Researching a first snake

makinguscrazie · 03-08-06, 07:08 PM

In our home we have many "pets". I know that it continues to be discussed if a snake can even be considered a pet or not. My eldest son who is turning 15 has been begging for a snake since he was 6. We have dogs, cats, parrots, a Iguana, a Bearded dragon but he continues to want a snake. The Iguana is his and he has continued to care and talk to others about her. We got her from the typical person that had her in a small aquarium and on a heat rock with no lighting.
Anyway he wants a snake. I originally did not want to buy him a snake as I couldn't stand the idea of feeding it. However now after two reptile shows and talking to breeders I am considering it somewhat.I don't want anything that is hard to keep (like the Iguana) and nothing that gets huge to eat the dogs:medteeths or cats. I can consider this because I talked to a few people who told me we can feed frozen instead of live food (as long as they will accept it). We have talked to a few people and seem to think that a corn snake may be the best idea and the least aggressive. I am thinking I should find someone in a show or a breeder locally so we can handle it. Can people add some advice on what type of snake they would suggest for a 15 year old RESPONSIBLE kid. Also please suggest what and how we look for one.
THANKS
From a mom that swore that she would never get a snake but have a kid that now wants to be a herpetologist so what is a girl supposed to do?

Reticsrule · 03-08-06, 07:52 PM

well, lets put it this way im 14 (almost 15) and very responsible. i have 2 boas and they are imo, the easiest animals to take care of. im not telling you to get a boa, because they could be a handful for someone with no snake experience, but if you want to research them a little bit you may find that you like them better than say a corn or ball. corns and balls are probably the most common and appropriate first snakes as they stay relatively small and are very easy to care for. it really depends on your (or your son's) personal preference. do you want a slender snake that will be active, or do you want a somewhat girthy snake that will not move very much? if you are looking for a slender snake then you should go with a corn and if you are looking for a girthy snake you should go with a ball.

feeding a snake frozen/thawed for is, believe it or not, actually much safer for the snake. rats can have very sharp claws and teeth which could easily injure your snake. therefore most people recommend that you feed f/t food.

both of the snakes i have mentioned are extremely good first snakes because of their ease of care and docile nature. i would recommend that you buy the snake from a local reptile show where you can handle it and ask the breeder any questions you may have. if you can at all avoid it, i dont recommend buying from pet stores because the snakes are usually not very healthy and are EXTREMELY overpriced. good luck and let us know what you decide to go with

Phoenix · 03-08-06, 07:53 PM

A corn is a good choice. Very easy to care for and a great snake. I suggest you buy the book first, (Kathy Love has a great one that has everything you need to know) and then the snake.

And yes, they usually take 'frozen' prey. I.e. prekilled. You just dethaw in some warm water, dry it off, and offer it with tongs. Much eaiser.

Where are you located?

Good luck and congrats on being a really cool mom! I took me forever to get mine to go with the idea of having a snake.

Dolly · 03-08-06, 09:08 PM

try a corn or a rosy boa
something small.

-okapi- · 03-08-06, 11:50 PM

I would not suggest anything that gets over 6ft total length. Corn snakes are good, so are ball pythons. Sand and rosy boas are cool as well, but they like to hide a little bit more. Even ball pythons will be a little less likely to come out at first. I would think that rat snakes and corn snakes would be a little better because they are more active and less "manly" which sadly is usually the reason most people get snakes. But I would choose the corn snake because of all the different morphs, their size, and their nature. Plus they are usually a little cheaper than ball pythons, but it is all really up to your son.

makinguscrazie · 03-09-06, 12:29 PM

Thanks. He really wants a Hondurian but after the last show he handled a corn and really liked her. I could kick myself for not just giving in and buying her then as she was already full grown and very healthy and nice. We live in Northern Virginia does anyone know of anyone around here?
Thanks again for such great help:medbigsmi

rrrrr · 03-09-06, 12:32 PM

Corns, kings, milks, ball pythons, spotted pythons. All stay small, relatively easy to handle, robust etc. Ball pythons might give you more feeding trouble than the others, and are a bit sensitive to humidity and temps. Other than that, pick something you like. Hondurans are awesome.

Corns kings and milks almost always switch to frozen/thawed. If you buy from a reputable breeder, just buy one that's already started on frozen/thawed food. If the breeder is not so reputable, ask to see if feed before you buy it.