Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Greetings everyone,

I've decided to get a pet snake (and possibly lizard) but I'm not sure which species to get. I'm resonably well read on reptiles but would appreciate info and suggestions from those who are far more experienced and knowledgeable than I.

Thanks

Wow, thats a loaded question!!! I usually suggest reading a book or two regarding snakes in general to get a feel on the different species readily available in the pet trade, their eventual size obtained, general demeanor, and any specialized care requirements they may have. Same with lizards. Basically, it all boils down to how much time, space, and money you are willing to invest in your new pets. From a space and money perspective, most corns and kings offered are excellent choices as they have good temperaments in general, most won't outgrow something the size of a 20-gallon long aquarium, and most can be kept close to room temps (75-85 degrees) and dont require costly heating systems if a warm spot is needed based on your house temps. The plus is also in feeding them. Most only require mice of various sizes for food. If you have more space, you could go with something in the boid family. Ball pythons and colombian boas are generally known for good temperaments. However, they require larger (more costly) cages and also feed on larger (more costly)food items like small to large rats. Also, a large female colombian boa can EASILY get over 8 feet long and require jumbo rats as food and a LARGE cage to house in. The boids also require higher temps and are less forgiving if kept at lower temps. They will definitely need a warm spot in the cage between 85-90 degrees, so a more expensive heating system may be needed.

Same with lizards. A leopard gecko will be small and skittish as a baby, but will mature into a fairly calm, decent sized lizard. The plus on the leopard geckos is they can be kept in a 10-gallon tank, and can be heated fairly easily. They do not require special UVB lighting either. On the other hand, bearded dragons are great pets, but require larger cages, heat, and UVB lighting.

There are tons of options based on what you are looking for as a pet. Do some research, get on line, and go to local herp shows to see whats available and what their care requirements are. You need to look at the long term cost of keeping these pets healthy. Reptile housing, feeding, and heating is not as no-brainer as keeping something like a hamster, so do your homework!!

KevinM

Thank you for the reply. I believe I have narrowed my choice down to either a kingsnake, corn snake, or ball python. If anyone has any experience and advice regarding these species I would appreciate it. I'm doing a good bit of research but it always helps to get info from people who have kept them personally.

IMO, the ball python would probably make the best "lap" pet. They are larger and heavier bodied and much more slow moving than a corn or king in general. They will have the tendency to just hang out and not constantly move. Most kings and even corns will chill after a while, especially kings IMO. Many are happy to coil around your fingers, hand, arm and stay put after cruising for awhile. The balls alway move less than either a king or corn. They do need a bigger cage in general, but most male balls could possibly stay in a 20-long aquarium. A 30-gallon or 3x2 foot cage probably better, especially for a female that generally get larger than males. Also, where a king and corn could possibly get by at room temps between mid 70s to low or mid-80s, a ball python will definitely need a constant warm spot around 85-90 degrees to properly digest food and not get respiratory issues. All should be good feeders and that is something you need to ask the vendor when purchased. The only thing is ball pythons tend to go off feed during the fall and winter months that can drive you crazy at times. Something you need to learn to live with and expect, especially when they are sexually mature/adult.

Thanks for the info. I intend to get my new pet at a reptile show next month and I'll probably end up going with the Ball Python. I have a 20 gallon aquarium that can be used to house it and I'll have to get a heat lamp or something, but what else should I pick up? Also, are there any other snakes you would recommend for the beginner-intermediate level? I highly doubt I can go to a reptile show and just get one thing.

Man, there are literally hundreds of suggestions. Once again, its a matter of what you want to spend on the animal and the housing/feeding of the animal as well as space issues. Dumerils boas make good pets if you dont mind housing an 8-10 foot snake and feeding it rats. Same with colombian boas. The kings and corns available all usually make good pets if you dont mind raising a squirmy worm til they are adult sized. I would suggest a cornsnake though. They come in a multitude of colors and patterns, are generally great feeders, and dont get huge. Usually top out around three to six feet MAX, and have good temperaments in general. Also, some breeders sell off their extra adults they no longer need. Especially males. You may be able to find a young adult male corn for not much more than a hatchling. These adults are usually established and used to handling and past the nervous baby stage. Just look and by all means ASK QUESTIONS WHILE AT THE SHOW!!! Asking what your new snake SHOULD eat after you bought it and got it home is not the same as asking the vendor what it is eating for THEM while at the show. Keep that in mind while at the show.

Hog nose snakes rock and this is the year of the hognose
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Archie Bottoms

Out of that group, a florida king or mexican black king are my favorites. More active/visible than a BP or corn.
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We wouldn't have 6 and a half billion people if you had to be beautiful to get laid.
6.6 African House snakes
3.2 reticulated pythons
.1 corn snake
4.2 Florida Kings
1.2 speckled kings
1.2 ball pythons
0.0.1 Argentine boa

I am rather fond of Kingsnakes too. I forsee myself coming home with two or three snakes come the reptile show.