Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey.

I am going to get a pet snake and love boas/pythons....they smaller ones.

I have alot of past reptile experience but never any snakes.

I just moved out and on my own which now means I can have a snake....mom always said no before.

I thought for sure it was going to be a ball python but more then one person has recommended a boa over a ball python said they are much more docile. I was thinking a Brazilian because of the coloration of them.

What is your suggestion/recommendation? I am looking for a very attrative snake that anyone can handle.

What size cage should an adult BRB have? Any special lighting needs? What is a good care sheet?

What are good breeders?

Thanks,
Scott

Scott,

My first snake was a corn snake. When I purchased him what I really wanted was a Brazilian, but I was sort of encouraged not to make one my first choice. I would suggest to explore different species before making a final decision.

BRB's are nocturnal meaning I rarely see mine during the day and evenings. If I happen to be awake at 3 am I sometimes catch one cruising around. They seem to prefer dark, if I turn on lights they will slowly go back under their hide or bury in the mulch. They require higher than average humidity and lower temperature than some other species. From all the posts I read, it would be best to get everything set up several weeks before actually bringing one home. I have mine in a Lizard Lounge 3 feet long, 18 inches wide and about 26 inches high. It has a solid glass escape proof top and 13 air vents of which only 3 are uncapped. I use under the tank heaters (2) and cypress mulch as a substrate. They have a water bowl that takes up 1/4 or the floor space and hides filled with spahgnum moss. My setup cost about 350$ without the stand buying it new. Most snake keepers use rubbermaid containers and heat tape with a thermostat instead. Of course, if you get a baby you would need to start much smaller.

It sounds like you are a student just starting out. I don't want to sound discouraging, but you might want to consider the actual cost of keeping a snake and feeding it regularly for a long, long, time. Snakes do not require any lighting-they make their own vitamin D3. If you plan on having loud music and lots of people handling you snake you may want to reconsider. I don't think any snake would like lots of loud noices and vibrations.

In closing, I have found mine to be docile, never attempting to bite. They are enjoyable to me and I think if you do your research first and get everyhing set up in advance, they would make a good starter reptile. Problems seem to occur when people are not willing to take the time to do their homework. Good luck whatever your choice is.

Linda

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"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance- that principle is contempt prior to investigation." Herbert Spencer

Hey,

Thanks for the input. When I say a snake that anyone can handle I did not mean for it to sound like it would be out and a party snake. So it would have its peace and quiet.

I am most definetly looking at many species of snakes and still am undecided. I did consider a corn snake but the boids really interest me.

Yes I am still doing the research about them and still unsure. I am basically just looking for peoples opinions and suggestions as I am not real familiar with all the different snakes available.

Thanks,
Scott

BRB's are fascinating snakes. I keep a pair in a 6'x4'x3' display, heated by incandescent night lights (blue). If you don't over-feed them, they are fairly active snakes that become alert an hour or so after dark and active anytime from an hour to several hours there after. They are somewhat shy. I handle mine seldom (usually only to feed them and regular checkups). The adults never, ever bite (I'll get nailed tonight when I go to feed the female). My two 1 year olds are still nippy with one being a near demon; but they usually calm down once gently in hand. I think when evolution hit on the BRB it said 'Well, can't do much better than that'.
I have corn snakes and kind of find them dull. My opinion, they are beautiful snakes.
If you want an interactive pet out of a snake I would strongly recommend a king snake. I've got a pair of South Florida Kings (Brook's). I'm not kidding, they want to play. Very inquisitive, intelligent, beautiful snakes that are very hardy.
But a BRB can take your breath away.
Tough choice. Thats why, like the rest of us, you'll get more.
Paul

Hi,
I enjoy BRB's as well. I have a young male, and am receiving my first female tomorrow
But about your King snakes, are they really playful? Do you keep them in the same tank? I heard that milks and kings will eat each other, so I was initially not interested in them.
thanks,
Blane

Blane,
The King Snakes are kept separatly. My corns are housed together as well as the adult BRB's. My male king is definitly my bud. As soon as I come into the room he's coming toward the screened top. He does not do this with others though he'll check them out. When I slide open the screen he'll come up my arm and onto my shoulders (often going for the top of my head which I think is some kind of dominance thing). Some times he just wants to cruise (know your room intimately and supervise). He's cruised about the room and has come back and rested on me. Some times he goes into olfactory overdrive and will nose all over me as though he's searching for something. I call his perceived affectionate nature 'play', the 'ologists would probably have a field day with that term. My female king is an immature and not nearly as 'playful' as the male though I think that may be due more to her insatiable appetite and the fact I don't interact with her as much as the male.
But back to BRB's, my male does have a misting fetish. At first I thought he was trying to make a break for the open sliding glass door as I was misting (this,of course, only at night) so I'd push him away with the misting wand, slide the door close and go to the other side and slide that open until he came to that side, back and forth. Finally, one night I just did'nt stop him and instead of going out he just perched on the door frame pushed up against me letting me do my misting then he just went up on a limb. The female hides immediately. Wow I really went on. Sorry. Obviously I get a kick out of snakes.
Paul

Paul,
THANKS for 'carrying on'. I enjoyed reading about your experiences, and also seeing your enthusiasm. You are not alone!
thanks again,
Blane