I've raised a few hundred and never been nailed in the face or anything of the sort. However, my first snake was a corn snake and it would bite me and my dad every time we got it out. Any species can be bitey, but that's the exception with ball pythons, and certainly not the rule. That said, every species will have a feeding response and you can get bitten if you set yourself up for it. That being said, I've had several cornsnakes start chewing on my fingers (thinking my pinky was a "pinky" mouse), whereas it's only happened one time with a ball python. No matter what snake species you choose, you'll have to realize that feeding errors do happen and you will need to educate yourself on how they happen, so that you can avoid it. Avoiding it is not difficult, provided you understand what causes it.

Corns and balls are basically the same length - it's only a matter of weight that differentiates them. Ball pythons move slower and move more methodically. Plus, should you ever want to breed them (a great bit of fun for a father/son project) you'll be glad you chose ball pythons.

Rainbow boas require more humidity - not a big deal, but you'll have enough things to concern yourself with as new snake keepers...no sense in making this any more complex.

Corn snakes make great pets, but if you've narrowed it down to ball pythons and rainbow boas, I see no reason why you should buy a corn snake...makes no sense to me when a ball python is every bit as suitable for a first snake.


>>truly....
>>
>>your son is 7...never had a snake...and if a ball hits him when it's around 3 foot...faster than a cobra...right up there with rattlers...he won't like it...face bites are really fun....ask me I know....LOL....
>>
>>so get him a nice corn or two...get used to snakes for 3 years....then get him a ball....
>>
>>rainbows like it even more humid than balls....and bite more....
>>
>>have fun...good luck...make him read everything and anything on here about snakes husbandry....
>>
>>.....!
>>-----
>>........JY
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Anthony Caponetto
www.ACreptiles.com
www.Ciliatus.com

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