Snake suggestions?

Himerosa · 02-19-14, 02:36 PM

Hi, I really want a snake and my mom said she would let me get one if I could afford it, so I was wondering what snake would be right for me. I took an animal science class for a year and chose a corn snake and a king snake to take care of. We learned how to feed snakes, normal behavior, snake life styles, how to clean their cages, etc. I was looking at Ball Pythons, Rainbow Boas and Green Tree Pythons, however I don't know if I am experienced for these or not. Any suggestions for snakes would be great, I just don't really want a corn snake or a king snake. We also have a rabbit and cats, so huge snakes would be a no-go. Also, average enclosure size for the snake you suggest would be great thanks c:

BIGT FROM F.B. · 02-19-14, 06:59 PM

My opinion: Get something easy to keep like a King, Milk, Corn or rat. Something that doesn't require a lot of heat and/or humidity. Get the hang of it and then the sky's the limit.

Mikoh4792 · 02-19-14, 07:06 PM

kingsnakes and cornsnakes... great beginner snakes and also interesting snakes to keep even as an "advanced" keeper.

Minimum I'd give these guys when full grown is 3ftx2ftx2ft

SSSSnakes · 02-19-14, 07:11 PM

No one can tell you what to get. You should get something that you are really interested in getting. Do some research on different snakes that interest you. Also keep in mind what you can afford to take care of. Most snakes are a long term commitment and getting one should not be taken lightly.

CosmicOwl · 02-19-14, 07:26 PM

If you're not interested in a corn snake, you might want to look into some of the other North American rat snakes. The closely related subspecies of Pantherophis Obsoletus are fairly similar to corn snakes in terms of their care requirements. However, they do get larger and can some times have defensive personalities.

poison123 · 02-19-14, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSSSnakes

No one can tell you what to get. You should get something that you are really interested in getting. Do some research on different snakes that interest you. Also keep in mind what you can afford to take care of. Most snakes are a long term commitment and getting one should not be taken lightly.

Agreed.

If an advanced snake is something you want then do research on it and get the snake.

No need to spend 15+ years with a snake you really don't want.

metalcopper · 02-19-14, 07:40 PM

I think what everyone has said here is good advice. Kings and Corns are great beginners, but if you aren't interested in those, a Ball Python is a good choice. They do have humidity requirements, but have a calm disposition, and don't get too big. Rainbow Boas and Green Tree Pythons are better for an experienced keeper, I would wait until you are more comfortable with keeping easier snakes and providing proper environments and care for them for a while first.

**Aaron_S** · 02-19-14, 07:53 PM

Nobody asked the question of what can you afford since this is entirely on you and not your parents.

SSSSnakes · 02-19-14, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

Nobody asked the question of what can you afford since this is entirely on you and not your parents.

I had asked that question, about keeping in mind what you can afford to take care of.

Teal · 02-19-14, 07:54 PM

I can only echo what others have said (: A ball python is going to be your best choice, of the three you listed. Being unsure of whether or not Brazilian rainbow boas and Green tree pythons are too advanced for you suggests to me that you haven't done a ton of research on any of them... so best to stick with more beginner-friendly snakes. Check out care sheets and pay close attention to the temperature, humidity, and enclosure size requirements for Ball Pythons and see if they fall within a range you feel you are capable of! Good luck (:

Kera · 02-19-14, 08:15 PM

A small breed of Carpet Pythons <3 They're easier to care for than they're made out to be. If you can handle nippiness for a little bit, they'll grow out of it and be super well tempered. Gorgeous as well

Also you can go for ball pythons as others have said. Plus they're cheap! Best of luck~

kwhitlock · 02-19-14, 08:17 PM

As far as cost goes, corns, kings, milks and a normal ball python are going to be the cheapest snakes to pick up. All of which are good beginner snakes! Rainbows can be pricey, and GTP's are probably not a good first choice..but it's up to you ultimately. With a proper enclosure, your going to spend about $100 just with getting the cage, thermostat, thermometers, hides, substrate etc.

Terranaut · 02-19-14, 08:19 PM

What is your budget? In most cases a proper setup costs more than the snake. For most snakes you need a viv, a thermostat, a heat source and some furniture. (Hides water bowl fake plants ect) be sure to buy a great setup first then the snake. Get your advice here and not a petshop. We will walk you through everything. Just listen to our advice and you will enjoy a happy , properly cared for snake.

LiL Zap · 02-19-14, 08:27 PM

Do some research and ask someone who owns the species you are interested in for advice. When I got my first (and only haha) snake, I was like 10 years old. I read countless books, did online research when I could and talked to people who owned snakes.

My recommendation would be a corn snake. They're really easy to take care of and if you know how to properly handle a snake, they are really docile and sweet.

Feel free to PM me if you decide to go with a corn snake. You won't regret it. My girl is 10 years old now and she's a real blessing to own.

CosmicOwl · 02-19-14, 08:33 PM

Not to drift off topic, but you don't have to spend a ton of money of vivs, furniture or hides. A snake doesn't care if it's in an expensive enclosure or a 10 dollar plastic tub from Walmart. Likewise, they don't notice the difference between a 20 dollar hide and a paper towel roll. They just want something to hide under.