New Snake

lizlover · 12-14-04, 10:51 PM

Hi i want a snake. My mom doesent want one that gets over 5 ft and I want a python or a boa. I wondered what is a good beginner python or boa and what size cage the boa that is best would need. I would really like one that could fit in either a 20 gallon tank or a 55 gallon tank because the pet store hooks me up

. But if it does need a 55 or a 20 what is a good method of keeping the snake in the cage.

Thanks A Bunch

Alex

HeatherRose · 12-14-04, 11:01 PM

Some pythons and boas that don't get over five feet:

Childrens pythons, ball pythons, spotted pythons, hog island boas, rosy boas and sand boas. There are probably more dwarf boa locales but I'm not too familiar with 'em and can't think of them.

For most snakes, tanks (glass fish aquariums) aren't the best enclosure. They don't hold humidity well among other reasons. Why not try a clear Rubbermaid? They go for 8-10$ at most stores, all you have to do is poke a few holes

Rubbermaid lids also 'click' shut, so your snake will be secure in his/her cage...

Good luck

lizlover · 12-14-04, 11:37 PM

Hi again. I read some and the spotted pythons get too big and they need different heat. Hog Island boas are the same. Also I cannot get a childrens python cuz they are too expensive.

Alex

SerpentLust · 12-15-04, 07:28 AM

Spotted Pythons are really small actually. Mine topped out at 4.5 feet and they're slender. They don't require any more kinds of heat than any other boid. Where are you located and we can see about breeders. Children's and Spotteds are fairly inexpensive. If you want a small python, go with the Anthill, but it's more expensive, WAY more expensive than the Children's and Spotted, yet they're all in the same family.

Jenn

susan · 12-15-04, 07:36 AM

how about a durmil boa

lizlover · 12-15-04, 11:06 AM

Im located in California near Sacramento. I need a snake that can handle hot summer weather and about 40% humidity. Preferrably I want a boa or a python but it will be my first snake so I want one I can take care of and not have to worry about.

vanderkm · 12-15-04, 11:55 AM

Consider rosy boas - lovely little guys that stay small. Reasonable price and for the most part great temperaments.

You may not want to be too quick to rule out colubrids either - something like a variable, durango mountain or san luis potosis kingsnake is a very neat animal at a reasonable price that will stay under about 3 feet, feed very consistently and they have exceptional temperaments.

mary v.

Vengeance · 12-15-04, 12:30 PM

lizlover

Ball pythons stay around 4 - 5 ft on average, 6 ft is above average but not unheard of. Ball pythons do best in rubbermaid cages I find, glass tanks, although much nicer for display don't allways meet all the needs of your animal. As for "not having to worry about it", I don't think that is the right attitude when looking into getting your first snake. There are allot of variables to consider in the cageing of your snake, Fresh water, proper heat gradiants, hummidity levels, cleaning, these are things you are going to have to "worry about". But do your research, get a cage setup in advance and make sure to put the time and effort into the animal that it deserves and I'm sure you will get the enjoyment of keeping a healthy animal back 10 fold.

HeatherRose

I wouldn't suggest not securing a rubbermaid lid, although they do snap shut, the sides do have allot of play and almost any snake would be able to use that play to escape. I find the best method to secure a rubbermaid lid is with S hooks like so...

You drill a hole through the lid and the rubbermaid and then secure it with a S hook to remove any play from the lid, works great.

lizlover · 12-15-04, 12:59 PM

Thanks for the pic. What I meant by not worrying about it is having easy enough care that I dont worry every second of the day lol. But I understand what you mean. What are the dimensions of that cage and where do you have the air holes? How many air holes would be needed?

Thanks So Much Guys

Alex

cnb · 12-15-04, 01:06 PM

Well i think the best all around snake for the novice keeper is the corn snake. They
are docile, easy to feed and will be fine in a 20 gallon tank. Also they can be bought for around 20 dollars for a normal and 30 dollars for a albino.

Princesssss · 12-15-04, 02:09 PM

I would agree with CNB...a corn snake sounds more like something you might want to look at...it may not seem as "cool" to tell people that you have a cornsnake..but there great snakes. There are lots of good books out there on them, they dont get to big and there are so many different colour morphs out there for you to choose from. I think your mom would probably be a little less hesitant after seeing a cute lil baby corn.

Bartman · 12-15-04, 02:11 PM

I agree with the corn snake. When asked what is the best first snake, id forsure go with a cornsnake. Then imo the next step up would be a ball python, boa constrictor (if you can handle the size) and other similar snakes.

The thing with corns is that they are small, slender, 90 percent will be docile with no handling, and eat on command

If you hearts set on another snake, just make sure you know all about it before buying it.

Tim and Julie B · 12-15-04, 02:25 PM

How about a ratsnake there are many awsome N.American species and personally I think they are way cooler then corns. A rosy boa would work well for all the requirements you just said. In California they as well as pretty much anything else should be easy to find. Good luck. TB

lizlover · 12-15-04, 10:51 PM

The reason I ma looking into boas and pythons is I like heavy bodied snakes. I am not a big fan of the thin ones. But for my first snake I might just stick with a corn.

Alex

HeatherRose · 12-15-04, 10:57 PM

Bah! Go with what you like. I stayed away from everyone's ideal 'beginner snakes' and got something I really liked instead. Just do your research is all