Suggestions for my second snake?

zyxyz · 09-29-16, 10:33 PM

Hey all, there's a reptile expo coming to town in a few weeks and even though I'm not PLANNING on getting another snake, there's a decent chance I will end up doing just that...

There's a couple of snakes in particular that I really like and will keep an eye out for (BRB and Woma Python) but I'm going to be looking at a LOT of different snakes, does anybody have any suggestions for specific species to look for?

My only snake right now is a Kenyan sand boa, and one of the things I like about Womas is that their care needs are relatively simple, and similar to what a sand boa needs, so I'd be able to get it set up right away. Any other snakes from arid climates might be worth looking at too! My sand boa is a great size, but I'd love to have something bigger too - though I don't want a snake that averages longer than 6 ft.

So, anybody got a snake recommendation?

(Also, as much as I love the puppy-face of a ball python, I hear they often refuse to eat and I've also heard they have REALLY messy poops so I'm not interested in getting one myself any time soon...)

**EL Ziggy** · 09-29-16, 10:48 PM

I highly recommend the pituophis breeds of bull, pine, and gopher snakes. They have simple care requirements, some cool morphs, they eat like pigs, and they don't get too big. My female is a girthy 7 footer and my male is a more slender 6 footer. They're a lot of fun to keep.

**Minkness** · 09-29-16, 11:04 PM

Pits are indeed nice. I kinda fell into my gopher snake (was a rescue) and like her so much I know I'll have more in my future.

Ball pythons aren't that bad actually. All snake poo is equally messy in my opinion. Colubrids go more but with smaller messes, and pythons and boas go less...but when they go...you wonder how a great dane got into theur enclosure....lol

Cons to a ball are that sometimes they are difficult feeders. But since they are hardy, you can usually wait out their hunger strike and they will eat again. Care requirements are pretty easy, and for the most part they are super chillax. Buuuut, to some people that could also be a con.

So, instead of thinking of a specific kind of snake, think about what you want in a snake.

Colors? Neat patterns? Personality? Size? Active? Visible?

My usual go to (especially in the early stages of a collection) are western hognoses. Females get longer and girthier than males and they are almost always visible once they are settled into their homes. Keep them hot and they will never skip a meal!

Most people suggest corns as being bullet proof and chill...well, mine is a bit of an ahole soooo...lol

Kings are nice. I've had a few, none have offered a strike or gone on a hunger strike. Once they get to a young juvie stage they are more visible and calmer, but babies are flighty and hide 99% of the time.

Boas are cool. Laid back, good feeders, easy care, but some can get big (research the breeder and his lines and go with a male. I have a beautiful super hypo male that shouldn't get more than 5.5feet full grown)

Irian jaya carpet pythons....they are FUN...killer feeders, great on display, and while mine has been an angel, some may have attitude. Not for the feint of heart, but a super easy yet rewarding animal in my opinion (and experience).

I could go on all day lol.

So, what are you looking for in a snake? Help us narrow the choices a bit lol.

ThirteenRavens · 09-30-16, 12:40 AM

I haven't noticed "really messy" poop with my bp, his is more solid and easy to scoop much like a cat lol. None of mine have messy poops, I have 7 snakes with 5 different species (1 rubber boa, 1 western hognose, 3 cornsnakes, 1 bp, and 1 sunset boa)

SerpentineDream · 09-30-16, 03:06 AM

Mexican milk snake. Pretty colors, laid back, easy care, moderate size and tends to eat well.

You would probably also like a western hognose. Similar care requirements, small, cute and big on personality.

I have a woma python but have found that her crazy feeding response makes her difficult to handle. She will be happily sitting in my hands and then decide that she's hungry and casually reach over to bite and wrap my hand. When particularly hungry she will strike at the glass as I walk by her cage. Some womas are very tame but from what I hear this is more the exception than the rule. She's beautiful and neat to watch, but more of a display snake than one to be handled.

dannybgoode · 09-30-16, 04:32 AM

A couple of notes on buying at a show. First have a real good look at the snake, handle it and check it has a good body tone and is strong enough to support itself. Also check the mouth for obvious signs of an RI and round the vent for any obvious signs of infection. Don't be afraid to give it a good once over and if the seller is reluctant to let you do this walk away.

Chat to the seller-sure anyone can talk the talk but sometimes a persons passion and love for animals comes across loud and clear and sometimes it's obvious they're just interested in the money. Walk away from anyone you aren't convinced by and don't by something off them just because you feel sorry for the animal.

Don't buy for the sake of buying but by all means buy if you see something you really like but even then take 5 to consider your options. I somehow resisted buying a snake at the show I went to but did reserve one that I'll be picking up in November. This has given me a get out should I have buyers remorse (didn't even have to pay a deposit so a no brainer on this one for me!).

Instead I ended up spending a chunk of money on kit to improve my existing vivs.

Don't forget about quarantine also-vital, particularly for something bought at a show. 6 months in a simple enclosure in a separate room to your other animals. Practice proper hygiene when moving between the quarantine animal and any others also.

All that aside and as for recommendations I can only agree with mink on the IJ carpet. Mine is brilliant also, handles great, eats like a machine and is stunning to look at. Love him to bits. I also have a soft spot for boas.

Something a bit unusual would be a Macklot's python (Liasis mackloti) - similar in care to a carpet-people think them a bit dull but the iridescence on them is extraordinary.

Good luck and of course post photos if you do get something.

dave himself · 09-30-16, 04:59 AM

I would suggest a corn snake while it's true some do a an attitude problem this is very rare

most are very calm. They're very easy to care for and they come in more colours than Skittles

zyxyz · 10-01-16, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minkness

So, what are you looking for in a snake? Help us narrow the choices a bit lol.

Hmmm, I usually like snakes with higher-contrast patterns, with relatively bright and generally warm colors. I'd hope to get one that tolerates handling well, as I love to hold them when I can! To that end, it's not terribly important to me if they're generally visible in the enclosure. My sand boa Shai is rarely above her substrate but I get to see all of her beautiful chubby self whenever I bring her out for a bit. ^ - ^

**Minkness** · 10-01-16, 10:06 PM

Hmmm.....

Irian Jaya carpet have a noce contrast while still looking pretty natural and stay a very manageable size.

But then there are some really nice colubrids out there as well. Some kings and milks for some pretty POP colors. Though gophers and bulls are pretty nice as well.

I suggest looking at faunaclassifieds and just browse a bit to see if there is anything that catches your eye. =)

Captain837 · 10-02-16, 02:11 PM

Well you could not be on further ends of the spectrum as far as husbandry needs between a woma and a BRB. Both beautiful in their own right but they both have vastly different needs.

zyxyz · 10-02-16, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain837

Well you could not be on further ends of the spectrum as far as husbandry needs between a woma and a BRB. Both beautiful in their own right but they both have vastly different needs.

Oh, I know. But I love both of them so, so much! They really are some of my absolute favorite snakes. I'm sure I'll have both eventually, but, (of course), not until I can properly provide for both of them. ^ - ^

macandchz · 10-03-16, 11:57 AM

when you go to the show be sure you look at every vendor before you buy. the price variations for the same snake is very wide. examine what you are buying very carefully. as for pythons, mine is a picky eater but i'm learning to be patient. as for pooping, i can't believe how clean he is. no problem cleaning it up. he never returns to the place he pooped until i clean it so there's no smearing. saw a real interesting snake at a show yesterday called a highway. i think it's a python, it looks like a road with white spaced lines on it . i never saw one before.

Captain837 · 10-03-16, 01:57 PM

I do not know much about the Brazilian rainbow boas, but I can tell you are womas have been a lot of fun. They are great feeders, they do not require much humidity, and even as babies they're easy to handle. The only issue we have had is one of our females has a very strong feeding response and has to be removed from her cage with a hook because she bites and wraps the first thing she sees. Once you get her out of her cage she's pleasant to handle and not defensive at all. They are the only snakes I have ever seen that will eat even when they're in blue. They are also diurnal and very active so you will see them out and about during the day. If they see movement in the room they come out to see what it is. I can honestly say I'm surprised they're not more common in the pet trade as they are so easy to take care of and have such an easy-going disposition.