Next snake?

[Matt_K]

No one is saying that at all.. Im not sure what would make you/him interperate it that way..

[Andy_G]

My opinion is basically this...don't let your son own another animal until that ball python has no serious health problems for a year. It's fine and dandy that he's now willing to spend the money on it and take care of it properly, but up until now it's been sick and he obviously hasn't been doing everything right with it, therefore it makes NO sense whatsoever to move on to harder animals, all he has been doing is trying to get it healthy, he hasn't kept it healthy for any period of time thus far. Ensure that he can take care of a ball properly before he moves onto harder species such as those you mentioned above. On this forum he has proven to be a blatant liar and an extremely irresponsible individual with higher priorities then his animals, such as paintball for instance, and believe me when I say none of us would be in agreeance with him owning anything else at the moment. I strongly urge you to hold off letting your son get more animals for the time being.

[Linds]

Of course there are docile Short-tailed Pythons and agro Bci... in fact I've worked with many snappy Boa constrictors (most of mine don't hesitate to try and chomp down on me if given the chance ). I have both docile and agro Borneos and let me tell you there is a HUGE difference between them and Bci in terms of handling, whether or not they are docile. Due to their incredible stocky nature, you cannot restrain or handle them the same way without risking injury to the snake. I'm a thousand times more comfortable handling a 12' burm that is trying to bite me than I am a 5' Borneo that is freaking out. Even docile snakes have their bad days as well, and sometimes you may also have to pay special attention to something that the snake may not be comfortable with as well. Borneos behave much like a small child that just starts throwing dead weight in a temper tantrum. Boas tend to hold on to you while Borneos will try to throw themselves right out of their arms. Due to their massive girth to length ratio, they are super strong. My female Borneo literally does backflips in her cage when she is freaking out, Boa are more inclined to simply strike. As I already mentioned, there are many old-time herpers that insist on passing on this type of snake due to their capabilities. Here's a video of how they are capable of reacting.

Originally posted by Jezabel
...but not well tempered!!! She just hate been touched or, even worse, handle!!! Never saw an angry blood or stp before and, even if I'm used with my wlp and atb, she's the most impresive. A good thing she's under 3 ft, I wouln't imagine a 5-6ft one with that attitude. This video is only bout 2 weeks after I got her so I'm sure she will calm down a bit. I never saw a snake jumping before

http://www.hissnherps.ca/alison_temper.html

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/showt...threadid=27846

I have years of experience with all of the animals in question, so I'm not just pulling these statements out my rear or out of a book. When (and if) he is ever ready for another snake, a Boa constrictor would make a better transition to larger boids, or perhaps a Carpet Python. Neither a BRB, Borneo, or Burmese would be a suitable choice for your son. I also agree that he should hold off for a suitable length of time and concentrate on [successfully] maintaining what he already has. He has not demonstrated to us any reasons why he should get another snake, or even have what he already has. Also, don't forget these animals can live well in excess of 20 years (actually BP are even known to be breeding in to their 40's). Do you want to be stuck with these animals when your son decides he would rather play paintball? We are all very concerned for the welfare of the animals, so please do not dismiss our recommendations. Straight from your son's mouth less than one month ago...

Originally posted by VI Reptiles
I will explain why. I have already spend $200 on this snake and im really not up to spending anymore on it as I have a limit I feel I want to spend it on other things...

...Yes, im a bit greedy, but im a kid and what can you expect?

[CHRISANDBOIDS14]

Originally posted by VI Reptiles Snr
Borneo Shor Tailed Boa?

LMAO! Didnt know they were boas....maybe thats cause they are called Pythons!

IMO, you should let your son get deeper into his painballing as he will not be forcing other important beings(animals) to live and suffer under his.....uhh....not exactly care, more like.....torture.

Also, do you or your son have the $$$ to spend if(more a question of when than if, as has already been demonstrated) one of those snakes were to get sick? Do you care if your son is taking the life of one of these animals? He almost had already. Hes oviously not ready for another animal. I know im repeating, but how about making sure he can keep what he currently has healthy before getting anything else.

Also, you seem to be skipping some of the questions asked or the things written/topics brought up. Maybe reading the whole thread and actually taking in the information, as you are doing what your son was doing. IMO, he shouldnt own any animals, and the responsibility you have demonstrated is not very good.

C.

[lostwithin]

Just out of curiosity how long has your son had the ball python, how old is it, and how old is your son.

Devon

[zero&stich]

n/p

[wetlander]

A ball python is a relatively easy snake to take care of. I have been involved with herps for 22 years. I didn't keep any myself for several years, but when I did finally decide that I was ready to invest I started with a Royal (ball) python. After keeping that snake 100% healthy for 2 years, I got a second snake a Common Boa, again a relatively easy snake to care of. I got my third snake a year after that.

If your royal has had health problems, I suggest that you wait a year after the snake is healthy, and if no other problems arise then start to consider a second snake.

With all my experience, I have still been tagged by the boa (very painful by the way) and it is a calm snake. I'm not sure how old your son is but an adult boa is a handful. As an adult, I find she can be difficult to hold and control.

Many of the people on this site have much more experience than I do in keeping snakes, so listen to their opinions. Take your time, research, set up the proper enclosure making sure the temps, humidity and habitat needs are met and stable before getting the snake. Also consider the cost of feeding before selecting a snake.

It sounds like your son wants a larger snake but please consider the responsibility that comes with one of these. Many people like the idea of having a large snake but soon realize that handling these can be difficult, so they handle them less then they get more aggressive. This continues until the owner becomes bored or finds that keeping large snakes is not what they expected. Then they dump them, or let the snake suffer due to inproper care.

A large python is way beyond a young beginners abilities and if everyone else on this site says that the other choices you have posted require very specialized conditions I suggest you look around for other options.

[Skinnychondro]

From all the posts I have read from this kid, he has demonstrated he shouldn't even have any animals. He seems indecisive when it comes to what he wants. Maybe he's not yet mature enough to really know the consequences of his actions.
If he had been genuine from the beginning and really wanted to learn, all this could have been avoided. The thought of him wanting a large boid and you as the parent agreeing after what has been said in these forums;..it makes me cringe. Sometimes I wonder if it really is the parents posting or just the kid.
Listen, I'm all for kids keeping reptiles, but sometimes the parent has to draw the line. This is what's going to happen, he'll get his short tail or burm. Then the poor little bp will get neglected and he'll get rid of him. Then he'll get sick of his large boid or python, and he will post that he wants whatever the next flavour of the month is. I think the kid is becoming obsessed with the rush you get from purchasing that next reptile. Might just be me, but that's what it looks like.
If you want to gain back some respect you should stick with your bp and the others herps you already have.

Cheers
Jamie