Would you recommend a Ball Python as a good starter snake?

I would totally recomend it, provided the person does research first and joins this forum :mrgreen:

I agree with Marla. It'd depend on where the BP was from, for one thing. I'd never recomend a WC bp to anyone just starting out (or even someone experienced, heh.) A cbb proven feeder with records to back him up would be a good starter.
However, since getting my bci, I'd be somewhat tempted to offer that as an idea for a good starter snake, in the big-snake category. My bci has not refused a feeding and is very gentle, not at all head shy. Yet, I am sure that there are bcis out there which are skittish, as well as bps who are less skittish than a bci. But I am pretty sure that boas have better feeding responses. As long as the person realizes how big the snake gets and how long it lives, that's the main thing. I think that people should keep smaller snakes, like garters, for a few years before getting a bigger snake, to make sure snakekeeping isfor them.

Judy,

I wouldn't say that the gerbils are nervous. Just exceptionally well behaved. : )

All our BPs are very gentle beasts. One of our sons has a Striped Coastal Cali King that would likely intimidate the hell out of anyone as a first snake being so fast and territorial (well cage-suspicious at least). As a first snake it would be great to be able to truly hook someone up with something whose behavior and eating patterns are known and established, not that any of us want to part with any of our own . . .

I agree with Marla, very well put.
Rusty

My frist snake was a red tail and I had more problems out of her than any of my pythons. Wolfman said it best They really do eat on there own free will.

I think I am gonna have to say probably not. They are great snakes, but they have more needs than say a corn. I wouldnt tell some one not to get one, but if they asked what I'd recomend Id have to say corn snake. They are a very hardy snake and are a bit more forgiving to mistakes. Pythons tend to go off feed, stress out fairly easily, and have shedding problems if your humidity isnt just right. (they are my fav snake though)
just my humble opinion...

It really depends on the amount of research the person is willing to put into it. Not to mention the money, time, and care as well. Provided the person is doing it for him/her and not for the cool factor, then I suppose someone could get any snake.

i would recomend a ball as long as you know its eating.. i got mine from a local crappy pet store. He was friendly and not as shy as the others but when i asked if it is eating well they are like " yea ... yea.... they all are eating good" i should have gone somewhere else because mine is a pain it barely ever eats. Its only eaten twice since early january.

It is a bit skinny but is so well tempered... i dont think i could get it to bite even if i tried. Ball pythons are great for a first pet if they eat i get so mad when he doesnt eat

Well, I thought it would be interesting to see what BP owners would say to this poll. I have to agree that if someone will do the research, buy CB and make sure it's eating then I'd say go for it. However, a lot of the time (particularly on other forums) you get posts that just say: what snake do you recommend for a beginner. And you have no way of knowing whether they will research or be sure they are eating and are captive bred. You can tell them, but you never know if they will listen.