Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I keep getting told to start out with something like a ball python... But what confuses me there is; What's the difference? They both eat the same thing, they both need big cages, they both need proper heating and humidity... Or am i wrong. Please explain. Also, the reason I'd like to start with an ETB is because from my knowledge ball pythons and such live a LONG time, like 15 years or something, do I actually need 15 years of experience? Also, in regards of experience, I have owned many small reptiles and amphibians since I was small. I've had everything from newts and salamanders to tree frogs and anoles, some of which I still have today. I have had a snake too. It wasn't long term though. I had a garter snake that I'd found in my back yard. I kept it for a while then released it, and it seemed to do fine, ate it's fish and everything, lol. Anyways, If you could just explain what the difference between the ETB and other boas or pythons is, that would be a great help. Thanks.

Pardon the analogy but a corvette and a cavalier are both Chevies, both use gas...yet there is a major difference.

The environmental criteria for emeralds are much more stringent than some other boids. Their higher price tag coupled with housing requirements and a usually very nasty disposition (with very large teeth - they are called corallus caninus for a reason) makes them a more advanced species.

Here are a few questions:

Do you plan on handling your new pet?

If so, emeralds are definitely not the way to go. Most will opt to take a chunk out of your face every chance they get?

Are you prepared to spend the extra money to acquire a cbb animal?

Wild caught emeralds are often desired because they are less expensive. They also come with loads of problems such as parasites and other diseases. Are you ready to give oral medicine and injections to the above mentioned nasty snake?

Are you prepared to invest in proper caging?

If you want to look at your animal and admire it for its beauty, you will need an adequate cage to do so. Aquariums are not a good choice because they do not have adequate air flow nor do they retain humidity. Therefore, it looks like you will need some custom caging - $$$$.

I am not saying emeralds are impossible to own. I am saying they are not the best first snake.

that reply seems right. i have not personally owned one because of what he said. i have wanted to get into it but i have decided that an amazon tree boa will be my first aboreal in a couple weeks or so. speaking as a ball python owner...i would absolutely recommend a ball python for a 1st python. they are very docile & forgiving. they are easy to care for & i had one that tried escaping but decided he wanted to come to me & be held. he seemed pretty affectionate for a snake. i have also had one little girl that actually loved to climb & hunted & ate in a tree exclusively..so maybe if you throw some branches in a tank you may get lucky..lol i would say grab a ball care for it well for a couple months then if you still feel the need to own a snake that will eat your eyeballs go for it..lol well hopefully you arent like me & wont impulse or rush into it. best of luck in your decisions.

later

Hey,
Back in the early '90s someone gave me a ball python, I still have it and recently was told that they can live for close to 50 years. Don't know if that's true. This was the first snake I had had in over 20 years. I too have always had a passion for emeralds and in '98 decided to get one. Did the research, got the set-up and got a cbb male. He sired his first litter for us at the beginning of this year (combination of end of last year mating and on into Feb. of this year0. We now have a modest collection of both northerns and basins with two female basins ready to drop a litter at anytime now. Can you start out with emeralds as a beginner arboreal? Absolutely! If you are prepared ahead of time.

Emeralds and I think most true arboreals are more a minimal handling animal and this is the philosophy we work with. The only time I have ever been bitten is when assisting with bad sheds and once when I startled one out of sleep.

Emeralds are named Corallus Caninus for the profile ressemblance of the head to a dogs head, not because of the front teeth and are often refered to as dogboas.

ALWAYS START WITH CBB that have been well established by the breeder. Make sure that they were actually bred in captivity and not offspring from a recent import that someone is labeling cbb instead of cb.
CraigC