Reptile & Amphibian Forums

hi my name is josh and i was wondering what would be a good snake for a 13yr old begginer. we have an all glass aquarium that is 36*12*18. Im considering a ball python or a rosy boa, but i want to know my options. im looking for something that will not grow larger than approximatley four feet. are the dimensions of my cage appropiete for some thing that size? please reply

Look into corn snakes, also. Many of the North American Ratsnakes make excellent beginner snakes, and corns will stay pretty close to your size requirement. Even if your corn gets more like 5 feet long eventually, it will fit in your tank.
Corns are also more "thin-bodied" than pythons and boas and some of the others, so a 4 or 5 foot corn snake is actually a much smaller animal than a 4 or 5 foot python. Check out the corn forum to see some of the really cool color morphs. Oh...and they are relatively inexpensive snakes, too.
Get your snake, regardless of species, from a reputable dealer and/or breeder. Reptile shows are great (I'm going to the Ohio show today!). Pet stores should be avoided, if at all possible.
You will pay too much, as a rule, and the quality/health of the animals are not always that great. Good luck, whatever you choose. Duffy

In my opinion corn snake are great beginner snakes. They get to be around 4 foot long and are docile with regular handling. I have 2. They are real neat. I house mine in a standard 20 gallon long tank so your tank should be great for one. Babies, however, like a small enclosure until they get bigger.

I have heard ball pythons can have feeding problems so I don't consider them a beginner snake. And rosy boas tend to hide from what I've read about them. My corn snake hid alot when they were little but now they are yearlings and come out often.

Main thing is do your homework on what you decide so you'll be ready when you finally buy a snake. They are great pets.

By the way...they are adicting! So you'll be wanting more in the future!

I agree...corns are great. But a lot has to be said about your basic Chain king group. They are hardy and fall into the 4-6' range. Prairie kings are smaller and can also be a great starter. For exotics the twin spot ratsnakes (Bimaculacata or dione) also fit the bill and have nice color and are reasonable in price.

Frank
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"The luxury of not getting involved departed with the last lifeboat Skipper..."