Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey All,

I want to purchase a snake as a pet for my apartment...yes they are allowed.

I have alot of past reptile experience with lizards (beardeds,leos,veileds) and turtles experience (eastern box, painted, spotted).

I am so unsure on what kind of snake to get though and open to recommendations. Here is what I am after. 1st most important and very docile snake something anyone can handle. 2nd not too big no more then 7-8 feet. I love boas/pythons and would rather one of these.

I was thinking ball python but someone told me they are not very active and very nippy as babies - is this true?

A freind just got a brazilian rainbow boa and I love it - would this be a good choice?

Thanks,
Scott

Balls generally are not nippy as babies. There are the exceptions though. Brazillian rainbows are usually nippy as babies. Rainbows also require more care than balls. They require higher humidity and more space than balls. There are a lot of boas/pythons that fit what you are looking for. Depends on what you really want though. Do you want something closer to the 7 foot size or are you looking for something smaller? Also depends on what type of set up you are going to have.

Hey,

I am looking for something that is very docile as an adult.

Size requirement, I can fit a 55 gallon aquarium with no problem. I am aware of the rainbows extra care requirements and that is not a concern.

7 foot is not too big or smaller either or.

Open to suggestions.

Scott

Rainbows aren't a bad choice. Many snakes are nippy when young but docile as adults. They get relatively long, but not as girthy as a common boa or ball python, so they need less space for their length.

I have a young
http://www.neodeshacages.com/36-display.php

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Webpage/Pics

There are problems with both snakes you mention. Balls...while usually docile, require temps in the high 80's to low 90's to be healthy. They are very difficult to get to feed if wild caught, and have been known to fast in some cases over a year. Rainbow boas are frequently nippers even as adults and require humid conditions. Neither animal is a beginner snake inspite of what the dealers tell you. You are better off having a Chain King or a Corn for your first snake. Both are hardy and don't get too big....Frank

Ball python's are a good learner.

Ours have never nipped my wife of myself. unlike our geko's who do it every time.

There are alot of different pythons or boas out there that fit your requirements. I started with a Ball, and have never regretted it. They are "forgiving" snakes, as I struggled with humidity issues, etc. I have 4 children ages 10 to 5 and they have NEVER been bitten by any of our snakes. Balls are docile, slow moving, and I have never had a feeding issue yet. I purchased CB babies, one from a local breeder and one from a show.
Other options are Savu, Childrens, Spotted, Blood and an uncommon one is the Solomon Island Ground Boas, which are really pretty, docile, but notoriously picky eaters as neonates. If you get a more established sub adult, they are awesome and unique critters.
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1.1 Ball Python 0.0.1 corn snake 1.0 Bearded Dragon
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