Should I get a sand boa? Plz help

[ItsCalligator]

Hi all I am looking for a good first snake and it seems like a sand boa is a strong contender. I like the size they get and that they don’t need to much space as adults. Their care seems easy enough. The only down side I see is that They like to hide and not show off. I’m interested in what all of you think about a KSB as a first snake or in general. Pros/ Cons? I have been going back and forth for a few weeks on what the perfect snake for us is and would love to hear everyone’s thoughts!

[scobro]

What do you want a snake for?

[ItsCalligator]

Originally Posted by scobro

What do you want a snake for?

I guess because they are interesting and to justify a terrarium.

[scobro]

Originally Posted by ItsCalligator

I guess because they are interesting and to justify a terrarium.

I think figuring out why you want a snake will help you see what kind you want. I don't think I'd ever want for a sand boa as it's behaviour doesn't really appeal to me. Also the humidity would be a big problem for me.

I, personally, wouldn't really want a snake that is burrowed all the time. That's why I asked what you want a snake for? If you want something that can be seen, watched and be "on display" then I'd look at something else.

The KSB I am sure has some pros but I can't really think of them. Or at least pros that other snakes do not also have.

[ItsCalligator]

Originally Posted by scobro

I think figuring out why you want a snake will help you see what kind you want. I don't think I'd ever want for a sand boa as it's behaviour doesn't really appeal to me. Also the humidity would be a big problem for me.

I, personally, wouldn't really want a snake that is burrowed all the time. That's why I asked what you want a snake for? If you want something that can be seen, watched and be "on display" then I'd look at something else.

The KSB I am sure has some pros but I can't really think of them. Or at least pros that other snakes do not also have.

The size and ease of care are the big pros for us right now. We are also thinking of hognose a bit they seem to be a little more difficult.

[scobro]

From the little I know the sand boa can have similar problems with them not wanting to eat, etc. Again, from what I know and not firsthand experience the female hognose eat much better and are more sociable than male hognose.

Both have been said to be very easy to care for.

[EL Ziggy]

I don't keep KSBs but as long as you've done your research I don't think they'd be too difficult for a first snake. Most snakes are pretty easy to keep once you get their basic care requirements down. Other than liking slightly warmer temps I don't see anything too complicated about them. I prefer larger snakes that are better display animals but KSBs are cute.

Kenyan Sand Boa Care Sheet

[ItsCalligator]

Originally Posted by EL Ziggy

I don't keep KSBs but as long as you've done your research I don't think they'd be too difficult for a first snake. Most snakes are pretty easy to keep once you get their basic care requirements down. Other than liking slightly warmer temps I don't see anything too complicated about them. I prefer larger snakes that are better display animals but KSBs are cute.

Kenyan Sand Boa Care Sheet

I understand where you’re coming from we were talking about that last night. We have a month or so before we need to figure out exactly what we want (Reptile expo next month) and that was one of our only complaints with the sandbar is that it would not be on display whereas something else like a corn snake (Which we are on the fence about only because of its commonality as well as adult size). Have you kept them before?

[EL Ziggy]

Originally Posted by ItsCalligator

I understand where you’re coming from we were talking about that last night. We have a month or so before we need to figure out exactly what we want (Reptile expo next month) and that was one of our only complaints with the sandbar is that it would not be on display whereas something else like a corn snake (Which we are on the fence about only because of its commonality as well as adult size). Have you kept them before?

I haven't kept corns but I have kept kings which are pretty similar. They're really cool critters. How large of a snake are you looking for? As far as other smaller snakes I also like garters, hognose snakes, smaller ssp of carpet pythons, and children's or spotted pythons.

[toddnbecka]

Personally, I prefer dwarf pythons hands-down over sand boas. I picked up a pair of spotted python hatchlings last spring, and just received a wee pair of Stimson's pythons the beginning of August. The babies are housed in stand-alone sterilite stacker tubs, aspen bedding, and a heat mat set for 95 on the thermostat. Never a problem getting them to eat, lol. The new babies have a bit more attitude than the spotted juveniles, but they'll get over that soon enough. They'll eagerly take a pinky mouse from my hand, while the young spotted now come right out of their hides when they see me on feeding day, eager for their hoppers. The spotted will grow to about 4', the Stimson's only 3'.

Corn snakes are much more commonly available, and come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. I have several Okeetee and one bloodred corn. Care is simple, same as my speckled kings and Japanese rat snakes. Aspen bedding, 40 breeder or similar size tub for adults, smaller tubs for babies or juveniles until they need more room.

I've never kept hognose, they seem to be more trouble than they're worth, lol. I do have one rear-fanged snake, a black headed cat snake, and she's quite easygoing. Mainly eats f/t anoles, occasionally a fuzzy mouse. The Japanese rat snakes are the most "friendly" of the whole collection. They'll eagerly come right out of their tubs and be handled, rather than preferring to avoid contact like most snakes IME. My oldest corn snake is quite eager to see me coming near her tank, hoping I'll feed her, but doesn't want to be picked up or handled. She doesn't act defensive or flighty when handled, simply prefers to go her own way, like most snakes.