Hey everyone

windedbison · 11-25-12, 03:19 AM

Hello all, I am new to this forum as well as the reptile world. I have never owned a snake or any other reptile, but I have decided that I want to get a snake. Ever since I was a kid my favorite animal has been the emerald tree boa. I always used to draw them in class and whenever I went to the zoo they would be the first animal I'd go look at. However, after reading about them it seems that they would be a poor choice for my first snake. Thus, I'm pretty sure I'm going to get a ball python as they seem like a good snake for beginners. As I am completely new to the reptile world, any advice you all might have for me with starting out would be greatly appreciated. Thanks everyone!

alessia55 · 11-25-12, 08:07 AM

Welcome to the forum! Please read our sSNAKESs forum rules.

exoticvirus · 11-25-12, 09:01 AM

ball pythons are really good beginner snakes. they're good escape artists too as like most snakes are.

things in mind before getting and/or choosing a snake:

1. is everyone cool having a snake inside your home?
2. what is that snake's temperament?
3. will you be handling the snake often?
4. feeding habits
5. space for your pet
6. is it legal or does it require a special permit in your state

as with everything else, good luck and enjoy you're 1st snake!

Trent · 11-25-12, 09:20 AM

hi and welcome!

nick654377 · 11-25-12, 09:23 AM

ball pythons are great starter snakes. also if you see a carpet python (a baby one) ask to hold it so you know what it feels like to get nipped. /

EmbraceCalamity · 11-25-12, 11:05 AM

The best advice to take to heart is to make sure you do tons of research on the proper care/space requirements for whatever you plan on getting. It's very common for people to get a reptile without realising the full commitment it requires.

And if you plan on getting a ball, it might be worthwhile looking on Craigslist or Fauna Classifieds or eBay classifieds or something. Lots of people get balls and then decide they don't want one, so there are always tons of ones people want to get rid of. And it's nice to get a good home to an animal that doesn't have one.

~Maggot

StudentoReptile · 11-25-12, 11:47 AM

Balls can be easy...and they can be very problematic for new keepers. In my experience, baby ball pythons do not do well in the "typical" glass tank set-up. The new owner brings them home from the pet shop, sticks them in a glass tank, handles them all the time, and wonders why they don't eat. Glass tanks with screen tops don't hold humidity well, which also leads to a BP that doesn't shed well.

Another thing...ball pythons are typically docile, "tame" snakes that tolerate regular handling...but they are also lazy and boring slugs that really don't do much when they're not eating.
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If you want a easy snake that will do great in ANY enclosure, and may be a little more active to watch and observe in their enclosures as well as handle....a ball python might not be the best for you. You may want to look at cornsnakes or kingsnakes, rosy boas, western hognose.

marvelfreak · 11-25-12, 12:03 PM

Hello and welcome!

Donnie · 11-25-12, 01:23 PM

Hello and welcome

Lankyrob · 11-25-12, 01:36 PM

Welcome to the madhouse

windedbison · 11-25-12, 01:54 PM

Thanks for all the responses everyone. I'm going to wait a couple months probably so I can do a lot more research and get all the necessary equipment. And Studento, I'm not 100% on a ball so I will definitely check out kings and corns. I can't get rosy boas because I live in California

StudentoReptile · 11-25-12, 05:31 PM

No prob, those are just a few of many flavors of ice cream to choose from.