Decision Time

sirtalis · 06-16-15, 09:44 PM

Hey everyone, when I joined this forum, I mentioned I would be buying a new reptile this summer. I will likely be getting a snake, but I've also considered several lizards. Basically I want a few opinions on the best choice for me (sry bad Gramer

). If I get a snake, it has to be under 8 ft long, and not be able to kill a small child, I have younger siblings, so far I've considered, dwarf or super dwarf retic, Columbian boa, blood python, or possibly a indigo snake or some other large colubrid. If I choose lizard, it will be a monitor and will be a nile, argus, or maybe water. I totally understand the care, and space that these guys require. I talked with my dad, and after I head off to college, the animal, if it can't come with me, will become his/my brothers, and I'll take it back after I graduate. Does anyone have any opinions or advice on what species to choose, my dad and I are converting part of our garage into a 16x8 ft area for me and my brothers man cave/space for a big reptile so caging is not an issue.
cheers, Richard.

Mikoh4792 · 06-17-15, 02:06 AM

I could see a full grown colombian boa or dwarf retic killing small children if they wanted to.

As far as snakes go, I would look at coastal carpet pythons. Easy to care for, most are docile as adults, and they make great display animals... often times just hanging outside of their hide on a branch. With the exception of huge specimens, most should grow to be under or around 8ft. Babies can be nervous though, so you could always just go with a well established juvie or adult.

eminart · 06-17-15, 05:55 AM

It's really just personal preference. We all have our favorites. You need to decide what characteristics you want (or think you want) in a snake and choose one that has them.

For example, if you think you want an indigo, check out the feeding records for mine over the last few months. Not everybody wants to feed a snake every 3 days, or clean up after one that is eating that often. iHerp : Online Reptile Software, Husbandry, Community, Tracking, Breeding, Snakes, and More!

sirtalis · 06-17-15, 07:34 PM

Thanks guys, I haven't thought about the carpet python lol, I did a bit of reading and they seem like a possible good choice for me. I won't be buying the animal till late July to early august so I have quite some time to prepare. I just want to be ready.

Skits · 06-17-15, 09:21 PM

Carpet pythons are awesome snakes. They have a lot of personality, they're fun to watch, they are fun to handle and I love seeing them perch on their branches. Boas are pretty great too, I have two of them. They eat well and are pretty easy to care for. Blood pythons are super pretty in my opinion, though! But I've never owned one. I heard they can have quite the character!

I'd say that if you're going to get a lizard, do NOT go for a nile or a water monitor. Your mancave area will quickly be taken up. They grow really quickly! Plus, care isn't easy for a first reptile and involves TONS of research, LOTS of money to feed them (like, seriously..lots) and you just really have to be prepared. They grow HUGE and can be a few feet big at just a year old.

sirtalis · 06-18-15, 11:08 PM

I've done tons of research on these species and these are the ones I've narrowed it down to. I'm pretty sure I will not get a dwarf retic or water monitor. Caging really is not an issue, and neither is the cost, I work a ton in the summer as a lifeguard. My parents seem cool with these species, but their only concern is my younger siblings safety. Each animal has a list of pros and cons for me.