View Full Version : Hello :)
Splashstorm
08-16-12, 01:06 AM
I have never owned a pet snake before, and quite honestly, I had an extreme fear of snakes before I decided I was going to get one to get over my fear! :D Since then, I have been exposing myself to snake pictures, videos, and articles, and so now I no longer fear them :p I have joined these forums to get even more information on them. I can't wait to get my first live snake.
alessia55
08-16-12, 06:05 AM
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Rogue628
08-16-12, 06:55 AM
Welcome to the forum! I was just like you many years ago. I purchased a snake in order to get over my fear of them (did the same thing with a tarantula lol). Since then, I have fell in love with these animals. :) I still remember how 'scared' I was the first time I held one lol.
Kudos to you for trying to face a fear. There's not many people who do this. Instead, they listen to 'horror' and well over exaggerated stories and myths about them. In my own experience, they're nothing like what I thought they'd be at all.
And education is the key! So do your research, talk to others and pick their brains. There are many experienced keepers here with all kinds of snakes. There are many good starter snakes, depending upon your level of comfort and confidence. You'll find that, for the most part, they're easy animals to keep and can be very rewarding. :)
Wildside
08-16-12, 07:29 AM
You will need to start with something small. For you I think I'd suggest a Cornsnake.
UwabamiReptiles
08-16-12, 09:59 AM
Welcome to the forum!
infernalis
08-16-12, 10:02 AM
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Welcome! That is so great that you are facing your fear, and I promise it will work out well for you :) For a first snake I recommend a Corn snake or of course, a Ball Python. Corns are more active and sometimes can be a bit flighty when they are young but are great eaters and are relatively cheaper to buy even for some really awesome "paint jobs". Ball Pythons are more "lap" snakes since they generally just like to hang out but that is not always the case, as some are very social and curious which is never a bad thing :) Don't be afraid to ask questions, we are a great group here.
snake man12
08-16-12, 11:16 AM
Welcome to the forum!!
exwizard
08-16-12, 11:29 AM
You made my day with this post. I second the kudos as well as the Corn recommendation. You will find snakes to be not only rewarding but soothing as well.
Welcome to the forum. May you find your time here pleasurable as well as educational.
Splashstorm
08-16-12, 11:29 PM
Thanks everyone ^_^ I was thinking of a Corn for a while, but I'm deciding on a Dumerils boa instead, as I heard they don't get too-too big and are also great beginner snakes! c:
Rogue628
08-17-12, 01:02 AM
What research have you done about them and how did you come to this decision? Just curious... :)
Dumerils can make a good first snake. Their husbandry requirements are easy to maintain, they're good eaters, docile, and if you get a hatchling (which will be suggested by everyone if you decide to go this route), you will grow in experience as it grows, so by the time they get a nice size, you'll have grown with it and used to it. They're pretty slow growers so it's not like it's going to grow quicker than you should be comfortable with.
Splashstorm
08-17-12, 06:47 PM
Well, at first I looked up "best beginner snake" and found the Corn snake. I absolutely did not want a snake that would be any harder than "THE" beginner one XD Lol! After a while, as my fears began ebbing away, I realized a Corn snake was actually quite small despite being able to grow up to 5 ft (which was HUGE for me) and I couldn't figure out why other snakes that were 5 ft looked so much bigger. It hit me that they were constrictors and corns were rat snakes. I never got what the difference meant until then. When I realized that, I realized (now that my fears were pretty much all gone) that I could cope with a larger snake, and since the Dumerils happened to be a docile large snake (but not too big), I figured that was the perfect one for me :)
I wanted to get an adult Corn, but once I saw the size of those Dumerils, I knew I HAD to get one as a baby xD !! I would not feel comfortable with a snake that large lunging for it's food O_O That would startle me and I'd get a heart attack even if I was ready. I also figured that since growing was such a gradual process, I'd be able to adapt and bond, and by the time my snake was all big, I wouldn't be afraid of it. Perfect plan, hehe *_*
exwizard
08-17-12, 07:00 PM
That's about the best explanation I have heard on what led you to your decision. Dumeril's are easy to take care of, are very docile and also are great eaters. I have 7 of them and they are each unique from each other. It sounds like you have thought this through and I do believe that a snake like this will go a long way toward overcoming your fear of snakes.
Splashstorm
08-18-12, 06:08 AM
Thank you exwizard : ) I do as well.
Wildside
08-18-12, 08:24 AM
Out of shear curiosity? Why have you decided on the Dumeril's versus the Redtail?
Out of shear curiosity? Why have you decided on the Dumeril's versus the Redtail?
You mean Common Boa, no need to confuse new people, set them straight.
To the op, you seem to have a handle on the hobby, now go get your snake.
My recommendation for your first snake would be a Central American Boa.
Wildside
08-18-12, 10:29 AM
You mean Common Boa, no need to confuse new people, set them straight.
To the op, you seem to have a handle on the hobby, now go get your snake.
My recommendation for your first snake would be a Central American Boa.
If I wanted to suggest a common boa I would have :unibrow:
If I wanted to suggest a common boa I would have :unibrow:
I knew you were going to say that!
Why would you sugest a BCC to a rookie keeper? Especially since you suggested a corn snake.
Wildside
08-18-12, 10:33 AM
I knew you were going to say that!
Why would you sugest a BCC to a rookie keeper? Especially since you suggested a corn snake.
How do you know I wasn't suggesting a Suri?
Is that a serious question? I know everything that's how. lol
You're right I jumped to conclusions, sorry for that. I still wouldn't recommend a BCC for a first time snake.
Wildside
08-18-12, 10:44 AM
Is that a serious question? I know everything that's how. lol
You're right I jumped to conclusions, sorry for that. I still wouldn't recommend a BCC for a first time snake.
Me either... I suggested a corn snake :D
In all honesty though I'm wondering why the OP chose Dumeril's over any BCI. Jay you and I both know BCI is a great starter snake and in my honest experience I would recommend them over a Dumeril's to anyone who started out skittish. I only have two reasons which are soley my own though and not supported by scientific evidence or popular opinion.
My reasons a BCI is better to begin with than a Dum are as follows:
1. In my experience, you are more likely to get tagged by a Dum
2. They are a more intimidating looking snake as far as facial features go. If a new keeper hasn't yet learned how to read the body language of a snake then this might confuse them.
As I said those are MY only reasons for not recommending a Dum to start with. I do highly recommend Dum's in general, just not for skittish beginners.
Me either... I suggested a corn snake :D
In all honesty though I'm wondering why the OP chose Dumeril's over any BCI. Jay you and I both know BCI is a great starter snake and in my honest experience I would recommend them over a Dumeril's to anyone who started out skittish. I only have two reasons which are soley my own though and not supported by scientific evidence or popular opinion.
My reasons a BCI is better to begin with than a Dum are as follows:
1. In my experience, you are more likely to get tagged by a Dum
2. They are a more intimidating looking snake as far as facial features go. If a new keeper hasn't yet learned how to read the body language of a snake then this might confuse them.
As I said those are MY only reasons for not recommending a Dum to start with. I do highly recommend Dum's in general, just not for skittish beginners.
Couldn't agree more.
snake man12
08-18-12, 06:27 PM
Me either... I suggested a corn snake :D
In all honesty though I'm wondering why the OP chose Dumeril's over any BCI. Jay you and I both know BCI is a great starter snake and in my honest experience I would recommend them over a Dumeril's to anyone who started out skittish. I only have two reasons which are soley my own though and not supported by scientific evidence or popular opinion.
My reasons a BCI is better to begin with than a Dum are as follows:
1. In my experience, you are more likely to get tagged by a Dum
2. They are a more intimidating looking snake as far as facial features go. If a new keeper hasn't yet learned how to read the body language of a snake then this might confuse them.
As I said those are MY only reasons for not recommending a Dum to start with. I do highly recommend Dum's in general, just not for skittish beginners.
This is not true dums have lower care requirements and are more laid back and lax. My dum has a puppy face!!!:laugh: You are not more likely to get tagged by a dum period. I believe exwizard would agree and he has seven of them!
snake man12
08-18-12, 06:36 PM
Also I have recently read some where that dums are actually a part of the boa constrictor genus now.
This is not true dums have lower care requirements and are more laid back and lax. My dum has a puppy face!!!:laugh: You are not more likely to get tagged by a dum period. I believe exwizard would agree and he has seven of them!
My dum would always try and tag you.
Wildside
08-18-12, 08:06 PM
My dum would always try and tag you.
Mine struck at a fly in the cage the other night. IMO they just aren't reliable enough to be a starter snake for skittish people.
Mine struck at a fly in the cage the other night. IMO they just aren't reliable enough to be a starter snake for skittish people.
Isn't it clear that you are starving your snake? I feel bad for him, he's so hungry he tried to eat a fly.
Now to the op, IMO dum's are much less thrilling to own then a bci.
snake man12
08-18-12, 09:07 PM
That is an opine belief to say they are much more thrilling to own.
Maybe you should handle your dum a little more[has an arrogant smile].
Wildside
08-18-12, 09:12 PM
Isn't it clear that you are starving your snake? I feel bad for him, he's so hungry he tried to eat a fly.
Now to the op, IMO dum's are much less thrilling to own then a bci.
:laugh: It certainly couldn't have been because the fly was pissing him off could it? I need to take a picture of his starvin' *** so the world can see.
That is an opine belief to say they are much more thrilling to own.
Maybe you should handle your dum a little more[has an arrogant smile].
Yes IMO dum's are borring.
Don't ruin another thread with an endless debate my female dum that I disturb just as much as my male tolerates me.
:laugh: It certainly couldn't have been because the fly was pissing him off could it? I need to take a picture of his starvin' *** so the world can see.
A fly cannot puss off a snake, they lack the brain capacity to be pissed. :D
I also wouldn't post a pic, I wouldn't want to see you get slammed for owning a malnourished snake.
snake man12
08-18-12, 09:36 PM
Fine, rant ended. Nice touch with the brain capacity there.
Wildside
08-18-12, 09:37 PM
A fly cannot puss off a snake, they lack the brain capacity to be pissed. :D
I also wouldn't post a pic, I wouldn't want to see you get slammed for owning a malnourished snake.
I am totally doin' it!
Striking at that fly had nothing to do with brain capacity it was purely instinct :p
snake man12
08-18-12, 09:38 PM
I am totally doin' it!
Striking at that fly had nothing to do with brain capacity it was purely instinct :p
Correct.....:p
Well, it depends what his intentions were.
Wildside
08-18-12, 09:45 PM
Well, it depends what his intentions were.
He probably couldn't remember asking the fly to GTFO...
Splashstorm
08-18-12, 11:31 PM
Wow, heated debate about Dums and BCIs? ^_^ Great, now I don't know which to choose. How big do BCIs get? I heard a snake over 8 ft can kill you. O_O I'm 4'11 and stopped growing.
Ivalynfyre
08-18-12, 11:57 PM
A snake smaller than that can kill you, but as long as you use common sense, you should be fine. There are different BCI localities and size would vary between them, but I don't think any of them would exceed six or seven feet too often, though.
Wildside
08-19-12, 08:17 AM
Wow, heated debate about Dums and BCIs? ^_^ Great, now I don't know which to choose. How big do BCIs get? I heard a snake over 8 ft can kill you. O_O I'm 4'11 and stopped growing.
Dum's can get just as big as BCI's
exwizard
08-19-12, 09:03 AM
Me either... I suggested a corn snake
In all honesty though I'm wondering why the OP chose Dumeril's over any BCI. Jay you and I both know BCI is a great starter snake and in my honest experience I would recommend them over a Dumeril's to anyone who started out skittish. I only have two reasons which are soley my own though and not supported by scientific evidence or popular opinion.
My reasons a BCI is better to begin with than a Dum are as follows:
1. In my experience, you are more likely to get tagged by a Dum
While a BCI is very docile by nature, so are Dums. I see no difference in their temperament and the first 5 snakes Ive ever had were Dums.
2. They are a more intimidating looking snake as far as facial features go. If a new keeper hasn't yet learned how to read the body language of a snake then this might confuse them.
I also have not found their facial features to be intimidating either, even back in the early days of keeping snakes.
As I said those are MY only reasons for not recommending a Dum to start with. I do highly recommend Dum's in general, just not for skittish beginners.
I hate to disagree with you on this Wildside because from what Ive seen in your previous posts, I like you and I like what what you had to say there but in this case, I dont think Splashsorm's going to have a problem with Dums especially if said Dum is acquired as a baby.
snake man12
08-19-12, 09:55 AM
Dum's can get just as big as BCI's
Although they can it is unlikely and even if said size is reached it will take a while longer to get to that size as dums have a slower metabolism.:)
Male Central American average size for a male is 5-7.
This is an opinion based argument. You could end up with a timmed or agressive snake no matter what the species.
snake man12
08-19-12, 10:16 AM
I agree with your last statement.
Although central american bci get five to seven there is always a chance of getting a nine foot monster.
But male dums also get to 5 to 7 feet. A nine footer is like unheard of in the dum world even a for a female.
exwizard
08-19-12, 10:17 AM
Although they can it is unlikely and even if said size is reached it will take a while longer to get to that size as dums have a slower metabolism.
I agree with this. The avg size for a male Dum is about 6' max and for a female, its about 7' max. While there are exceptions, and I have one, its very rare.
Wildside
08-19-12, 10:39 AM
I hate to disagree with you on this Wildside because from what Ive seen in your previous posts, I like you and I like what what you had to say there but in this case, I dont think Splashsorm's going to have a problem with Dums especially if said Dum is acquired as a baby.
I would certainly hope disagreeing with me didn't mean you'd changed your opinion about me at all.
Let's be clear if the OP wants a Dum then by all means that's what the OP should get. I'm not trying to argue with anyone on this subject just stating my opinion based on my experience. In all fairness to the stance you guys are so boldly defending, I have much more experience with BCI and my encounters with Dum's haven't been the most pleasant at times, but that's just me. I also tend to give sales pitch as I used to have a shop. Had the OP been a customer of mine I would have steered toward the BCI to ensure maximum satisfaction based on what I know of each animal. Once hooked on that BCI I then would have pushed for a Dum as a second purchase.
Dear OP, If you really want a Dum get one. Either way you go one of these boas is a fine choice for a snake.
exwizard
08-19-12, 10:51 AM
I would certainly hope disagreeing with me didn't mean you'd changed your opinion about me at all....
No worries. Nothings changed. :)
Splashstorm
08-19-12, 07:17 PM
Looking at your posts, I think I will stick to a Dum, mostly because I know they won't get as big as BCIs.
snake man12
08-19-12, 07:19 PM
Good choice!!!
Rogue628
08-19-12, 08:15 PM
I agree with this. The avg size for a male Dum is about 6' max and for a female, its about 7' max. While there are exceptions, and I have one, its very rare.
Black Betty! I <3 her :D
Honestly, both common boa (BCI) and dumerils are good starter animals in my experience. I keep both and if I had to choose between the two, I suggest dumerils. They seem to be hardier animals, their husbandry requirements can be easier for a new keeper as well, although once you got either one's husbandry down, they're both really easy to keep. My dumerils don't seem to be quite as active as my colombian boa outside their enclosures, so in my experience they can be easier for a new keeper to handle. Both have never missed a meal outside shed (although only one of my dumerils have skipped a meal during shed).
It's really your decision and your pet. Pick which one you like best and feel fits your criteria for a pet snake. :)
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