Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have never worked with snakes at all, but my boyfriend loves them and is somewhat experienced. He would never go ahead and get himself one (due to his mother having a long lasting phobia of them, even though he is not living at home). But she agreed I could go ahead and surprise him as long as it wasn't his dream snake of a red tailed boa (something smaller) and I would take it when he was visiting home at any point. Any and all advice is welcome. The more I have learned the more fascinating they are...

This is a good place for a beginner, as Ball Pythons are one of the better 'beginner' snakes. They're docile, easy to find captive bred specimens of, don't get overly large (usually 4 to 5 feet maximum in captivity), and aren't too terribly demanding on their needs. At a reptile show here in town, I paid $35 for my captive bred juvenile ball python. At reptile shops and pet stores, the average price I've seen for comparable size and normal coloring is $80. If you can visit a breeder directly, you'll be better off as you'll cut out the "middle man" cost, and will be able to get more background information on the individual you select.

Other good beginner snakes include the kingsnake and cornsnake species, which vary in maximum size depending on the particular species. Many of the king and corn snakes are also readily available in captive bred specimens. Rosy boas are reputed to be good beginner snakes, also being rather docile and not getting too large, but rosies are not as common to find captive bred. I've seen young cornsnakes for as little as $15 in reptile shops, though I don't think I've seen any rosy boas for less than $100.

For the beginner, I would strongly suggest staying away from imported or wild caught specimens, as WC specimens are often trickier to get acclimated to captivity, tend to be fussier eaters, and often tend to be less accepting of being handled.

If you can arrange it, try to find a breeder in your area and work out a deal where you can take your boyfriend over there and let him pick out his own pet snake from a "list" of available specimens in your price range. That way, he can have a better chance of finding an individual that he really likes and suits him.

I have little experience with snakes either, so maybe I can gove a little help. I looked into the best beginner snakes and narrowed it down to the corn snake and the ball python. I cant tell you why i picked the ball because they are both beautifull, but i'm glad now that i picked mine. Hes a captive bred baby purchased at the reptile show in manassas. I highly recommend finding a good breeder in your area or if you are so lucky attend a reptile show. It was so much fun, and I got to handle many snakes of different spieces. Got questions answered. My ball python is everything people say they are, although i hear they have a bad rep when it comes to eating, mine has never refused a meal. (Being captive bred has ALOT to do with that) He is very docile, never aggressive and fun to watch. Kingsnake is alot of help for resources and advice, so dont hesitate to ask about anything. Good luck.

PS: I paid 45 for my captive bred and born and I consider it money well spent. He was also already eating f/t when i bought him.