quick question...

[Naomijoy]

Hi everyone! This is my first post...I just wanted to introduce myself and ask a quick question.
We recently just found out that my daughter is very allergic to our cats. SO...the cats will be going home with Grandma and Grandpa (staying in the family) and me and the kids have been researching pets that wouldn't affect her allergies.
My kids are 4 and 6 and they have decided that they want a snake! So...load me up with advice and input. Right now I have a 40 gallon aquarium that I could use for housing, although purchasing something larger is not totally out of the question. I've never owned a snake before (except for when I was 15 and kept a pine snake for a few weeks before my mom found it) so I'm a beginner. What books should I be reading? What websites will help me the most? I want to do this right....
Thank you for any and all help you can give me.

[Naomijoy]

ps. this will not be happening before the new year, and possibly not before spring. I want to make sure we have the time to be prepared before we acquire a new pet.

[TheSnakeGuy]

Welcome to the forum. There are many kinds of snakes that can be housed in a 40 gallon. Your first task is to narrow it down and decide what you want. Then visit the"Care Guide" page and start from there. Since you have small children I recommend either a Corn Snake or Ball Python because they are known for being very docile. It's wonderful that you have added yourself and your family to the community of reptile enthusiasts. People here are more than happy to answer any questions you have. And again, Welcome!

[Naomijoy]

Since you have small children I recommend either a Corn Snake or Ball Python because they are known for being very docile.

Thank you so much for your reply. I personally would lean towards a Ball Python (just from the little I know about them) but I didn't know if he/she would be too difficult for a beginner to handle and take care of? I know that they don't get huge, but do they mostly tend to have good personalities? For us the joy of having a pet is handling it and spending time with it and I really want the kids to be able to do that. Do you think 4 and 6 is too young? Thanks again, I'm enjoying looking around the forum!

[carlson]

I don't think 4&6 are too young granted I'm not a knowledgable child person but every ball I've met has been nothing but mellow. It's cool your getting your family into it together and doing all your research beforehand. An I'd agree a ball python would be a good starting point there are tons of different morphs with wide price ranges so you can pick a color that fits your family haha I know corns have tons of morphs too but I know nothing about them.

[Naomijoy]

Thank you Carlson

[carlson]

Thank you Carlson

Any time I'm still learning myself finally gotten to the point where I'm gonna step up to the breeding table once I have the money. I hope everything goes good for you and welcome to the forum it's filled with great people who are more then willing to help new people

[OsirisRa32]

If your leaning towards Ball Pythons I would recommend the following books

Ball Pythons in Captivity by Professional Breeders Series
and
The Complete Ball Python Guide by Kevin McCurley

Also just start browsing the forums and dont be afraid to ask questions...im a brand new BP owner myself and everyone on here is very helpful.

[satomi325]

Hi!
Welcome.
This is the perfect place to learn how to care for a ball python.

Ball pythons have excellent temperaments. Perfect for young children.
They handle very well and are not typically flighty.

If you choose to start off with a hatchling ball python, a 40 gallon tank will be too large.
Ball pythons typicall stress out in large open spaces, so they do very well in smaller tighter spaces.
Babies do well in 10-15 gallons, but will outgrow them quickly.
If you're really intent in the 40 gallon tank, then I suggest using a temporary divider to section it off so your snake has time to grow into the large space.
Cluttering it up with lots of decorations and hides works great too.
(Plastic storage tubs work great for permanent or temporary enclosures as well. I'm going to guess you want a display tank? Well a plastic storage tub will work perfect for a baby's temporary grow out enclosure. It's small, tight and secure feeling)

If you are getting an sub-adult/adult, a 40 gallon should be fine size wise, but will still need lots of clutter and hides.

It just depends on the snake.

Some tools you will need in order to house your snake properly:
1) Thermostat to regulate your heating source
2) Heating pad
3) Reliable thermometer to read your hot side and cool side of the enlosure.
4) Hygrometer to read the humidity levels

These items are not optional.
(note: Do not buy the thermostat or sticky dial thermometer/hygrometers from the pet store. They are highly unreliable and inaccurate)

[3skulls]

Welcome go the site!
Looks like everyone has you pointed in the right direction.

A thought on a BP for a first time snake owner. Don't stress if you get a fussy eater. I think without a forum like this or a friend with experience, a hunger strike could be a problem (to the owner)

Take a look at Kenyan Sand Boas too. They are pretty cool.

Find what you think would be best for you and your kids, then go from there.
I have been bit by my BPs. To me it's nothing, to a 4 year old it might mean growing up hating snakes.

I wish I had snakes when I was 4 :p