Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So it's happened, as I knew it would. I've been "bitten" by the reptile bug and really, really want a snake. I've been doing a little research myself but wanted to talk with you folks as well.

What is a good starter snake for someone with a low-to-moderate amount of reptile experience? Grass is the first herp I've had, but I feel really confident with the complex care she requires (and my vet agrees). My one qualifier is that I don't think I can handle feeding anything larger than rats.

I know corns are recommended for beginners, but I've also read they're not very "wrappy," and won't just drape themselves on you the way a king or a python would. Is this true? I'm hoping for something that'll be comfortable being "worn" while I watch tv & read, since Her Majesty flat out refuses to sit still with me And are there differences in docility/tameability with various species?

I'm not real picky about looks, although I'm very partial to Greens and to Blizzard corns.

Thanks so much in advance for any advice & input.

Well.. I can speak from exeperience on boas and pythons. Pythons are much more active than boas... boas are more the drape and sit kind of guys... My male is 4 years old and 6.5 ft long. You can maintain even a 12ft boa (Usually females can get this big...though its rare with your every day normal Columbian redtails) on large rats so there should be no problem there. I love boas.. and if you don't want anything over 6ft... look into Hogg Island boas.. Cay Caulker boas.. Dumerils boas.. you might pay a bit more but you'll be happier. Or just get a male Columbian Redtail (BCI). And Unlike large lizards... snakes don't need as much room...you can keep a 6 ft snake in something half its length without too much a problem since they don't move around alot anyway... Though my boas are all kept in something a bit larger than that....about 3/4 of their length....
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Lucien

1.1 Columbian Redtail Boa (BCI)(Sutekh and Isis)
2.1.2 Leopard geckos (2 Blizzards (Caine and Goliath), 1 Tangerine Albino (Tequila Sunrise ...Tiki for short) and 2 dbl. het blizzard x tang albino (Malice and Mystique))
0.1 Savannah Monitor (Kiros)
13 rats
1 Gerbil
2 Dogs (Loki and Storm)
2 cats (Sahara and Hercules)

Forest is actually my 3rd reptile.

We also own 2 Florida Kingsnakes (male & female) & have had them for about 3 years now.

They are very docile & easy to care for. Both eat small rats or large mice.

We've had them out in the yard together & neither Forest or the snakes really seem to notice each other.

I about wet my pants laughing one day when Mike was bringing the boy snake out to go potty & Forest was already outside on his wicker dome...Mike came walking out of the FL room, took one look at Forest & said to Forest, "Your cousin is here to see you!" Don't know why, was just a funny moment.

Anyway, they like to be handled (that means they are more mellow about it than most) & are SO much easier to care for than my big green baby.

We're not into some of the bright & bold kings & corns that are hot with breeders right now. Ours are native & we love em.

Good luck~tons to pick from! Go to the Kingsnake forum & check out Keith Hillson's website on Eastern Kings. Just click on any post by Keith & his link will be at the bottom. Again, have fun.

Terri

My first reptile is/was a ball python. Normal pattern, nothing expensive, but I love him to death. He likes to be out of his cage and wonder around. I have made him a play spot in my house with a heat source and what not and he loves to climb all over it at night. They are not hard to keep. Mine is about 4 months old now and on Rat pups/Adult mice. He is the best pet I have right now. Mind you, I am in the processs of getting ready, building and buying lights and all, of getting a rescue iguana from a herper friend of mine. We will see who is my "favorite" then. Speaking of which, THANK YOU ALL!!! I have not been posting much, but you guys have been so much help in getting me ready for my new igg. Thanks!

Amanda
1.0.0 Ball Python
0.0.1 Leo

If I were you I would get a Ball Python. They are very docile and don't get very big (around 5ft). The only problem that I have heard is people not being able to get their baby bp's to eat. But if you get an adult or sub-adult that is already eating well from a good breeder you shouldn't have any problems.
Check out the Ball Python Forum for more info.

Thanks you guys for all the input. I think I'm going to go ahead with a corn after all, seeing as how they're so highly recommended for beginners. And I gotta admit -- though I know most of you are purists -- I'm totally a sucker for the crazy color morphs.

But I also think, after reading all your posts, a BP will be next for sure