ball, corn, or sand boa?

[sean12wilk]

Hi, I'm currently struggling with which snake to get. It would be my first snake but not my first reptile. I have done plenty of research on all three animals and the sand boa seems to be the cheapest and most low maintence. I have a 10 gallon tank that could house the sand boa for its life or start out the ball or corn. I like the size of the ball pythons, but I've heard about their feeding issues. Corn snakes are very appealing to me because of their cheap color morphs and their size, long but not to thick. I love the sand boas colors and pattern but I want something slightly larger. Any suggestions from owners of these animals?

[Obsidian_Dragon]

Well, what are you looking for in a snake? I wanted something... lively and interesting to watch, for example, but on the smaller and simpler to care for side, so I veered away from ball pythons and even corns in favor of a kingsnake (and now, a garter).

Of just those three, I'd say a corn is a good choice: potentially colorful (which you seem to want), of good size, with relatively easy husbandry and usually without the feeding issues balls have.

[sean12wilk]

I'm looking for something that is relatively easy to care for and is very colorful. But I want something a little more exotic than a corn snake. Size wise, I'm looking for a snake that can live in a 20 gallon tank for its whole life.

[alessia55]

Originally Posted by sean12wilk

I'm looking for something that is relatively easy to care for and is very colorful. But I want something a little more exotic than a corn snake. Size wise, I'm looking for a snake that can live in a 20 gallon tank for its whole life.

Corn can definitely be exotic! Especially with all the amazing morphs out there these days. They are easy to care for, colorful, can live in a 20-gallon tank, and tolerant of handling.

[Mikoh4792]

Originally Posted by alessia55

and tolerant of handling.

I think a corn is really one of the best "pet" snakes. They are bulletproof and do well with handling. Some of these more "exotic" pets are exotic for a reason. They need a bit more gentle and careful husbandry practices.

[Obsidian_Dragon]

Well if you don't want a corn snake, don't list it as an option. :P

Ummm, boas might be your best bet then? I did some research on them before I decided they weren't 'lively' enough for my tastes. Look at rosy boas in addition to sand boas.

I'm still new to the hobby, so I can't think of anything else that is small, easy to care for, or colorful that seems to fit your other criteria. Unless you're willing to consider some of the more interesting garter snakes? I think Red Sided Garters are quite flashy, especially the California Neon ones.

[Mikoh4792]

20 gallons are too small for boas, even the dwarves.

Sean I would forget the 20 gallon and think of getting a proper snake enclosure which can be a commercial snake enclosure made of plastic, a rubbermaid tub, or you can build your own. Glass tanks make poor enclosures for many reptiles.

[nazanova]

IMO id go with a Corn because they are easy to care for/very cheap to run, great feeders, come in LOADS of amazing morphs, don't get too long and are super docile. But you said you want something more "exotic" so maybe a King Snake is the one for you or even a Carpet Python! I'm personally getting a Mexican Black King Snake at some point in the nearish future.... And a Carpet Python in the even nearer future

[sean12wilk]

Thanks guys. I think I'm going with a kenyan sa d boa. I sold my 10 gallon tank and I'm gonna get a plastic tub for hime. If I heat a plastic tub with an undertank heater will it burn or melt the plastic?

[Mikoh4792]

Originally Posted by sean12wilk

Thanks guys. I think I'm going with a kenyan sa d boa. I sold my 10 gallon tank and I'm gonna get a plastic tub for hime. If I heat a plastic tub with an undertank heater will it burn or melt the plastic?

It could if you don't control it with a thermostat. Whatever you decide to house him, all heat sources must be controlled with a thermostat.

[EL Ziggy]

As Mikoh stated all heat sources must be controlled with a thermostat. I think the ultratherm UTH's are the best for plastic tubs because they don't get as hot as most of the others. Good luck with your KSB.
Ultratherm Heat Pads

[SnoopySnake]

Mikoh and El-Ziggy are both spot on. A good, inexpensive thermostat: Amazon.com : Hydrofarm MTPRTC Digital Thermostat For Heat Mats : Plant Germination Heating Mats : Patio, Lawn & Garden

Amazon.com : Hydrofarm MTPRTC Heat Mat Thermostat (Discontinued by Manufacturer) : Plant Germination Heating Mats : Patio, Lawn & Garden

[LiL Zap]

A corn snake! They're really easy to maintain and 99% of the time very friendly!