Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Well, I think I am way past "hooked". ^_~ Many of you have generously supplied information regarding the many questions I have asked - thank you!! ^__^

I've always had a love for snakes, and tended to freak my parents out by catching garters in my backyard as a young girl. Strange habit, they thought. My worst offense was miraculously capturing a two-foot queen watersnake during a camping trip, mistaking it for a very large garter. ^^

All that to say, my love for reptiles (especially snakes!) is beginning to really blossom, even though I haven't even brought home what will be my first snake: most likely, a ball python. Still doing my homework, so can anyone give me any information on Brazilian rainbow boas? From what I understand, they are generally docile but have very specific requirements.

I'm interested in keeping one, possibly after I've had some experience with my BP. I'm also curious if there is any reason why starting out with one (provided that the enclosure's temps and humidity have been maintained a week or two beforehand) instead of a BP would be a poor choice.

Any information would be appreciated as always! Thanks again for helping me to prepare for my first snake-keeping experience. ^_^

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::i believe in joy > http://www.winds.org/nekomi/hope.html

::my homepage > http://www.winds.org/nekomi

Nekomi,
I think it would be OK to start with a BRB. They need high humidity and a temp range that can range from 70-85 degrees (they spend most of their time between 72-80 degrees, in a large enclosure hot spots around 88-90 will occasionally be used). These requirements are fairly easy to maintain with a little effort. They are nocturnal and you won't be seeing them during the day.
Check out the Rainbow Boa Forum below. Tons of info.
They are fantastic snakes. I highly recommend them.
Paul

I agree with paul
I bought 2 myself 2 weeks ago and they make GREAT pets and GREAT eaters =)
Its better to buy a terrarium first and get the temp stable and high humidity before buying them!

I think you'll be fine with a BRB as a starter snake... In my opinion, the three highest criteria for owning any type of snake are:

1) Comfort level - this applies all around. A person has to be totally comfortable with the animal they're set to take care of. This doesn't mean letting your guard down. It means being at ease and not scared... This also extends to feeding. Be prepared to feed the rodents, sometimes dead or alive, and everything that goes along with that. Including braining pinkies and the like.

2) Knowledge - if you know everything there is to know for your particular species of snake, then why not?

3) Dedication - know what you're getting into and be 100% committed.

I saw a debate once on which snake was best as a started snake. Almost everyone came out with 'corn snake' because they are obviously very easy to care for and allow for a lot more in terms of 'neglect' and 'oopsies'. Regardless, one person stepped forward, and said that nearly any snake out there is a good starter snake so long as the dedication is there.

I personally started with an adult corn snake. I didn't think I was completely prepared for a python or a boa when I got my corn. Now I think I am... For me it was an issue of comfort level. I'm okay now...

I personally think BRBs are about low-medium in terms of difficulty, mainly because of their needs in terms of humidity. But that's really not hard to maintain. So I say if they're what gets you, go for them! They're absolutely gorgeous snakes.

Good luck with whatever you choose!

Actually, Brazilians may be a better choice than a Ball Python in some ways. The only hesitation I would have about a Rainbow for a new snake keeper is that some baby rainbows are a little snappy at first. Not a big deal, and they grow out of it, but some babies may bite. Otherwise, they are probably easier to keep than a Ball Python, but they do require more room.

Ball Pythons generally don't bite, but they are a little more difficult about being consistent feeders. If you are considering a ball python, insist on one that is captive bred and born (meaning both parents were captive snakes). There are thousands of farm bred Ball Pythons that come into this country every year and are sold as "captive born" for ridiculously low prices (the $29.99 PetCo snakes fall into this category). These are babies that hatch from wild caught females. Those specimens are really problematic, at best.

A captive bred and born ball python makes a great starter snake as long as you are committed to reading first (get a copy of the Ball Python Manual) then purchasing.
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Chris Harrison

...he was beginning to realize he was the creature of a god that appreciated the discomfort of his worshippers - W. Somerset Maugham

The best advice I have recieved on BRBs came from Jeff Clark. He is pretty much an expert on them. Check out his website at: www.corallus.com/cenchria/index.html
Everyone on the BRB forum usually direct their questions toward him. He sure has helped me with my pair.
Hope this helps,
Cricket