Hello from Kansas

KansasVenom · 09-02-12, 10:12 PM

Hey everyone, I'm Sam from Kansas. I'm not new to reptiles, having owned one bearded dragon that very suddenly passed away this summer. While I loved my beardie (Jessica/Jess) more than anything else in the world, I didn't really feel that a lizard was my perfect fit for a herp.

I've always loved reptiles and amphibians and I am looking into getting a snake. A couple years before I got my beardie, I looked into every single reptile and amphibian on this earth that would be available for a beginner reptile. My parents were never a huge fan of reptiles, so that further made my task of owning a reptile ever so more difficult. I feel like I'm rambling and making a fool of myself so I want to ask a few questions.

1. I know everyone says that corn snakes/ball pythons/milk snakes are the best starter snakes. I feel that these snakes are rather generic (sorry if I offended anyone), and I don't like generic. Are there any other snakes that make good starters?

2. Are FWC's, boiga dendrophila, or western hognose snakes good starters? I doubt the first two, but have heard good things about the third.

3. I also have looked into Jungle Carpet Pythons, and I have heard a LOT of different opinions on their experience level needed for successful care. What are your opinions over this snake?

4. How do I increase my find percentage when out field herping? What equipment do I need to help? I've never really went out on an expedition before, but would like to sometime.

I think those are my four main questions for now. Some feedback would be much appreciated. Thanks, and I'm so glad to be here on the forum!

infernalis · 09-03-12, 03:10 AM

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shaunyboy · 09-03-12, 05:54 AM

hello and welcome

carpet pythons are an easy enough to keep

carpets are an interesting and very hardy species,i'm sure you will have no trouble keeping a Jungle mate

Diamond Pythons need slightly different care from all other carpets

cheers shaun

exwizard · 09-03-12, 06:39 AM

I agree Carpets are a good species to start with. They are active, attractive and hardy. I also agree Diamonds do require different care than the others. They tend to prefer cooler temps.

Another species to consider is a Dumeril's Boa. They're not that common, are also hardy and attractive and are very docile. I'm not saying this just because I have 7, but rather it's my experience that these guys are fairly easy to take care of.

shaunyboy · 09-03-12, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by exwizard

I also agree Diamonds do require different care than the others. They tend to prefer cooler temps.

^^^^^
also they only require feeding for only 6 months of the year and yearly cooling cycles,both are very important in keeping a Diamond healthy

imo,Diamonds are not a starter carpet

all other carpet sub species i would how ever recommend as a starter snake

easy to keep and a very hardy species

cheers shaun

snake man12 · 09-03-12, 08:11 AM

Welcome to the forum!!!

bluelephant · 10-08-12, 06:05 PM

Most of the Boiga dendrophila I've seen for sale here in the Uk are firstly Wild Caught. 2. They are hiss monsters, readily strike - the face and hands or are in constant S-shape pose ready to strike since they are just so stressed out. 3. The folk that have purchased WC have reported losses - some say the treatment for internal parasites flushed out the good bacteria too and the general toxic shock further drives them in a downward spiral. It's a pity since I've seen a hefty male with awesome colours fade to its demise in a matter of weeks that someone else purchased - despite the excellent furnishings of its new enclosure it just didn't do well as it refused food etc and assist feeding I was told wasn't easy to say the least. 4.The species can attain 2.5 meters in length and it's not easy when other veterinary issues arise at that size.

The species has denmotoxin which is more avian specific than it is to mammal prey. However, prey switching or getting them on mice, rats etc I hear is pretty straight forward once they do feed.

Mainly nocturnal the apparent placid day behaviour can then turn to some very stealthy antics at night. I'm aware they do best in an undisturbed environment away from noise etc. They are not quite like balls and burms etc that tolerate some disturbance - again they easily stress and and hence become defensive.

Indeed the colouration is amazing but in light of the above info I personally wouldn't risk the money in the first place without being totally commited and can provide the conditions set for their husbandry.