Reptile & Amphibian Forums

ive been wanting to get a snake for awhile now but i dont really know much about it. anybody have any suggestions of what i should go for. and also i need to know what all i will need, and about how much i might be looking at to get everything set up...price wise. any info will help....thanks

Okay, we have some stuff to cover then.

1. figure out which type of snake you would like ie boa, python, rat snake, kingsnake, garter, etc. And then from the group you like the best, pick something out that doesn't grow more than 5 ft and is gentle and hardy. Off the top of my head, a cornsnake or a California king are among the best for novices. Avoid burmese and reticulated pythons like the plague! They aren't bad snakes, but they grow huge and need an experienced keeper with a big budget.

2. random snake facts and trivia for you. Cared for properly, snakes can live anywhere from 15 years to the record of 47 years. It's an extraordinarily rare snake that shows affection. Usually they just tolerate us (and occasionally they'll grudgingly enjoy our company) . Generally snakes need to be fed every one to two weeks. They need water at all times. Keeping a log for records is recommended. They need a place to hide, and in their hide, it's best if they can have contact with it on all sides to feel secure.

3. price... this is the tricky one. A nice well-started baby snake that eats frozen/thawed mice and is a good beginners species can usually be bought for between 20 to 100 dollars. There are many more expensive nice snakes too, but there are many wonderful critters in that low range. Then of course, there's the food, heat source (no hot rocks!) terrarium with secure sliding top, rheostat or thermostat, thermometer and humidity gauge, electricity costs, etc. The supplies and maintenance are where the real costs lie.

4. Research. There's a good site called www.anapsid.org just surf around there and you'll get a lot of facts. The Barrons series of books have good information, as do some others. And of course you can ask here. Good luck!
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Still searching for 1.0 WC human

Drosera covered alot of info. Your best bet is to do LOTS OF HOMEWORK before you even buy a snake. Asking questions is a good start. At least your not buying one then asking 'now what'. Good for you.
I started out with a corn snake. They are one of the easiest beginner snakes there is. They come in all kinds of colors and are real docile when it comes to handling (IF you work with them). They are on the small side averaging 3-5 feet long as adults.
Reptile shows/expos are a great place to see all kinds of snakes and ask all kinds of questions.
You basically need a enclosure, I use 20 gallon long tanks for my 2 year old corns, a VERY SECURE lid, heat source, hiding spots, water bowls and knowledge of the snake your going to get.
Enjoy....but beware...once you get one you'll want more.

Good advice so far on the other two posts. I am a huge fan of the North American Ratsnakes (that includes Cornsnakes), and there couldn't be a better beginner snake in my opinion. They are inexpensive, super easy to care for, and in most cases very easy to handle. Some can be nippy as babies, but most grow out of it.

I strongly agree with the idea of finding a reptile show if you can. Click on Events, above, to see if one comes near you. You are so much better off buying from a breeder. Avoid pet stores if possible. Some are OK. Most can't offer you value for your dollar.

And, yes, do all your homework first. Then...Enjoy and welcome to the club. Duffy