Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello - I have a six year old son, who is absolutely fascinated with snakes (I love them too). My son is soaking up information about snakes anywhere that he can get it. My questions(s): Does anyone know of any good places in the northeast to visit to learn about snakes (a day trip from NH)? Do you have suggested dvds/movies or books about snakes for a six year old to learn from? Any other suggestions about where and how to encourage his interest?

Thanks.

Ed

If his interest is local animals, you could purchase a field guide for him. Additionally, i know of a a reptile expo in Manchester (there may be others), where there are many knowledgeable vendors. You should take the time and try to speak to as many individuals as possible. (a schedule of all expos is on kingsnake) I also believe, there is also herp society that has a presence there as well. Additionally, there are a number of articles & caresheets on kingsnake as well as vendors with books for sale. My husband & I, like most of the vendors, started out with a love of 'herps' at a young age. Good Luck and happy herping.

elayne
Link

...dont know about the other stuff but id say start out with a yearling CBB Cornsnake...best pet snake for beginners period...or an CBB Everglades Ratsnake!!

-----
1.0 c.b.02' 7' Pastel Colombian Boa(thanks Bill!)"Maverick"
0.1 c.b.06' 6' Firebelly x Pastel boa "Betty Boa"
0.1 c.b. 07 5' Amazon Basin Redtail Boa Lola Boa
1.0 c.b. 05 6' Hypo Sonoran Gophersnake
1.0 c.b. 05'2' Snow Corn "Zero"
1.0 wc Fl.Cornsnake "Iggy"
0.1 cb Okeetee Cornsnake "Bella"
1.0 wc Easteren Hognose Snake "Snape"

I WILL AGREE,,, A CORN SNAKE WILL MAKE A GOOD FIRST SNAKE, MY 11 YR. OLD HAS A C.B CORN SNAKE ,,, THIS MEANS CAPTIVE BRED ,NOT WILD CAUGHT ,,, JUST IN CASE YOU DID NOT KNOW THAT . GOOD LUCK !

Hi Ed,
I think this is a great time to do some father/son bonding with a hobby you both can enjoy and learn from. Your son will also benefit from the responsibility that comes with keeping a live animal. It's a very forgiving hobby in the sense that if he forgets to feed or clean a cage once, it wont end in disaster or tragedy.
As was already suggested, visiting a reptile show would be an awesome day trip for you. Not only will your son be exposed to the wide world of reptiles, but there are also so many vendors selling dvd's, books and other things to educate yourselves on the hobby. REPTILE magazine is a really good periodical as well. Perhaps there is also a local herp society in your area that meets regularly where you can share your interests and experiences.
As far as a beginning snake, you cant go wrong with a small species of kingsnake or cornsnake. The color variations will make your head spin. Spend some time here on those two forums to find the one for you.
Just be warned, I know a member here on Kingsnake that bought one King to enjoy with his son and now owns around 100 snakes.
-----
1.0 Albino American alligator, "Smoke"
1.1 American alligator,"Al Bite Ya & Molly"
1.1 Purple Albino Reticulated Pythons, "Gumbo & Abita"
0.1 Eastern Gaboon Viper, "Gabbie" Recently passed away at 24 years old