Want others opinions...

[Ryleewolf]

I have always wanted to have a snake since I was a little girl. (like 5) But I am trying to deside on what one a ball python or a boa constrictor. I love both. I am leaning a little to the python. I am not planing on getting it now. I have Been looking up both but I would like to know a little more from people who have them. Please and Thank you!

[infernalis]

sSnakeSs.com - Rules (http://www.ssnakess.com/index.php?page=rules)

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

[red ink]

G'day and welcome

Don't own either of those species so I'm of no assistance there's plenty on here that do.

[Aaron_S]

I recommend getting whichever one you prefer. Both can make good starter pets but I personally prefer the ball over the boa due to size for a beginner.

[GarterPython]

How much space do you have? How big do you want it to get too? What prey size do you want to feed when they are adults? These are all questions to take into consideration. Other than that its just the one you like best.

[marvelfreak]

Hello and welcome to our zoo.

[Trent]

hi and welcome!

[alessia55]

Welcome! :)
It's great that you're doing your research before getting a snake. That's definitely a good start. Both ball pythons and boa constrictors are good snakes. Let us know if you have any specific questions about either.

[Lankyrob]

Welcome, personally i would say get a Royal (ball) for your first snake as they are pretty docile and dont get so long as (most) boas. Any questions please ask away:)

[Gungirl]

As others have stated both make good first snakes...

[bladeblaster]

both pretty boring snakes TBH. It depends what you are expecting from a snake. They are pretty similar in terms of temprament and behaviour, whether that is what you want from a snake or not is a different matter.

[shaunyboy]

hello and welcome

cheers shaun

[StudentoReptile]

As others have stated, it all depends on what you are looking for.

If you want a relatively small/medium-sized pudgy snake that does nothing 99% of the time, a ball python may be a perfect choice. IMHO, they are one of the most boring pet snakes one could get. The only interesting thing about them is that so many genetic mutations are possible, but this is only if you are into breeding them.

Red-tailed boas get larger, and in my limited experience, can be a little more out-going. But space may be a factor. Adults can be upwards of 7-8 ft.

And like others have mentioned, there are plenty of more choices out there than just ball pythons and red-tail boas. There's carpet pythons, rosy boas, sand boas, Dumerils boas, blood pythons, etc...

[SnakeyJay]

Like others have said, apart from size, viv size and food, it's down to your preference.... Although I've got to say, no snake is boring. Even the ones that you hardly ever see moving around. :D

[Trent]

I,myself find boas are way more outgoing and do not find them similer....or boring for that matter!!

[CDN_Blood]

Snakes are like tattoos - bet ya can't have just one, and the odds are that you'll eventually end up with both, so that might make the decision a little easier. All you need to consider is which you want first :)

[Brently]

I was kinda in the same situation. Have always wanted a snake and finally got to where I could actually have one. I went the boa route. I suggest picking which ever you find most aesthetically pleasing and which ever you be more comfortable with. If you have no plans on having a large selection then you have to be happy with the snake you get. Atleast that is where I am at and those are my 2 cents. Good luck and I hope it all works out for you.

[Ryleewolf]

Ok Two more questions. First is it stilly to give the snake its own room in away. A room that has activity but not a lot when the snake needs rest. Seconed Live mice or frozen/thawed mice? What one is better?

[hellosugaree]

Before you get either, I would suggest finding someone who has a full-grown adult so you can see what you're getting into. Baby snakes are all small and cute, but a lot of people don't realize how big they can get. Some boas can get pretty big. Just something to think about. I hope you find all the info you're looking for on here. Welcome to the forum!

[Suess]

I dont know that I would say ball pythons are boring, just not all that active. My mom finds mine boring because he doesn't move around his tub or eat while she's watching. But with me he's very adventurous, but shy and likes to stay close to me, which is something I love. He's a great pocket snake, he stays in my hood while I do things around the house. I think if you're looking for a /smaller/ snake and something that you can sorta relax with a bit, ball pythons are great. Boas do get big, I had a neighbor with a 12ft albino boa, it was really cool but for a beginner that might be over whelming. It just sorta depends on what you're looking for but I'm sure no matter what you'll end up with you'll love it c:

[StudentoReptile]

both pretty boring snakes TBH.

If you want a relatively small/medium-sized pudgy snake that does nothing 99% of the time, a ball python may be a perfect choice. IMHO, they are one of the most boring pet snakes one could get.

Although I've got to say, no snake is boring.

I dont know that I would say ball pythons are boring, just not all that active.

Hey, he asked for opinions, didn't he? lol :D

All in all, I suppose I can't say too much since my first snake was a ball python. However, since then, I have kept many more interesting and entertaining snake species and I don't plan to ever own another BP after Jasper kicks the bucket.

It just sorta depends on what you're looking for but I'm sure no matter what you'll end up with you'll love it c:

Ditto!

[Ivalynfyre]

Hi, welcome to the forum. :3

Personally I'd go for the ball python as a starter, they're smaller and therefore at least somewhat more manageable. I have no experience with boa constrictors, but activity-wise with ball pythons, they are pretty lazy, but I never find any of my animals 'boring'.
If one of the reasons you are leaning towards the python is because of size, there are dwarf boas, like hogg island, but that's the only one I know for sure.

[bladeblaster]

Hey, he asked for opinions, didn't he? lol :D




LOL I have a BP and as much as I like it a lot it is a very boring snake. Although I enjoy keeping it lot I just accept the 90% of the time all I see is an empty viv.

[StudentoReptile]

LOL I have a BP and as much as I like it a lot it is a very boring snake. Although I enjoy keeping it lot I just accept the 90% of the time all I see is an empty viv.

Finally, we agree on something!

Now is that just your opinion, or a fact, or both? :D

[bladeblaster]

Finally, we agree on something!

Now is that just your opinion, or a fact, or both? :D

well its my opinion that its a boring snake, but its a fact that I enjoy keeping it ;)

[Ivalynfyre]

LOL I have a BP and as much as I like it a lot it is a very boring snake. Although I enjoy keeping it lot I just accept the 90% of the time all I see is an empty viv.

I always see empty cages with my animals during the day, do you ever look at night? My snakes, including Diamond, are always out and about, I hear them knock over stuff in the middle of the night, lol.

[Lankyrob]

I only ever see my Royal at midnight - within ten minutes either side of midnight he comes out of his hide, tours his viv then goes back in the hide :)

[Ivalynfyre]

Diamond generally comes out after I go to bed on weekdays(around 10-11 PM), knocks his cage stuff around, I'm not sure when he goes back to his hide though.
He isn't always a lazy bum when I hold him, not sure if this goes for all BPs, but sometimes he'll 'be like the corn snake' and slither around...

[GarterPython]

I'm suprised no one said a corn snake yet. If you are looking for an outgoing snake that is more fun to hold and does not get as big as some snakes then a corn snake is perfect. They can be a bit nippy at first but after a while they start to calm down a bit. Mine has never tried to bite me but alot of others have said that there corns are a little bit nippy when a baby. It would really help you replied back and told us a little more information so we can help you out a bit.

[infernalis]

Ok Two more questions. First is it stilly to give the snake its own room in away. A room that has activity but not a lot when the snake needs rest. Seconed Live mice or frozen/thawed mice? What one is better?


No it's not "silly" to give a snake a whole room.

However, controlling the climate to match the snakes requirements will be a reall challenge.

Most of us prefer thawed out mice, it's much more ecinomical and dead mice can't fight back and hurt your snake.

[Ivalynfyre]

GarterPython, the original poster said she was most interested in boas and balls.. that's why no one suggested corns. They're great starters though, pretty easy care-wise.

[GarterPython]

I know but usually people give other ideas. I don't really know what they like or if they for sure want one of those two. They said they were considering it if I remember correctly.

[Edmond Y]

I have always wanted to have a snake since I was a little girl. (like 5) But I am trying to deside on what one a ball python or a boa constrictor. I love both. I am leaning a little to the python. I am not planing on getting it now. I have Been looking up both but I would like to know a little more from people who have them. Please and Thank you!

It will depends on how much homework that yo have done with both snakes. Once a while there will be a topic" Help! my ball won't eat", Sometimes ball will drive new snakekeepers nut. On the other hand ball has lot of fun if you are into breeding project because there are so many combinations that you can create. Boa is a trouble snake, if you like how they look but don't like the size, there are many dwarf boas, they have the mean look but don't have that huge size, normally they are good feeders and most of them is easy to convert them to take F/T. I have both and I really enjoy my pair of dwarf boa.

Edmond

[DeesBalls]

I have a rtb and 16 royals... lol what's that tell ya.

Seriously though, my rtb is awesomee. Very active when I have him out curious and not usually always hiding. My royals are all always hid.... except at night of course.

So depending if you want active and lazy that's up to you..

I will say rtb or a boa for that matter, some stay small some do get rather large. But they are better feeders. Some royals will refuse food, refuse f/t, and I notice some royals shed bad too... could just be a coincidence but ya never know. Plus you can get some amazing looking boas for cheaper.

Then again royals have cool Colors too.... lol.

Down side for a boa is they will need bigger room and bigger food eventually...

Just my. 02.

[shaunyboy]

hello and welcome

have you considered a carpet python ?

they come in lots of different,colours,patterns and they're always out on display

easy to keep and a great looking snake:D

cheers shaun

[hellosugaree]

hello and welcome

have you considered a carpet python ?

they come in lots of different,colours,patterns and they're always out on display

easy to keep and a great looking snake:D

cheers shaun

Shhhh... don't give away all the secrets right away to the newbies ;)

[Aaron_S]

I know but usually people give other ideas. I don't really know what they like or if they for sure want one of those two. They said they were considering it if I remember correctly.

I suggest a corn snake ;)

Hands down the best starter snake there is. Nothing beats it.

[Will0W783]

Corns are great starter snakes. I personally don't think ball pythons make good first snakes...they are just too particular. Many are very picky feeders, they don't tolerate lapses in heat and humidity well (and a beginner will almost definitely make a few), and they are very shy. They are usually docile and they are great snakes. My first snake was a ball python, and the only trouble I've had with him was when my apartment was very dry. He was a VERY picky eater for the first two years that I owned him though.

Boas are much more tolerant of humidity issues, they are usually ravenous feeders and they are also usually docile. The only downside of boas is that they get BIG. You might not think a 6-8 foot long snake is that big, but red-tails are heavy-bodied, so they are massive when full-grown.

Another good beginner snake the OP might want to look into is the rosy boa. Rosy boas come in several really nice morphs and localities, are usually affordable ($60-250 depending on morph) and are very hardy little snakes. They do well with moderate humidity, but tolerate lapses well as they are from semi-arid and arid climates, and they are usually easy to feed and house. They stay small (2-3 feet) and are generally quite docile, yet active and curious. I personally think they are an excellent starter boid.

[exwizard]

I'm suprised no one said a corn snake yet. If you are looking for an outgoing snake that is more fun to hold and does not get as big as some snakes then a corn snake is perfect. They can be a bit nippy at first but after a while they start to calm down a bit. Mine has never tried to bite me but alot of others have said that there corns are a little bit nippy when a baby. It would really help you replied back and told us a little more information so we can help you out a bit.

I suggest a corn snake ;)

Hands down the best starter snake there is. Nothing beats it.

I'm with you guys. A Corn is the best starter snake there is.

[StudentoReptile]

I personally don't think ball pythons make good first snakes...they are just too particular. Many are very picky feeders, they don't tolerate lapses in heat and humidity well (and a beginner will almost definitely make a few), and they are very shy.

I kinda used to feel the same way, but now I think a large part of the problem is that new keepers get their baby ball python from the pet store, and are told by the store to set it up in a 10-gal tank with a open-mesh screen-top, too much heat and no thermometer or thermostat, and that it HAS to eat f/t. This could probably be split into a new discussion, but in general, glass tanks were not designed for housing reptiles, especially baby ball pythons (the same could be said for baby monitors, and tortoises as well).

If set up correctly from the get-go, ball pythons do great. It is their typically lazy, secretive demeanor that is unappealing to some.

[stormydawn2012]

It all depends on which one you want really, i myself prefer the small very hyper snakes such as my ribbon snake.
But my brother has had his ball python and she is a beautiful snake and is very well behaved.
Even kids can hold and pet her.
And my aunt owned a boa, had it in a HUGE thick aquarium with locks and latches holding the lid down and one night it got out and ate her neighbors dog :/
Boas just get to big they are good pets but their size can cause issues.
But as everyone said, it comes down t whichever one you truly decide you want in the end :)

[Ryleewolf]

Thanks eveyone. The Ball python was really the only python I knew about. I have been looking more into pythons and i do like the carpet python too I don't want a corn snake. I think when I do get a snake it will be a python what kind still don't know but what evryone is telling me is very helpful...also I am a Girl...lol

[hellosugaree]

Thanks eveyone. The Ball python was really the only python I knew about. I have been looking more into pythons and i do like the carpet python too I don't want a corn snake. I think when I do get a snake it will be a python what kind still don't know but what evryone is telling me is very helpful...also I am a Girl...lol

Good choice. Everyone here will agree that pythons are way better than boas any day :D;):laugh::p:cool:

[Wama]

Welcome and..........MORELIA :)

[Morgan says]

Hey Ryleewolf,

My opinion on it would to look into the royal pythons. Last year around this time was when I bought my first one. He has been amazing for me! Boa's turned me away simply because of the size issue, I knew there was no way I was going to be able to accommodate for them at all. Getting all the information about how to set it up is key though. I made sure I bought the cage and everything before bringing him home with me.
I also have fun with him to, when feeding time comes I will take him with me to the bank really quick, grab some lunch for myself, then go to the pet store and eat my food while he is swallowing his. I have taken him out to wal mart before and let people interact with him. (later at night so there was not tooo many people.) Granted I do not do these things all the time with him. Maybe once every other month to three months, just so he wont get stressed out.
I did find out the hard way that he was a picky eater. I had read they could be but thought little to nothing about it because when I first got him he ate like a champ. With help from everyone on here along with my friend who has been into snakes for 20 plus years they helped me get him eating again when he was ready. But dont let that discourage you.
This has just been my personal experiences with being a new snake owner and what I have gone through the past year.......

[Cam]

I'll admit to skimming a bit of the last page but I noted someone suggested carpets. I considered balls, bloods, superballs, boas, and really resisted the idea of carpets.

I wound up getting a coastal jag and I couldn't be happier. You have some of the size of a boa (only some of it though) with lots of personality, color, and something that even if she reaches 10 feet will not be nearly as powerful as a 10ft boa, making handling her as an adult less of a concern.

Also... friggin everyone has a ball python. Not that it should really matter to you but it mattered to me. Not many carpets in my neck of the woods.

[Morgan says]

Cam those are beautiful snakes!!! ^_^