A Step Up

[Bite_Me]

Hi All,
I've had a ball python now for about 8 months or so and and relatively new to the snake world. I'm having a great experience with her so far, she's never bit me or anyone else, a great eater and very social.
I was thinking of getting her a companion so that she is not alone, but wanted something maybe a little larger in the 8' range (more or less). I understand that ball pythons are very gentle snakes and rarely bite, however do you guys know of other snakes with similar temperament that get a little larger?

I was looking into carpet pythons or blood pythons, however can these be in the same tank as my ball? also, are they harder to maintain?

[bigsnakegirl785]

If you're looking for temperament similar to ball pythons, blood pythons are not the way to go. I do not own any, but after reading many posts of experienced owners, I have learned that they are easily frightened and are a handful. Another option is a boa constrictor. Mine has never struck, hissed, or gotten into a defensive pose the entire time I've had him except during feeding time. They have a stronger feeding response than most ball pythons. They can get over 8ft, but most of the time you should be fine if you get a male. From what I've read, carpet pythons tend to be nippy as babies, but become calmer as they get older. They also have a stronger feeding response. There are a few carpets that can get over 8ft though. I am sure there will be other people more helpful than who will chime in, as I don't have much experience, mostly what I've read. Anyways, good luck in finding your next snake! :)

[Toronto1977]

Snakes are solitary creatures and DO NOT require companions. DO NOT keep any other types of snakes with your Royal. Also, I would HIGHLY advise against a Blood Python unless you've had YEARS of experience with snakes of similar dispositions. If you want great information on Bloods, CDN_Blood is your guy.

[Gungirl]

What Allan said.. ^^

[CDN_Blood]

Wow. I can't advise against this enough, but I do recommend doing some research to understand what snakes are all about because I think that component is missing here, unfortunately.

If you absolutely must keep something with your Royal, I would only suggest one snake and that would be another Royal of the same sex, but I want to be clear that I don't recommend keeping snakes together at all.

[KORBIN5895]

I would recommend the biggest king snake you can find...

[CDN_Blood]

I would recommend the biggest king snake you can find...

Oh gawd, lol. There's one in every group, but why does it always have to be you? :P

[KORBIN5895]

Now don't be hating Todd! It's my calling! Besides it would definitely solve the cohabitation problem.

[CK SandBoas]

Snakes are solitary animals, they really do not need companionship. And there are documented cases of Ball Pythons and even Sand Boas eating a smaller sibling or unrelated animal. You do not want to come home, expecting to see two animals, and finding one with a really big lump.

In my opinion, i would eliminate Bloods off your list, they are not even close to being a second snake for someone new to the snake world. I've been involved with snakes for 8 years now, and i know Bloods will never be the right snake for me.

Please take all the advice given here to heart, it is from some truly outstanding keepers. Pay close attention to CDN_Blood's advice, as he would be the one to know about Blood Pythons and their temperaments and quirks..

[Toronto1977]

LOL @ KORBIN that was too funny

[CDN_Blood]

People-people-people...while it's all very flattering, don't make me out to be an authority on Bloods (or other herps). I'm just a guy who chooses to approach the whole reptile thing from a different perspective - one of understanding and compassion, but that doesn't make me the resident expert, it just makes me someone who 'gets' these animals, has the time to participate and enjoys helping intelligent and dedicated people who have a clue, OK? OK! Good talk :D

[Toronto1977]

Todd, you are most definitely the resident expert on Bloods and there's just no way around it ;)

[CDN_Blood]

Btw, you might want to check the legalities of an 8 foot anything in your area. Most of Canada has prohibited the keeping of snakes reaching an adult length of more than 2 metres (6.5 feet) and a lot of places flat out ban pythons or boa of any sort.

[snake man12]

You could get a Common boa or BCC. They can get up to 8 feet if you get a female.