Apologies for the newbie question...I'm going to my first reptile show next weekend (woo!) and plan to get my first snake. My primary considerations are that it be docile when handled, relatively easy to care for, not so big that I can't handle it by myself, and nice to look at (in that order).

The books I've read and my herp friends are divided on whether I should get a BCI or a ball python. I'm leaning towards the boa because it is supposedly easier to feed, friendlier when handled, and I could probably afford to get a morph, which I'd really like. I'm a little intimidated by the idea of having a 10 foot snake in a few years, however. I have the space and funds to build an 8 foot long or so enclosure, but I worry I won't be able to handle the snake, or that it will somehow escape and eat my geriatric 15 pound dog or maybe a potential boyfriend.

Any thoughts on whether a BCI might be right for me? Is it something a lone beginning herper can handle? Thanks?

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• First snake: Boa or Ball? - she_geek, Wed Mar 28 15:13:53 2007
• RE: First snake: Boa or Ball? - matt_89, Wed Mar 28 15:45:03 2007
• RE: First snake: Boa or Ball? - she_geek, Wed Mar 28 19:54:59 2007
• you have SO many options it's ridiculous - Jonathan_Brady, Wed Mar 28 16:15:40 2007
• Don't forget good old...... - drasticplastic, Wed Mar 28 16:25:47 2007
• RE: Don't forget good old...... - she_geek, Wed Mar 28 20:06:34 2007
• RE: Don't forget good old...... - ChrisGilbert, Wed Mar 28 21:22:25 2007
• RE: you have SO many options it's ridiculous - she_geek, Wed Mar 28 20:04:12 2007
• RE: you have SO many options it's ridiculous - NCHornet, Thu Mar 29 05:37:34 2007
• RE: you have SO many options it's ridiculous - Jonathan_Brady, Thu Mar 29 10:11:37 2007
• RE: First snake: Boa or Ball? - TnK, Wed Mar 28 21:04:42 2007
• RE: First snake: Boa or Ball? - ChrisGilbert, Wed Mar 28 21:23:13 2007
• RE: First snake: Boa or Ball? - she_geek, Thu Mar 29 00:31:07 2007
• RE: First snake: Boa or Ball? - ChrisGilbert, Wed Mar 28 21:32:37 2007
• RE: First snake: Boa or Ball? - Redmoon, Thu Mar 29 09:33:06 2007
• RE: First snake: Boa or Ball? - ChrisGilbert, Thu Mar 29 09:52:22 2007