first snake

i am looking in to getting my first snake, i am thinking a ball python or a boa. i need info like breeders in memphis ,what i need to get started and ,also what i need to keep the baby happy and healthy

Hey welcome! Both ball pythons and colombian red tail boas make wonderful pets, but for a first snake, I would definitely recommend a ball python over a boa, since boas are capable of becoming quite large (over 6')

I don't know of any breeders in your area, but consider ordering a snake online from one of the many reputable breeders across the country. Shipping snakes is quite easy and safe actually.

There are many care sheets on both ball pythons and boas, so most of your husbandry questions will be answered there, but if you have any trouble, or specific questions, feel free to ask. :)

You can try searching through www.kingsnake.com and seeing if they have any breeder's listed fairly close to you. If not, they've got the classified section, and some great breeders. You can also look for a reptile show in your local area and you can pick up a great animal there :)

I think small coulbrids make much better first snakes (my opinion :) )

You could try going for a corn snake, or a garter. You will never have problems feeding a garter, ever.

I would get a ball python.

Go to www.constrictors.com and ask Mike Wilbanks how much his normal baby Ball Pythons are. I am pretty sure he has some, as I just bought one from him like 2 weeks ago. But I don't know how much they cost cus he kinda gave me a deal, so I can't tell you how much they are.

But I do know they range from 50-57$ Shipping included.

I too would get a ball python. That was my first snake. Whatever your decision, do lots of research first and get your enclosure all set up before bringing your new pet home.

Welcome to the site!

I would get a bp also, that was my first snake as well. Just make sure you do some reading on both before making a final decision.

They said it, research, research, research. I researched for about a month before I got my BP. I would read posts daily in about 4 different forums. I didn't find this one until about 2 weeks ago though, and it is so far the most active. Have your setup ie: temps, humidity, hides, thermometers, substrate etc. all ready to go BEFORE you get the snake.

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Have your setup ie: temps, humidity, hides, thermometers, substrate etc. all ready to go BEFORE you get the snake.

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Very good point! Sometimes it takes a week or more of tweaking to get your temps and humidity right, and it's better to do that before he snake is in the enclosure. By the way, welcome to the site to both of you!

I think that everyone else mentioned the points I have thought of. Above all, research! And find out exactly how big an adult animal of the species you want is, and actually see a full grown adult, before you buy a cute baby. Some people buy a snake and are amazed at how big it gets. Don't be one of these people! Know before you buy.