What kind of snake/s should I get?

XburntbythesunX · 05-22-16, 01:19 PM

I'm looking to get back into snakes toward the end of the year maybe, and I was wondering if anyone had any good suggestions for someone that only wants one setup? Right now I'm considering a woma, ball python, or pair of children's pythons b/c they all seem interesting, and have reputations as being docile.

But I'm mostly looking for a snake that is docile, easy to handle/interact with, and easy to care for, as well as possibly easy to breed (overall just really fun and simple). Are these good species to look at? Or is there another species I should consider? It doesn't have to be a python, but most of the snakes I am most interested in right now are pythons.

zactay22 · 05-22-16, 03:21 PM

Ball python is always a good start. Just make sure you get one thats established and feeding f/t. The hard part is picking what morph you want.

XburntbythesunX · 05-22-16, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zactay22

Ball python is always a good start. Just make sure you get one thats established and feeding f/t. The hard part is picking what morph you want.

Yeah I bet! They had an amazing looking one at Petsmart that was white with black eyes. It was $500, which is a lot when you can get regular ones at the reptile show for $30. Would it be hard to make that money back after breeding it? I am interested in breeding loans etc, but the only two times I've tried it I've had my animals stolen, so I don't have any idea how that stuff works out if it goes well lol.

Piggybuns · 05-22-16, 05:56 PM

Pythons generally have a ton of morphs, but corn snakes do too! They're relatively easy to care for as well, I've barely had any problems with my bab, and I've had her since a few days before Christmas last year. .3 She's an angel, and eats like a horse, so I'm a lil bias. XD Depends on if you like any of the corn's morphs, mostly then!

pet_snake_78 · 05-22-16, 09:21 PM

I personally wouldn't get a ball python just because there are way too many of them right now so they tend to be a little monotonous and at least for me I get tired of seeing them after a while. Worst advice out there are all the articles on what is a good beginner snake.. if you buy something you're not super into, you'll get bored of it eventually... get the one you really want , the one you can't imagine not coming home amazed about every single day, and just spend extra time learning how to care for it, post pics of the setup and ask lots of questions before buying. Even a first timer can successfully work with most species being cb as long as they do the right research and make sure their setup is good to go before they buy.

toddnbecka · 05-23-16, 01:36 AM

I had the same general criteria when I was looking to get back into snakes. I was considering a BRB but didn't like the humidity requirements, carpet pythons seemd pretty good but had a reputation for being nippy at least when young, and may or may not outgrow that. Then I ran across the Dominican red mountain boa, and found it to be the perfect species for me (and my wife, who had no prior experience with any snakes) to work with. Docile regardless of size or age, they simply never strike or bite IME. Worst they've ever done was musk if they didn't want to be handled, and that's not a typical reaction. Also relatively easy to maintain, and being boas they have live young so no eggs to incubate when they breed.
Since then I've also picked up 2 carpet pythons, the first was as mellow as any boa, the second was very defensive at first but has settled down very well.
One of my most recent additions is my baby bull snake, and that one has been the most handling-tolerant snake I've seen aside from red tail boas. Minimal requirements for that one, as far as easy to maintain they don't get much better, lol.

Albert Clark · 05-23-16, 04:05 AM

We can suggest a snake for you to get but that doesn't mean a thing if it's not the one you really want. Deep inside of you there is a desire to acquire one type of snake over all others. That , my friend is the one to get! So, I leave that decision up to you. Good luck and happy hunting.

limey · 05-30-16, 05:59 PM

I would avoid ball pythons as an option, personally, as they are so common that I feel they aren't really unique or special any more.

Go for what your gut feeling tells you. I personally think a Rosy Boa is a great first choice. Docile, sweet personality and good looking snake. Easy to care for too!

albertagirl · 05-30-16, 06:36 PM

Have you thought about african house snakes? I kind of got mine on a whim, and now she's my favorite. The females get to about 4 feet, the males to about 2 feet, super easy care requirements, but the strength (for their size) and feeding response of a python. And an iridescence that is similar to a rainbow boa, but without the humidity requirements. They're a really nice small snake.

RAD House · 05-30-16, 09:58 PM

I agree you should get what you really want, but I think getting something new and different is not the best advice for a beginner. The great thing about a species that has been popular for a number of years is that there is a wealth of information at your fingertips. Personally after owning several colubrids and ball pythons, I understand why they are so popular. Tons of great morphs and interesting genetics. They are quite calm and docile, which by most accounts is even true in wild caught specimens. Truthfully they are my favorite snakes to have out as they offer a very calming experience. They get to a nice size for a beginner, not to long to handle but thick enough to impress. When it comes down to it do your research and figure out what best fits your wants.