Last pet snake ever!

Batch · 03-29-15, 02:41 PM

First off, many threads similar to this, but none highlighting these three snakes. I've been researching for months (DON'T JUST SAY DO RESEARCH) but I'm just stuck. If I could I would have all of them. My wife, who's not a snake person has allowed me one last pet reptile as a 5 year anniversary gift. Here are my thoughts, but I want yours.

BCI- Have already kept one. Love the handleability, and size but not the activity levels.

Carpet's-Looked after them quite a while ago at my high school pet shop job. Gorgeous snakes with awesome activity levels. Nippyness doesn't bother me, but I am concerned that my wife will be terrified of it if she does see some attitude.

Black headed pythons- Never worked personally with these, but have worked with woma's. Seems to be differing opinions, but they're some of the best looking snakes I have ever seen.

Any other options are recommended, if you have personal experience. However, I've cared for ATB's, GTP's, BRB's, Dumeril's and am not too interested in Macklot's, Olive's or anything too far over 10 feet and under 5.

Currently own- 0.1 Western Hognose, 1.0 Indo BTS, 0.1 BW Tegu

jossh27 · 03-29-15, 02:51 PM

You could contact Derek Roddy here on the forums about black headed pythons. He seems extremely knowledgeable and reputable.... Also a breeder of bhp's. Wish i could afford one! they really are beautiful animals

SnoopySnake · 03-29-15, 03:02 PM

I personally would probably go with a BHP, since you've already worked with the others. Bredli pythons are cool, beauty snakes/cave snakes are pretty neat, also.

**EL Ziggy** · 03-29-15, 04:12 PM

I'd go with a carpet python of some sort. They're gorgeous, manageable in size, and pretty active. I've heard that most of them outgrow that nippy stage. I don't keep carpets yet but it's most certainly my next acquisition. Speaking from personal experience, if you're open to colubrids, I'd try a bull snake. They're monster feeders, the husbandry is a breeze and they come in some beautiful morphs. Some have a bit of an attitude when they're younger but they get over it fairly quickly. They max out right around 7ft and are fairly heavy bodied. I think pits are very underrated in our hobby. Best wishes with whatever you choose. Keep us posted!

**Minkness** · 03-29-15, 04:50 PM

Whenever you talk of 'pits' i always seem to think of rattle snakes and pit vipers lol

My next snake will be a BRB from Cliff (no time soon sadly) but I have carpets and a bull on my list as well. Not to mention a certain neon blue garter and a Boa or maybe an SD retic of some kind? No idea...my list keeps growing lol.

**EL Ziggy** · 03-29-15, 05:09 PM

My bad Mink. I should be more clear

. I meant pits as in the 3 Pituophis subgenres of Bull, Pine, and Gopher snakes.

Batch · 03-29-15, 05:24 PM

I do like colubrids, and I used to catch garters, bulls, and rats as a kid. I only get one so I'm looking for that dream snake.

Josh- I've seen his website but never contacted him in person. I'll do that thanks!

So I guess I'll ask a new question. If you could own only one snake, what would you choose?

reptiledude987 · 03-29-15, 05:30 PM

Imo you cant go wrong with carpets. They get a good size but not crazy big. Out of the 5 I have only 1 has attitude. Theres a ton of different varieties and morphs. Theyre consistently good eaters. Theyre active and dont tend to destroy a nicely decorated terrarium.

**Minkness** · 03-29-15, 05:47 PM

Oh, I knew that Ziggy, just every time I see it it's where my mind goes lol.

Batch, to answer your question would be VERY hard. The only thing I do 1 of, is dogs lol. You already have one of my dream snakes (hognose) so that's out. I think I like the Boas. Either BCC or BCI and would probably look at a higher end morph. One of my favorites being a T+ snow type. Great size and temperment if you ask me. But, you also already have had those and want something more active. Perhaps a carpet would be good. Unless your wife wants to handle the snake, it's attitude shouldn't be a big deal if it's ok with you.

I tried to do the 1 snake thing and got an MBK.....it lasted a few months...now I'm up to 3 snakes. And though I don't plan on any more any time soon, and already know what I want for my next, I will surely have a nicely diversified collection eventually. =)

**EL Ziggy** · 03-29-15, 05:58 PM

If I could only keep one snake I'd have an Eastern Indigo. That's my dream snake.

SnoopySnake · 03-29-15, 06:01 PM

If I could only have one snake it'd be a white lipped python. However I would not recommend it for you because they supposedly have quite the attitude and I hear they don't calm down very well.