Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,

I have been reading posts on the snake forum and everybody seems very helpful.My son wants to get his 1st snake in a couple of months(we have to get the set-up first) and he has his eye on a red-tail boa.I am trying to convince him to start wwith something smaller and a little less demanding. But, a 13 yr old does not want to loisten to his dad. So I am asking for your help. What would be a good s 1st snake? A corn snake, hognose, ball python or would he be ok with a red-tail boa? Thanks for your help.

SnakeDad

>>Hello,
>>
>>I have been reading posts on the snake forum and everybody seems very helpful.My son wants to get his 1st snake in a couple of months(we have to get the set-up first) and he has his eye on a red-tail boa.I am trying to convince him to start wwith something smaller and a little less demanding. But, a 13 yr old does not want to loisten to his dad. So I am asking for your help. What would be a good s 1st snake? A corn snake, hognose, ball python or would he be ok with a red-tail boa? Thanks for your help.
>>
>>SnakeDad

My take is that a red-tail boa is not a good choice for a first snake for anybody, especially for a 13 yr old. A corn or ball would be a good choice. Or even a rat snake, king snake, or spotted python.

Tell him he needs to work his way up to something as challenging as a red-tail boa. And maybe even get his own place first. Here's a link to a care sheet on them that might be something that you could discuss:
www . anapsid . org/boa . html (remove the blanks around the periods).

deg

agreed
large constrictors are NOT first snakes

visit the next reptile show in your area and pick out a corn. They come in all colors and patterns, including silver.
-----
1.0.0 Great Plains Ratsnake
1.0.0 Corn, Lavender Aztec het for Amel
0.1.0 Black Ratsnake
0.0.1 Texas Rat (tame)
1.0.0 Broad Banded Water Snake, Hypo
1.0.0 Black Bassador Retriever
2.1.0 Godchildren, 1 Evil, 2 possible hets

I started with a california kingsnake. One of my favorites and still one of my big keepers. I currently have 2 including my original. That will always be my suggestion.

Hello,

Thanks for the info. I think I have my son convinced to go a different route.We are leaning towards a corn snake.It is amazing though how some reptile shops don't give you the info because they want a sale. The reptile shop I visited didn't ask us any questions about our experience or if we set up and ready to go... Amazing.

SnakeDad

>>Hello,
>>
>>Thanks for the info. I think I have my son convinced to go a different route.We are leaning towards a corn snake.It is amazing though how some reptile shops don't give you the info because they want a sale. The reptile shop I visited didn't ask us any questions about our experience or if we set up and ready to go... Amazing.
>>
>>SnakeDad

If you can find a local breeder or wait for a reptile show in your area, you'll likely get a healthier snake at a much better price. And, heaven forbid, don't ever buy a reptile at a general pet store.

deg

I have to agree. I used to work at a pet store and I wouldn't buy the animals I cared for there. Pet stores will tell you whatever they think you want to hear to make a sale. I know that they also charge far more than each animal is actually "worth". They are almost always over-priced. If you do buy from a local breeder just try to make sure that it they are respectable and do not want to pass on an unhealthy animal because they feel you may not know any better.

Mike

Got my daughter a Ball Python for her 7th birthday. LOVE it! In my opinion, it's the perfect 1st snake! Good luck!

Hello,

Well after telling my son what your responses were, he seem to agree with your opinions.A few days ago he tells me he wants an Iguana.I would rather have a snake then an iguana. So now I am trying to talk him back into purchasing a snake.

Snake Dad