Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So I've never had a snake before and was wondering which breeds would be good for a first time snake mommy? I've always been interested in various pythons and boa constrictors. From my very limited experience with snakes, I do know that the bermese python is the most dossile. I'd really appreciate if somebody could give me feedback and tell me what to expect when owning a snake for the first time. Are their illnesses that different snake breeds are prone to? I know it sounds cruel, but I do plan on feeding live rodents as I feel it's better for them neutritionally. In addition to live rodents, are there any other supplemental needs that snakes should have in their diet?

thanks

Victoria

I would not go with a Burm for a first snake. They are one of the largest snakes in the world and not for beginners. I have also not heard them referred to as docile.

Corns are a good first snake. Ball Pythons take more care and attention but can be all right for beginners who do their homework.

I would not suggest feeding live for "better nutrition", the risk of injury or death to the snake far outweighs any marginal loss from freezing. If you want to feed fresh, kill the rodent your self and give it to the snake still warm.

A
-----
1.0 normal BP Nicodemus
1.0 BP Moufasa pos vanilla, fire, cinny
0.4 Cal Kings 3 alb 1 het Dora Queen Ace Pearl
2.0 Alb Corn Bizaar Elixir
0.0.1 Rev Alb Nelsons Oden

Thanks Amanda. That's good to know. I didn't know that feeding live could cause injury/death to the snake. Don't the snakes kill the rats/mice themselves? Are there any other nutritional needs that snakes have besides rats and mice?

Rats or mice are all a snake needs. They can eat other things like birds (chicks, ducklings, pheasants, and so on), eggs for some species, and fish for some (like garter snakes). Live fish are safe for snakes that eat them, they just go in the water dish and you watch the fun.

The danger with live food items for snakes is that they my bite the snake as the snake kills it, or if the snake doesn't eat the rodent right away the rodent will eat the snake. People have left live food with their snakes and returned later to horrific injuries. Some snakes will just not fight back and let the rodents eat them alive.

A
-----
1.0 normal BP Nicodemus
1.0 BP Moufasa pos vanilla, fire, cinny
0.4 Cal Kings 3 alb 1 het Dora Queen Ace Pearl
2.0 Alb Corn Bizaar Elixir
0.0.1 Rev Alb Nelsons Oden