If you are looking for a larger trustworthy snake just to play with, and the only real experience you have is with balls and boas, then I would say an anaconda of either type is not for you. Anacondas are really more for the experienced keeper and you definitely need to do a lot more research before purchasing one.

While they can be a most rewarding captive (certainly my personal favorite), they often are anything but "fun". Some specimens can be very docile and some of us are working to promote the better temperamented bloodlines, but they are NOT balls or common boas. They require different husbandry and handling techniques and often have to be given more respect.

Even the most docile specimens can be startled and these are snakes that will not hesitate to bite you repeatedly without warning. We're talking no traditional "S" coil before a strike. They'll just be crawling along your arm and suddenly turn and nail you. If you own an anaconda, you WILL get bit eventually. It's just a part of anaconda ownership.

I am not trying to scare you out of getting one and I'm not saying that you cannot or should not ever have an anaconda. I'm just being honest with you in saying it doesn't sound to me like you are ready for one now. Unfortunately, I have rescued way too many anacondas that were purchased because the buyer thought they looked "cool".

Keep learning about them and try to gain some hands-on experience with larger and less trustworthy snakes. Eventually the time will be right for you to get an anaconda.

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