Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am going to be buying my first snake in a couple of months. I am trying to decide which one I want. I have my list down to 5 snakes.

western hognone
ball python
bull snake
kenyan sand boa
rosy boa

If anybody has any input as to one over the other. Please let me know.

Thanks

They're all great snakes, but only one of them has black polka dots. Keep that in mind.
-----
Peter: It's OK, I'll handle it. I read a book about something like this.
Brian: Are you sure it was a book? Are you sure it wasn't NOTHING?

Of your list, I've owned several dozen bullsnakes, around a dozen ball pythons, and one rosy boa (coastal).

Bullsnakes have great personalities and eat like pigs. Main drawback is that they are pretty defensive as youngsters or newly captured and are likely to hiss and strike. However, they seldom bite; the display is designed to frighten you rather than hurt you. As long as you are not intimidated and handle them for at least a few minutes every day, they generally tame rapidly.

Ball pythons are also good snakes. They can be timid and require a good hiding box. The excitement of being shipped and moved around can put any ball python off food. If possible, get yours straight from the breeder for minimum stress. And sometimes adults go off food during the winter.

My one rosy boa was a captive born snake that was adult when I got it. It was very laid back and easy to handle and a good feeder. I can't say how a baby would act though.

Hope this helps some.

Paul Hollander