Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I might be getting my first snake soon. The ones i'm most interested in are Water Snakes, Red-Tailed Boas, and Ball Pythons. Which one of these do recemmond for a beginner with snakes.Don.t worry, i'm willing to keep something big. Size doesn't bother me.

that question can't be answered by us, only by you! You need to know what you can keep, your experience level, you dedication level. Then look into the animals individually, see what type of care, temperment, husbandry goes along with owning those animals then take all of that info and really ask yourself do I want a water snake that will not be very handleable and eats fish etc, a boa that is for more experienced herpers or a python species many of which are not for novice herpers either. So as far as the answer to your question its up to you.

Do the most research that you possibly can, make sure you can accomodate your animal for his/her entire life. Make sure that it will fit into you plans ie wife, kids, roommates and then make the wise educated purchase.

Don't rush things, they'll always be around! BOAS rock but know what your getting before you get blindsided by the unexpected and hurt you or the animal. If you do it this way you'll have a better experience and a better time with the snake!

All the best,
Justin

Every other site i've been to, they said that boas are good beginner snakes, even though they are big. The place I would buy a boa is Onesnake.com. It has a breeder selling captive-bred baby boas. In conclusion, the snake i'm most interested in is the Red-tailed Boa. Every person I've talked to on the internet says it's okay.

What I'm saying is sure it is ok, but is it what you want, and do you think that you can take care of it properly? Size is only one factor to consider, you also need to look at housing, husbandry, feeding and temperment. Not all boas are docile some can and will bite! Most have strong feeding response and well as some know getting bit by an 8ft snake doesn't feel that good.

What I'm trying to say is an educated purchase as it looks like you are doing by reading these forums and talking to people. Not all breeds will shoot you straight (not saying anything directly about the one you are looking to purchase from as I've never done business with him/her) but don't buy something simply on what one person selling a snake is saying. Make sure everything is cool and you have the knowledge and hard goods to give that animal a great life and then he/she will thus reward you with many happy and healthy years!

PS you may look to a male boa if that is the AVE. you decide. Reason being most but not all males will stay considerably smaller then females. Also Central american 'redtails' BCI will also be quite nice, inexpensive and alot smaller then their South American couterparts.

Good luck and let us know what you decide,

-Justin