First pet snake, ideas?

kholm15 · 07-24-13, 11:49 PM

I'm getting my first pet snake in a few weeks and am having trouble deciding on what to get. I already have experience with reptiles as i currently breed leopard geckos. I already have a 40 gallon breeder setup with 3 inches of aspen and carefresh bedding in it and two hiding spots with a large water dish as well and a heat mat on one side. I would like a snake that i can have around my neck while im at the computer or playing guitar. I have already ruled out ball pythons because of there potential eating problems and corn snakes because most of them don't sit still. I was thinking maybe a rosy boa but im still undecided. any input would be much appreciated

Kettennatter · 07-25-13, 07:12 AM

You will most likely not find a snake that you can safely wear around your neck in a completely hands-free fashion. Smaller snakes may move and drop, and larger snakes (if you can find a very calm individual) cannot be worn safely in that manner.

If a calm snake is your primary requirement I would base the selection on the individual snake. I have a number of corns for example, and their temperaments are all over the place.

ErikBush97 · 07-25-13, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kholm15

I'm getting my first pet snake in a few weeks and am having trouble deciding on what to get. I already have experience with reptiles as i currently breed leopard geckos. I already have a 40 gallon breeder setup with 3 inches of aspen and carefresh bedding in it and two hiding spots with a large water dish as well and a heat mat on one side. I would like a snake that i can have around my neck while im at the computer or playing guitar. I have already ruled out ball pythons because of there potential eating problems and corn snakes because most of them don't sit still. I was thinking maybe a rosy boa but im still undecided. any input would be much appreciated

No snakes can be safely "worn". Remember that they're pets, not a piece of clothing. I think you should reconsider Ball Python's. They are pretty cool pets. And what eating problems are you talking about specifically? They go off food some times, but that's not really a bad thing. Some of them can be picky, but all other snakes can be picky, as well. Hope this helped.

Mikoh4792 · 07-25-13, 07:46 AM

Why would you want to have a snake around your neck anyways? If you took your snake out everyday and hung it around your neck it would stress out the animal.

Quoting another member here: get a feather snake.

**Aaron_S** · 07-25-13, 08:00 AM

You'll have to get a parrot to sit on your shoulder if you want to do all that while holding it.

Snakes don't do that. Rarely do they sit still while out.

For a first snake, corn snake. No other snake to own first.

red ink · 07-25-13, 08:21 AM

Corn snake for the tank as a first snake...

Feather boa for around the neck while playing guitar or on the computer - this species of boa will keep you warm rather than the boa taking warmth from you. It will stay as perfectly still as you do around your neck for hour possibly days.

BryanB · 07-25-13, 11:17 AM

I agree with the corn there constant movement will get you in tune with snakes and the way they move so WHEN not if you go bigger it is more of a second nature.

StudentoReptile · 07-25-13, 11:18 AM

Here's an discussion thread about snakes around the neck - http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/gener...ound-neck.html

In short, as others have mentioned, perhaps a snake is not for you if that is what you want it for. Snakes are not parrots, nor are they accessories.

Terranaut · 07-25-13, 11:36 AM

I agree thay a snake is not for "hanging around the neck"
But! !! If you want a lap snake get a royal. But!!! If you want a snake for the tank you mentioned get a colubrid and not a tropical snake or you will most likely suffer humidity issues.

smy_749 · 07-25-13, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terranaut

I agree thay a snake is not for "hanging around the neck"
But! !! If you want a lap snake get a royal. But!!! If you want a snake for the tank you mentioned get a colubrid and not a tropical snake or you will most likely suffer humidity issues.

Him or the snake? lol

BryanB · 07-26-13, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StudentoReptile

Here's an discussion thread about snakes around the neck - http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/gener...ound-neck.html

. Snakes are not parrots, nor are they accessories.

I work with parrots on a daily basis 90% of them are not shoulder animals either. I have taken huge bites from birds including stitches in the face.