Snake Advice

Digeridew · #1 (**permalink**) 09-07-2010, 06:58 PM

I'm looking to get a snake, and have never owned a snake before. I've owned plenty of turtles, and cared for lizards but not a snake.

I've done some reading but no amount of reading can compare to the vast experience acquired by this community. So I thought I'd ask for some advice.

I really would like to know what my options are.
Here is what I am looking for, and I hope I get some good suggestions.

I have limited space in my apartment I would like a snake that stays "small". I'm hoping to find one that doesn't exceed 5-6 feet in length.

I'd like a snake that can be handled frequently.

I'd like something that isn't ultra aggressive. I don't want a belt I have to feed either, just something that won't try to kill me every time I feed it.
(I understand proper and frequent handling will make a snake more gentle and tolerant of handling, and that individual snakes can be bitey or temperamental as a part of their personalities. I also know some breeds can be more aggressive than others. )

I would like something from an arid climate who likes a dryer tank.

I don't mind feeding the snake, some people are squeamish but if you've ever seen an aquatic turtle eat you get over it.

I can't think right now of any thing else I should say other than I'm debating just going back to lizards or another tortoise. though I am looking forward to trying something new.

There is a local individual looking to re-home a red tailed boa, but I don't know if he would be appropriate for some one new to the snake lifestyle.

morti · #2 (**permalink**) 09-07-2010, 07:27 PM

You want a corn snake!

Digeridew · #3 (**permalink**) 09-07-2010, 07:31 PM

I'm actually hoping to avoid colubrids and go for a boid. Unless there are no good boids to get as a beginner.

beelane · #4 (**permalink**) 09-07-2010, 07:41 PM

Go with a ball python!

Digeridew · #5 (**permalink**) 09-07-2010, 07:56 PM

A friend said a boy ball python would be better for me than a girl. Is this because of the size difference between them?

I currently have a 20 gallon long tank.
What size tank should I get for a ball python? Would my 20 gallon long work for a baby ball python till I got a bigger one?

kenyabloodstone · #6 (**permalink**) 09-07-2010, 07:57 PM

Definitely go with a Ball Python or a corn snake!

TammyJamaica · #7 (**permalink**) 09-07-2010, 08:05 PM

Where are you located?

Definitely a nice little juvenile Ball Python male. But they do like, and will only do well with, the correct temps and humidity, check that out.

Isn't a digeridew a kind of very long horn type instrument played by Aboriginal Australians? Just wondering.

Aaron-Insular · #8 (**permalink**) 09-07-2010, 08:06 PM

I would look into central american and island dwarf boas and ball pythons.

Digeridew · #9 (**permalink**) 09-07-2010, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TammyJamaica

Where are you located?
Definitely a nice little juvenile Ball Python male. But they do like, and will only do well with, the correct temps and humidity, check that out.
Isn't a digeridew a kind of very long horn type instrument played by Aboriginal Australians? Just wondering.

It is spelled Didgeridoo but yes. That's what I was going for, it's a pun based on my love of the instrument and my own last name.

I'm in Madison, Wi.

morti · #10 (**permalink**) 09-07-2010, 08:10 PM

It's not that there are no boids that are good for beginners... just that Corn Snakes are much Better for beginners.

I love me some boas and I have.. erm... lots of them, but from what you described, a corn snake would be a better snake for you. Their heating and humidity requirements are not all that strict, and your 20L will quite likely be big enough even for an adult.

Digeridew · #11 (**permalink**) 09-07-2010, 08:12 PM

The Wisconsin Reptile Expo is coming soon and I'm going to go there and hopefully buy a snake.

I'll post what ends up happening here with pictures and every thing.
The tank I have will probably go to something else any ways as I'd want a new tank for a snake.

I'll check this thread when I get home from work to see if any one else has any more great advice for me.

Snake18 · #12 (**permalink**) 09-07-2010, 08:16 PM

20 gal is fine for a baby (IMO). A red tail will more than likely exceed your size requirements. Corns are great starter snakes but if you dont want that how do you feel about Kenyan Sand Boas? They stay small and look really cool. If you go with a ball make sure your husbandry is always spot on. There are a lot of posts about balls going on hunger strikes. Not all balls are like that though. Do you have any friends with snake experience? Its good to have a mentor for a piece of mind.

Rachel SS · #13 (**permalink**) 09-07-2010, 08:50 PM

I also want to note that frequent handling is counter productive, especially with baby snakes. Handling baby snakes frequently is going to stress them out - remember, you are HUGE, they have NO clue what you are so they assume you are a predator.

You will get bit, pooped on, musked, etc by a baby if you force handling on it all the time. Snakes are completely unpredictable so you have to be prepared for it. You may get a baby ball python that actually lashes out and bites! So limit handling to only a couple times a week and make sure you give your snake at least THREE days post-feeding to digest most of its prey.

Stargazer · #14 (**permalink**) 09-07-2010, 09:36 PM

First, you need to make sure that your apartment complex allows reptiles. Around here they don't. Don't try to sneak a snake in where it's against the rules.

Second, there is no guarantee that any type of boa will not have a very aggressive feeding response. Even the calmest boas could try to take your face off during feeding time.

If you get a ball python, you will need a minimum of a 40-gallon tank or 4X2X2 enclosure. And be prepared for it to go off feed for months on end. It's a common trait of bps.

Beardo · #15 (**permalink**) 09-07-2010, 09:41 PM

If you want to avoid colubrids, check out Spotted or CHildren's Pythons, Kenyan Sand Boas or even Womas....they don't get big, are VERY easy to care for and aren't as "common" as Ball Pythons.

beelane · #16 (**permalink**) 09-07-2010, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stargazer

First, you need to make sure that your apartment complex allows reptiles. Around here they don't. Don't try to sneak a snake in where it's against the rules.
Second, there is no guarantee that any type of boa will not have a very aggressive feeding response. Even the calmest boas could try to take your face off during feeding time.
If you get a ball python, you will need a minimum of a 40-gallon tank or 4X2X2 enclosure. And be prepared for it to go off feed for months on end. It's a common trait of bps.

Good point! My good friend has a gorgeous 10 ft boa named Cleo, and shes one of the tamest snakes I know.. or so I thought. We always called her the 'puppy dog' because shes such a sweetie. The other day when I opened her tank she jumped out and latched on to my hand. I wasn't aware but she had eaten like 13 rats in 6 weeks and was eating more than she was being handled, so she automatically assumed I was food

.. Definitely research boas temperaments if you plan on getting one.. There's many warning signs and things to avoid doing, so make yourself aware before you ever get one. I find most pythons I've dealt with to be calm. If you want something that won't get too large, go with a BP!

clayton · #17 (**permalink**) 09-07-2010, 09:57 PM

i would recamend a cornsnake or a sand boa or a hognose any one of those can live in your 20gal for its life

Rachel SS · #18 (**permalink**) 09-07-2010, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beelane

Good point! My good friend has a gorgeous 10 ft boa named Cleo, and shes one of the tamest snakes I know.. or so I thought. We always called her the 'puppy dog' because shes such a sweetie. The other day when I opened her tank she jumped out and latched on to my hand. I wasn't aware but she had eaten like 13 rats in 6 weeks and was eating more than she was being handled, so she automatically assumed I was food

.. Definitely research boas temperaments if you plan on getting one.. There's many warning signs and things to avoid doing, so make yourself aware before you ever get one. I find most pythons I've dealt with to be calm. If you want something that won't get too large, go with a BP!

She didn't assume you were food... she's either hungry or was stressed out and you spooked her. Their nose knows.

beelane · #19 (**permalink**) 09-07-2010, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rachel SS

She didn't assume you were food... she's either hungry or was stressed out and you spooked her. Their nose knows.

I dunno lol, the tanks open from the front and the second it was almost opened she jumped out and grabbed me.. It happened so fast and I was in shock but who knows. I still love her even though she tried to take my hand off haha!

Bluerain · #20 (**permalink**) 09-10-2010, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snake18

20 gal is fine for a baby (IMO). A red tail will more than likely exceed your size requirements. Corns are great starter snakes but if you dont want that how do you feel about Kenyan Sand Boas? They stay small and look really cool. If you go with a ball make sure your husbandry is always spot on. There are a lot of posts about balls going on hunger strikes. Not all balls are like that though. Do you have any friends with snake experience? Its good to have a mentor for a piece of mind.

Id agree that if you dont want a Corn, and your looking for a snake from a more arid environment the Sand Boas are spot on. They stay small and are fun to watch (when you do see them, mainly at night)
You could also think of a nice Rosie Boa?..Or the Royal as suggested...Just make sure you buy a nice feeding Captive Bred and you will be good to go!

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