Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Right now my reptile 'collection' is pretty small, consisting of a bearded dragon, a mali uromastyx, a leopard gecko, a russian tortoise, and a baby ball python. In the future I'll want to get another reptile (since my bearded dragon and my mali uromastyx are getting up there in age ), and I am thinking I might want to go with another snake as opposed to another lizard. I'd like something bigger than a ball python, but in New York you can't legally own any of the 'giants', so I was looking at boa constrictors and blood pythons, and wondering which would seem to be a better pet.

I'd like something that has a decent temperament. I know there would have to be a taming process for both of them, but I'd rather not get bitten too much during that process. I want something that, as it matures, will be docile enough that I don't have to worry about getting tagged when I have to take the snake out of the cage, or even just change the water.

But I also want something larger, which is why I'm looking at bloods and boas as opposed to more ball pythons (though I love my ball python). Something that reaches a size that i could handle without feeling my life is in danger, but that is still considered a 'large' snake.

Of course this is just some thoughts. I might just end up going for another lizard of some sort, since the cage that will sadly be vacant in the next few years is more set up for lizards (it's a wooden cage with heat lamps etc. inside....I don't know how I would heat a snake in that adequately, as it would probably be better to use heating pads then heat lamps).

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Hey,
I would use heat panels made by ProProducts. They come in different sizes and are easy to install. One thing, you must use these with a thermostat. Where in NY are you?
-Angel
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In life you can fall many times, but you're only a failure, if you don't try to get back up!
Evil Canevil

Good idea! I never even thought of that!

I live around near Rochester NY. I think it's good that they have laws regarding exotic pets, but they did it in such a wrong way that I couldn't possibly support it. They should have made it so that people deemed responsible enough could get a permit to allow them to own/breed larger/more dangerous reptiles, but instead they outlawed everything. Just a little rant.

In response to your major question, 'Redtail Boa or Blood Python?' its akin to 'chocolate or strawberry?'. Both can be excellent choices and meet the conditions you outline. This is the blood forum, so you can probably guess our bias. How about both?

In my opinion, both make fantastic pets. I have a number of bloods and boas, and I can't quite say which I like better. However, I would say that bloods require a bit more specialized care than the boas. On the other hand, boas tend to get larger and require more cleanings...

If you have the experience, I think either would be great. If you're a little unsure of your snake-care and handling techniques, I think a boa might be a tad bit easier.

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~Brian Ott

www.squamations.com

I keep bloods, boas, retics, and burms, and they all have their own individual allure. As far as choosing between a blood or boa if you want the giant snake feel in a smaller package, then a blood is definitely the way to go. A six foot boa might only weigh 15 lbs. but a six ft. blood could weigh as much as 40 lbs. I have bloods with the same build as a 15 ft. retic, but at 1/3 the length. Bloods are probably a tad bit more meticulous than boas as far as care, but if you get your caging set up ahead of time you'll have no trouble at all. Juveniles can be happily kept in various rubbermaid tubs that you can get anywhere. I keep all of my adults in 48" boaphiles with cypress mulch substrate, and that is the best setup I've found by far to hold heat/ humidity. Get your enclosure set up first, and then buy a captive bred baby from a reputable breeder, and you will love owning a blood I promise.

Right now I'm trying to get things right with my new baby ball python (battling a mite infestation). So that's kind of my test to see if I'll be good at owning other snakes. I've hopefully got a while to think about it (I hate the thought of one of my prized lizards kicking the bucket), but I just wanted to start thinking about what I could do with a vacant cage when the time comes. From owning my mali uromastyx, I know what her cage will be when she passes. The home for another uromastyx. My bearded dragon....he's been a great pet, but I don't think I would get another one.

So as of now it will be a toss up between keeping the cage set up for lizards and gettings something new/interesting (like a frilled dragon or an ackie monitor), or taking out the heat lamps, making the vents more sturdy, and getting a blood python (they seem like a better choice for me than a boa constrictor....though they still are in consideration).

What a crazy hobby to be involved in