I'm getting the itch again - Selecting a new species

[jjhill001]

As some of you know I reentered the hobby a few years ago, I've been very good about making sure that I don't make similar mistakes that I did before I left for the military. Mainly not acquiring so many different animals just because the opportunity presents itself and I happen to have the money or a tank available and without a plan for them.

I've made it 3 years since I bought my pair of Baird's Rat Snakes Ricky and Lucy and I've only had 1 impulse buy. My leopard gecko Debbie who hates me. Of impulse buys, a leopard gecko isn't the worst and considering I've kept them before wasn't really that big of a deal.

But being on the forums you get a chance to see everyone's awesome animals, their stories and experiences. Quite frankly it's been long enough. I'm planning on breeding my Baird's next spring and having moved both of them up in cage size I do have the old grow outs that could be used for new wards.

So I'm going to do what I've seen many people do when they aren't sure what species to get, but with a twist. Not only do I want your suggestions but I'd also like a little bit of information about how you care for them, what kind of enclosure you use, overall personality etc. It doesn't have to be limited to just snakes either.

Some species I've been looking at that I know a few of you guys on the forums keep.

-Dominican Red Mountain Boa
-Northern Pine Snake
-Speckled King Snake
-Russian Rat Snake
-Maybe a monitor lizard?

Anyways I'm really excited to see your responses and hope to learn a lot about the animals you guys are keeping and would potentially recommend.