Best Medium Sized Snake for fist time owner?

[Karilyne]

Originally Posted by Andy_G

With womas the ambient should be 80-85 and a hot spot of 90-92 should be given. If the hot spot is 86, you may run into potential R.I. problems.

In regards to the OP, I second the bull snake/carpet python recommendations!

Just curious where you got that information from? I've looked all over and the recommendations are always in the 80's range. My Woma only hangs out on the warm side after being out of the tank for awhile, and spends all of her time hanging out on the cool side of her tank. I have a temp gun so I'm certain that the temp readings are correct. Could it just be individual preference? The author of the below article clearly states that although they live in the desert they spend the majority of their time in burrows where the temp is both cooler and more consistent.

Woma Python Care and Breeding
A
This recommends temps similar to where I have mine.

[Derek Roddy]

Originally Posted by Karilyne

Just curious where you got that information from? I've looked all over and the recommendations are always in the 80's range. My Woma only hangs out on the warm side after being out of the tank for awhile, and spends all of her time hanging out on the cool side of her tank. I have a temp gun so I'm certain that the temp readings are correct. Could it just be individual preference?

Woma Python Care and Breeding
A
This recommends temps similar to where I have mine.

The best place to get information about any species environment is to look at their environment.....not books, etc

Temps in Woma territory can get in excess of over 100 degrees most of the year....(during the day)

Because of this fact, they would need access to warmer temps than a tropical species, etc.

86 is great for ambient but, I offer mine a basking of at least 92/94 and they spend a good deal of time there during the day.

D

[eminart]

Originally Posted by Derek Roddy

The best place to get information about any species environment is to look at their environment.....not books, etc

Temps in Woma territory can get in excess of over 100 degrees most of the year....(during the day)

Because of this fact, they would need access to warmer temps than a tropical species, etc.

86 is great for ambient but, I offer mine a basking of at least 92/94 and they spend a good deal of time there during the day.

D

I think this is generally true, but not fool proof. We have to remember that a wild snake has a huge area to roam, and microclimates to take advantage of as needed. A captive snake can only move around so much. So, you can't just look at an animal that lives in the desert and immediately adjust the ambient temps to match. That animal may live in a burrow where the temps are 20 degrees lower.

For example, eastern indigos live in the heat and humidity of the extreme southeastern US. But, many have died in captivity as the result of temps being too high. They do best with temps in the 70's and never getting into the 80's. A warmer spot is ok, but high ambient temps will kill them. That's counter-intuitive when thinking of a snake that lives in areas where mid 90's and up are the norm for summer.

[Andy_G]

Originally Posted by Karilyne

Just curious where you got that information from? I've looked all over and the recommendations are always in the 80's range. My Woma only hangs out on the warm side after being out of the tank for awhile, and spends all of her time hanging out on the cool side of her tank. I have a temp gun so I'm certain that the temp readings are correct. Could it just be individual preference? The author of the below article clearly states that although they live in the desert they spend the majority of their time in burrows where the temp is both cooler and more consistent.

Woma Python Care and Breeding
A
This recommends temps similar to where I have mine.

I mentioned an 80-85 ambient with a 90-92 hot spot, whereas you say you keep your woma at 78 with an 86 degree hot spot...that article recommends 79-85 ambient with a 90 hot spot... so that actually matches my friendly suggestion (off by 1-2 degrees) much closer than your current husbandry (off by 4+ degrees). I would also agree that they spend most of their time in burrows, but I bet they come out to bask while they're digesting in MUCH warmer temps (their natural "hot spot") than we keep them at in captivity.

I'd follow Derek Roddy's advice over mine, though. I have a little bit of experience with these guys, but it pales in comparison to Derek's.

[Karilyne]

Originally Posted by Andy_G

I mentioned an 80-85 ambient with a 90-92 hot spot, whereas you say you keep your woma at 78 with an 86 degree hot spot...that article recommends 79-85 ambient with a 90 hot spot... so that actually matches my friendly suggestion (off by 1-2 degrees) much closer than your current husbandry (off by 4+ degrees). I would also agree that they spend most of their time in burrows, but I bet they come out to bask while they're digesting in MUCH warmer temps (their natural "hot spot") than we keep them at in captivity.

I'd follow Derek Roddy's advice over mine, though. I have a little bit of experience with these guys, but it pales in comparison to Derek's.

I checked the temps today and the warm spot is around 92 degrees. I moved the cool hide over a bit so she is sitting at about 82 degrees. Closer to your suggestions. We will see how she does! I'm just confused as to why she rarely goes to the warm side if that side is closer to what she needs? Thanks for the corrections though y'all!

[sthall21]

Ok after a lot of researching I think I have fallen in love with the brazillian rainbow boa. I know they may not be as easy to care for as other snakes but I think I can handle it. This is my first time buying a snake online so do you have any advice on where to get the snake from? I'm looking for a baby male. Also any advice or tips on keeping this snake as a pet would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Lol I'm so excited to get it 😆!