was just 2 hours from my home. Anyway, best of luck, and I KNOW you will enjoy a Hog Island. GREAT boas!

RR_20 (Mike)

[knox]

The Black Milk has overtaken the Okeetee Corn as my favorite snake.

They are kept at 74 - 76 degrees.
They get up to 6 feet or more.
They change from tri colors to shiny black.
They are docile.
They are GREAT eaters!

[snakekid6996]

You should be able to find a very nice Hog Island for about $100-$150, but shipping will probably be extra unless you can find a local breeder. I would check out Rio Bravo Reptiles and Cutting Edge Herps, although as much as I tried, I had NO response whatsoever from the latter. But Gus Rentfro (Rio Bravo) and Vin Russo (Cutting Edge) are at the top of the heap for Hog Island breeding, so their animals will be unquestionably pure. You might also check out various internet classified sites and do some research on breeders with animals for sale. That's how I found my Hog Island, and as luck would have it, the breeder was just 2 hours from my home. Anyway, best of luck, and I KNOW you will enjoy a Hog Island. GREAT boas!

RR_20 (Mike)
Thank yu very much :) and have you herd of floridaherps?? I've read a few reviews on them and everyone either says they are great or terrible so idk if I should buy anything from them.

[KORBIN5895]

Where are you located?

[snakekid6996]

Where are you located?

I live in Indiana.

[MoreliAddict]

Carpet Python! Here's my sell:

Carpets come in a ton of patterns and colors AND sizes, they're hardy and flexible when it comes to temps and humidity, voracious eaters, long enough to be impressive but thin and light enough to stay easily manageable by one person, semi arboreal which means they like to climb and make great display snakes, active, and you can handle them. :)

[exwizard]

^^^^what he said^^^^

[UwabamiReptiles]

I agree with MoreliAddict as well, nothing beats a carpet.

[youngster]

Me three, my carpet cage is right next to my desk area so I can watch him all day and it's super cool to watch the little guy zoom around his enclosure :D

[Ridge Runner_20]

Thank yu very much :) and have you herd of floridaherps?? I've read a few reviews on them and everyone either says they are great or terrible so idk if I should buy anything from them.

I don't know anything about Floridaherps, but I would strongly recommend getting an email to Gus Rentfro at Rio Bravo. If he doesn't have what you're looking for, I'm sure he'll know someone who does. Good luck, and let us know what you decide.

RR_20 (Mike)

[BarelyBreathing]

Florida Herps is a very deceitful company. I'd avoid them like the plague.

[red ink]

Spotted python....

I love my little spotted python.

[JustBitten]

I vote ball python as a first snake. Some just sit there, but the ones my brother and I have don't. Mine actually loves to climb and he never sits still when he's out of his viv. Not what you'd call fast, but really curious. Kinda bulletproof for care as well if you cover the basics. Maybe go visit a breeder or an expo and see if you can find one that is more active?

[alessia55]

Maybe go visit a breeder or an expo and see if you can find one that is more active?

Going to an expo is a good resource if you're trying to figure out what kind of snake you'd like. It'll expose you to all sorts of species, and you'll get to talk to lots of breeders in the process. HOWEVER, an active ball python at an expo doesn't mean he'll be active at home. Expos are stressful situations for any snake, and often they will act differently at expos than they would in a stable environment. Just something to keep in mind ;)

[snakekid6996]

Thanks for the help everyone :) I'm debating between quite a few different snakes like a BRB, hog island boa, centeral amarican boa, and I've also always kinda wanted a milk snake, but they are kinda tiny compared to the other stuff I'm looking at. I really like the hog, but I just found the centeral amarican boa and it's a lot cheaper. I don't have much info on them though. Can anyone help me out??

[Trollbie]

Thanks for the help everyone :) I'm debating between quite a few different snakes like a BRB, hog island boa, centeral amarican boa, and I've also always kinda wanted a milk snake, but they are kinda tiny compared to the other stuff I'm looking at. I really like the hog, but I just found the centeral amarican boa and it's a lot cheaper. I don't have much info on them though. Can anyone help me out??

Get ALL the snakes! :D

[snakekid6996]

Get ALL the snakes! :D

I would if I could :p, but I'm only allowed to get two :(

[Trollbie]

I would if I could :p, but I'm only allowed to get two :(

Lucky that you can have any! My dad has a snake phobia and my mom is not thrilled by pet reptiles haha. I probably almost gave my dad a heart attack when I showed him my snakie over Skype :D

[snakekid6996]

Lucky that you can have any! My dad has a snake phobia and my mom is not thrilled by pet reptiles haha. I probably almost gave my dad a heart attack when I showed him my snakie over Skype :D

Haha yea I'm not allowed to get any at my dads house, because my step mom hates them. I got a baby corn for my 6th birthday at my moms and we've had him the last 8 years so she is use to him. She decided she would let me get one more :).

[Trollbie]

Haha yea I'm not allowed to get any at my dads house, because my step mom hates them. I got a baby corn for my 6th birthday at my moms and we've had him the last 8 years so she is use to him. She decided she would let me get one more :).


Weee! I already gave my mom an ultimatum that if she doesn't allow my snake into her house, I'm never coming over haha. I can't wait to get her to hold Penelope :D My step dad is chill about it so maybe he'll help me lol

My dad's girlfriend keeps threatening my dad that she's gonna have me bring Penelope over when he's being a pain in the butt lol

[snakekid6996]

Weee! I already gave my mom an ultimatum that if she doesn't allow my snake into her house, I'm never coming over haha. I can't wait to get her to hold Penelope :D My step dad is chill about it so maybe he'll help me lol

My dad's girlfriend keeps threatening my dad that she's gonna have me bring Penelope over when he's being a pain in the butt lol

I wish I could hold Penelope :( I love milkshakes.

[Trollbie]

I wish I could hold Penelope :( I love milkshakes.

I wish I could hold her too! I'm having separation anxiety and I'm only like 5 mi away :wacky:

[snakekid6996]

I wish I could hold her too! I'm having separation anxiety and I'm only like 5 mi away :wacky:

Haha lucky for me my snake is right in front of me in his cage :).

[Trollbie]

Haha lucky for me my snake is right in front of me in his cage :).

I hate finals...

[KORBIN5895]

I wish I could hold Penelope :( I love milkshakes.

You name your milkshakes?????

[alessia55]

I wish I could hold Penelope :( I love milkshakes.

hahaha me too!!!! :laugh:

[KORBIN5895]

hahaha me too!!!! :laugh:

Okay. You're both weird...... now get to typing!

[snakekid6996]

Of coarse I name them ;p there names are shiquiui and bonequa <3

[Ridge Runner_20]

By Central American boa, I assume you're talking about a mainland BCI? They are fine snakes, typically docile, great feeders and make excellent pets, but keep in mind that even with a male, you could still be looking at the possibility of an 8' critter. That's the main reason I chose the Hog Island; they tend to be considerably smaller. Yes, the Hogs will typically run upwards of $50-$100 more than a mainland BCI, but it just depends on your specific criteria for a "large" snake. I had a Peruvian Pucallpa BCC when I was your age, and he was a terrific pet, but he was also upwards of 8' in length and 20lbs. by the time he was fully grown. So yeah, a BCI would be a great choice, just be certain you're ready for a long term committment to a pretty big snake. :D Good luck!

RR_20 (Mike)

[KORBIN5895]

Idk Mike. Most bci are small. An eight foot female is considered a good size snake for a bci.

[JustBitten]

Going to an expo is a good resource if you're trying to figure out what kind of snake you'd like. It'll expose you to all sorts of species, and you'll get to talk to lots of breeders in the process. HOWEVER, an active ball python at an expo doesn't mean he'll be active at home. Expos are stressful situations for any snake, and often they will act differently at expos than they would in a stable environment. Just something to keep in mind ;)

Very true. :yes: But it might give him an idea about the range of behaviours with balls. The point I was trying, and maybe failing, to make was that there does seem to be a range and they don't all sit still. Talking with the breeders would likely be very helpful to determine their experiences with individual animals.

[Gauxgaux]

In my experience after owning a ball python, a red tail boa, and a garter snake, corn snakes are the easiest most adaptable and friendliest snakes you could get. They're perfect for beginners. I just got a baby from petco and she's a doll.

However, if you're looking for a badass snake with an attitude problem who is smart as hell and will eat anything and as often as thrice a week, look into black racers. I have two. The 5 foot female runs my zoo. The 3 foot male is a scaredy cat who has bitten me twice and still doesn't trust me. If you can tame a black racer, you can tame a tiger.