Finally ready to get back into reptile keeping, BCI or BP?

Hello everyone! This is quite long- there is a TLDR at the bottom.

It has been a long time. Several years ago, I came to this website seeking help for my young, sick BCI. Unfortunately, he passed away from (likely) nuerological/IBD issues not long after I posted that thread, and I have not had a reptile since. For a long time, I just wasn't ready I think. His loss really hit me hard, and I wanted to avoid all things to do with any kind of reptiles, not even just snakes, for a long while.

Well, in that time, I have moved twice, matured some, and I'm finally only a year away from completing my degree. I'm running a small side business- although calling it a "business" is a strong word, as I'm really just monetizing a hobby of mine- and with the little extra cash that brings in per month, I am confident that I can afford the initial costs and set up of a snake once again, plus recurring or emergency costs.

There is a reptile convention happening in about a month and a half in my state. I am excited to attend, as it would be my first ever reptile convention, and this would give me the opportunity to talk to the breeders and inspect the snakes directly. I feel this will give me the best chance of getting a healthy snake this time around, from someone who is informed and invested in the health and safety of their reptiles, and who is aware of the temperaments and preferences of their animals. The last thing I want is a repeat of what happened to me with my previous snake.

My question is, though, whether or not I should stick with a BCI, or perhaps get a Ball Python instead? I will admit that I am partial to BCIs, especially the sunglow morph, as I think they're truly the most stunning snakes around. That being said, I also like ball pythons, especially butter/banana/bamboo morphs. Anything that is that gorgeous pale milky-beige brown, basically. I know their care is fairly similar, and I am confident that I could provide for either one. However, for at least one more year, I will be living in my current apartment, which is quite small. Once I graduate and can secure a full time job, the plan is to move to a larger, multi-bedroom apartment. For now though, the maximum amount of space I can give a snake is the top of a wooden dresser, measuring about 34"x20". Everywhere else is either taken, within easy reach of my very mischievous cat, or simply isnt wide enough/strong enough to support an enclosure.

I know that this is not big enough for the long run, and I fully intend to upgrade, but my hope is to find or purchase a front-opening terrarium between 24" and 30" long to put on top of this dresser. This would be the snake's home for 12-18 months, before I would move and upgrade the snake as needed for its size. Preferably, I would switch to a PVC at that point, and then repurpose the exo terra for another animal. However, it has been a long time since I last looked into the ideal standards for snakes, and I will admit I know quite little about the intricacies of the growth rates/activity levels of boas vs ball pythons. I know the basics- Boas tend to be a little huffier as babies, and will cruise around a bit more- but I also know that those are generalizations, and each snake will have individual activity/attitude preferences. Above all, I love beautiful, but calm, big snakes. I would never get something like an Emerald Tree Boa or a Kingsnake. Maybe a corn or a Kenyan sand boa, but even then, my heart really lies with the big ole' puppy snakes.

I am also aware of the problems with heat/humidity that face glass enclosures, but I would not like to use a plastic tote. For one, I would be quite concerned about my cat getting into it- he's a good sized lad, and though I love him, he is a troublemaker, and far too smart for his own good. Like, opening doors kind of smart. He is also very stubborn. For two, given that this will be my only snake for at least a year, I would to give it a quality terrarium, not a basic bin set up. Something that I would be okay setting up in the living room on a stand one day is also preferable, as I like to reuse things.

As a small aside, another thing I am considering is the future size of whatever snake I get. My main concern is the QoL of my pet in the meantime, but my partner of nearly 6 years does not like snakes. He tolerates them, but I highly doubt he would ever handle them, nor would he be willing to feed them unless absolutely necessary. This is fine by me- I always have plans laid out in case anything were to happen to me for my animals, as well as for their care if I will be gone for a length of time- and I 100% trust that he would find any reptile of mine a reputable rescue should the worst occur. But... I'm pretty sure he'd be a lot happier with a smaller, less "intimidating" ball python being in the house, compared to the much "scarier" looking BCI. At the end of the day, I know it is my choice to make and he will support either one, but his fear of large snakes does sway me slightly towards a BP, and strongly dissuade me from getting a female BCI. I am not big enough to handle a full grown 8'+ female BCI without his support, or at least back up. I have been around a ~6' male BCI before (part of an educational program), and while he was awe inspiring levels of awesome and strong, I was not particularly concerned or afraid of having to move him on or off of me. Granted, he was a real sweet heart. That big lad was what made me love BCIs.


TLDR; With being able to only have maximum 30" minimum 24" of space (lengthwise) for 12-18 months of its juvenile stage, would it be better to get a Ball Python over a Boa? I intend to upgrade to larger after moving, but I worry about a BCI quickly outgrowing and becoming cramped in a 24-30". Would I be sacrificing the QoL of a juvenile boa vs a ball python in such an enclosure?

Boa 100%. I’ve got 6 of various species and love every one of them. Most any boa should be fine up to a year and a half/two years old in a 30” enclosure/tub. Could look into some locality dwarf boas that will stay smaller if end size is of any concern. Tarahumara mountain boas are about the size of a BP full grown and will grow slowly if fed properly. I’ve have a pair that are 6 months old and barely 70 grams and 18-24” tops. They’re super fun and have tons of space in 11qt tubs currently, though I may bump them up to 23qt tubs soon (reptile basics rack).

Sorry about the very sad & sudden loss of your BCI in the past, but glad you're still thinking about a pet snake. I do think a male BCI may outgrow that space, especially if the time stretches to 18 months, plus the ultimate size & more outgoing personality of a BCI might be more intimidating to your partner, though hopefully he'll grow more comfortable with your choice when you start with a hatchling?

Between those 2, I prefer BCI to BPs- I've had both- my rescued female BCI got over 7.5' (nearly 8')- she was always sweet but a lot to handle for one person. And it's not about what anyone else likes anyway- it's up to you. But there's more choices than just those 2 that might suit you- have you ever considered a c/b Australian spotted or children's python? They stay small (3.5'-4.5' as adults) are easy to feed & much more outgoing than BPs. I've had a spotted python for about 15 years now- she's a wonderful pet. And Homebody regularly posts about his Children's python, & a few other members here also keep members of the Antaresia family, if you care to search some threads: https://ball-pythons.net/forums/foru...eneral-Pythons
You could always add a larger snake later, but consider that sometimes future plans don't always cooperate with your exact timeline. You might also look into dwarf boas that stay smaller.

Another thing, about going to & buying from expos- find out ahead of time what vendors will be there & research them for reputation- that's very important. Also, realize that anything contagious (mites or illnesses) can also be shared at expos, depending on how careful the vendors are. So pay close attention & don't assume you can trust everyone.

Thank you, Bogertophis and jmcrook.

Foremost, I am hoping to find a reptile at the con also for the ease of not having to worry about shipping. The list of vendors have already been released, and several are members of morphmarket, which is nice to see. However, I will definitely continue to research the vendors there, and see what I can find. I will also make sure to look out for illnesses or mites, like you said.

I had not considered dwarf locality boas or children's pythons, as I kind of am assuming that my con wont attract anyone breeding those. This is a local state reptile con, not anything super big or exciting. It will be only one day, from 7 to 4. However, I did see after a quick look that at least one of the vendors has carpet pythons listed as something they work with, so maybe! But I would be surprised to find anything like a dwarf locality here. From my research, I'm not sure theres even going to be a lot of boas here. A few people list them as something they work with, but they have no snakes actually listed right now, so I'm not sure.

That said, since snakes live so long, if I dont find something I love, I wont be getting anything from the show. So I'm 100% open to suggestions about species/breeders!

I do wish the BCI I had for many years had been a dwarf boa- but she was a homeless snake that all her previous owners feared & hated- she was a feisty yearling biter- actually she was just scared half to death of everyone after changing hands so many times- but anyway, I took her in & fixed that, lol. Not wanting such a large snake, my intention to calm her down & rehome her only went as far as calming her down- she was adorable & never did bite me- not that she didn't want to at first. I just didn't let her- & in a few months she learned she had nothing to fear, & she no longer felt like biting me.

You mentioned liking the "big ol' puppy snakes" so the Aussie pythons might not be quite big enough to fill that order, but mine does like warmth & being held- they're just not real big or chunky.

You've got the right idea- to hold out for something you'll be really happy with for a long time. Shows are fun & tempting but shipping is pretty safe, as long as it's not in the dead of winter (responsible sources won't ship then anyway).

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Originally Posted by OatBoii

With being able to only have maximum 30" minimum 24" of space (lengthwise) for 12-18 months of its juvenile stage, would it be better to get a Ball Python over a Boa? I intend to upgrade to larger after moving, but I worry about a BCI quickly outgrowing and becoming cramped in a 24-30". Would I be sacrificing the QoL of a juvenile boa vs a ball python in such an enclosure?

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Yes. You would be sacrificing the quality of life for either a ball python or a boa if you put them in a 24 x 18 x 18 Exoterra. Those enclosures are lousy at retaining the heat and humidity those species require.

The way I see it, you could compromise and get a small, temperature/humidity tolerant species that you are able to house now, or wait 12 -18 months and get the snake of your dreams. I'd wait. While your waiting, shop around. Morph Market has a dizzying array of species and morphs. If you decide you want a boa, daksi and Caitlin from this forum recommended in your previous thread some breeders they had purchased from personally. I'd start my search there.

I've kept both and would recommend a boa over a royal python. If you can, look up the vendors that will be at the reptile show (the show website should have a list posted). You could reach out in advance and see if any of them have some of the smaller boas or perhaps the smaller Australian pythons (more on that below). My Tarahumara Mountain boas are both barely 3' long at almost five years of age. Even if they have a big growth spurt, they aren't going to be over 4'. There are also many beautiful central american boas that reach an average size of 5'-6' at maturity. They are very sweet snakes, but I've found that temperament is really about how you work with them.

As a couple of folks here have mentioned, you might also consider the smaller Australian pythons (the Antaresia). I have four of them and just adore them - they are intelligent, curious, and super responsive to enrichment activities.

The advantage to the dwarf boas and the Antaresia pythons is that you can provide them with a very nice enclosure without having to worry about dealing with an 8' PVC. Both of my Tarahumara will be upgraded to 4' enclosures this year but honestly I think they'd continue to do very nicely in their current 3x2x2. The two Children's pythons are being upgraded to 3' enclosures; the Stimson's to a 4', and the smallest Antaresia - an Anthill python - will continue in his 30"x18"18" because he's just a little guy even though he has the heart of a big carpet python, lol.

Thank you to all who responded! I greatly appreciate it.

The consensus about the enclosure size seems to be a bit mixed. I am pretty attached to a BCI/python (thank you for all the other python options!), so I have to ask, if the problem is primarily heat/humidity, would a tote just... be better? I have listed my reservations about them, but after doing some cruising around the threads here, I think I could make one that would satisfy both my safety concerns, and my partner and I's "I dont want something that looks temporary or bad" concerns.No matter where I put it, it will be visible to guests, unless I shoved it into the closet (which I would not want to do for a litany of reasons, even if it fit).

I think at first when I mentioned that 24" is the minimum I would purchase, I didn't emphasize enough that I would be aiming to get the largest tank (maybe tub?) That fits my available space. If the problem remains that something like a 30x12 or a 30x18, tank or tub, just won't last long enough for a BCI/BP until I move, I'm willing to accept that.

If that's the case, I'll probably spend some time looking into other species, like KSBs or the earlier mentioned pythons. A dwarf locality would be awesome, but like I said, I think it would be difficult for me to find, and there is a not a lot even on morphmarket within a price range that does not make me hurt a little. I do like corns/hogs, but they would not be my first choice after a BCI/BP.

Thank you again for all the replies! I'm really looking forward to going to the con, whether I get anything or not, and whatever snake friend might be in my future. I've got time to decide and deliberate, after all.

Keep in mind that not finding the snakes you're most interested in may also have something to do with the current time of year, relative to when most snakes are hatched & born. Last year's offspring are mostly sold by now, so it's a seller's market for whatever remains. You might do better to wait, or to research & then put a deposit on what you decide on from a reliable breeder. And for sure, take your time. If nothing else, seeing & researching more animals (& sources) in person may help you decide...or may send you in a new direction.

Oh, that's a really good point! I didnt think of that. Thank you for bringing it to my attention. I had completely forgotten that most snakes are not going to be breeding and hatching until well into summer. Would it be a good idea then to perhaps ask vendors about breeding plans at the expo?

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Originally Posted by OatBoii

I am pretty attached to a BCI/python (thank you for all the other python options!), so I have to ask, if the problem is primarily heat/humidity, would a tote just... be better? I have listed my reservations about them, but after doing some cruising around the threads here, I think I could make one that would satisfy both my safety concerns, and my partner and I's "I dont want something that looks temporary or bad" concerns.No matter where I put it, it will be visible to guests, unless I shoved it into the closet (which I would not want to do for a litany of reasons, even if it fit).

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My concern was heat and humidity. You mentioned getting an Exoterra. I know from the many requests for assistance we get on this forum that they are poor at retaining heat and humidity. So, an Exoterra's a poor choice for a ball python or a BCI, but you could probably put a KSB in there. I don't know anymore than you do about ball python and BCI growth rates, so I'll defer to the ball python and BCI keepers as to that point.

If you go with a tote, then you'll probably want to heat it with a UTH. That'll work if your ambient temps are high enough. Totes are unsightly, though. I've seen totes that look better than others, but I've never seen one that I'd want to display for my guests. Good luck with that.

I'll reiterate that I think you should wait. While waiting, you can save money. PVC enclosures and RHPs are expensive and often have long wait times. You can get a BCI pretty cheaply, but if you want a dwarf boa, as you already noticed, they ain't cheap. Getting just the right snake from just the right breeder can also mean putting yourself on a waitlist for babies as yet unhatched. Snake keeping is a long term commitment. You don't want to be stuck for the long term with a snake or setup that you don't love.

You mentioned that your moving. Do you know where you're moving too? Keeping a snake safe during a move is not simple. Will the place your moving to allow your snake? I hope you'll consider these things and know that I wish you the best whatever decision you make.

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Originally Posted by OatBoii

Oh, that's a really good point! I didnt think of that. Thank you for bringing it to my attention. I had completely forgotten that most snakes are not going to be breeding and hatching until well into summer. Would it be a good idea then to perhaps ask vendors about breeding plans at the expo?

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You bet. But research them first- you want to be sure you're dealing with a RELIABLE seller/breeder- not all of them are. Take your time, ask questions, read up- look at all the options you can. When you have more experience, it's not as big of a deal to take a chance on an unknown source, because for sure there are perfectly good animals available from smaller breeders that are just getting started & that don't much of a track record yet. But after what you've been through in the past, I think it would be worth a little more to buy from a better known & trustworthy source. ;)

Also, do you really know what to look for to find a healthy snake? You can't see everything, & snakes are great at hiding symptoms, but the more issues you look for (& hopefully rule out), the better your odds become.

Okay. After doing a lot of research today, I have come to a few conclusions/come up with some new questions.

As I was looking around at the potential vendors for this expo, I found a few that were names that seemed to have good repute- Particularly SW Reptiles with Jim Stelpflug, and Glenn Eisel of Eisel Reptiles. As far as I can tell, these are two relatively well known breeders, with a solid reputation and years in the industry.

However, I then really started to think about what you said, Bogertophis, about buying from a breeder that is reputable, and whether or not buying from a con is my best bet if I am trying to be absolutely certain that nothing will be wrong. The thought of mites spreading from a single snake to the whole show is... :O Not a fun one. Plus, while I am excited for the con, I do feel that there is less pressure involved with buying online. I will admit to being... nervous, in crowds, and in social situations. I know a good breeder would more than likely be willing to discuss any questions or concerns I have, but I worry I might forget something in the moment. Irregardless I would like to go to the con- but perhaps not for buying, but just to talk, and look at materials.

As I was looking around more, I think it was only natural that I would eventually run into NERD on morph market. It seems like they have a hand in... well... just about everything xD I would love to know everyone's thoughts on NERD, but I know at least as far as plants go, that they're pretty good. I hope the same applies to their snakes.

I also started to look into more of the Australian pythons, as mentioned by a few people here, and I found the carpet python while researching. Specifically, this coincided with me looking at NERD, where they currently have Darwin's Carpet Pythons, from a few different years, posted. As far as I can tell, this snake would fit some of the things I am invested in very nicely- stays around 5', lower humidity requirements, less thick and therefore less intimidating to my partner- but from what I saw, it says that some carpets can grow EXTREMELY quickly. I took a look around my local stores, and the longest tote I could find in my area was still only 36x18, which is pushing my (non floor) space to its max. If they really grow extremely fast, I am not sure even a 36x18 would work. I'm... not actually too sure where to even find something longer than that? So in that vein, since I am now considering a tote (although would a less humidity inclined species like a carpet or a children's python care as much?), if there is a specific place people get them from, I'd love to know.

As far as the plan for moving goes, I will be graduating in a year and a month. Ideally, I would like to move back closer to home- it is not too far, no farther than I would have to go to attend the reptile con- but I would explicitly be searching for reptile friendly apartments, given that a snake is not the only reptile I want long term, and once I graduate, the plan is to find a long term place for us. Somewhere we can really start to lay roots down, and set up. The job field I am graduating into has transitioned to being nearly all WFH since the pandemic started, so opportunities wise, I can be located just about anywhere. Of course, the world is fraught with change, so who really knows what will happen? But, there is a plan, and it is on the sooner scale of 12-18 months. By this time next year, I should be approved for graduation and we should be looking for places to move to.

I would like to note though, that while I am very excited to welcome a new snake into my home now that I have the funds and some space available, it is far from the only snake I would like. I am hoping that by starting with a smaller snake, be it a BP, an Australian python, or a corn snake, that my partner will be more comfortable with the idea of a real big chunky snake like a BCI by the time we have moved and settled. I am aware of the costs of a PVC enclosure, and RHPs, as I have had one before, which was part of the reason I initially wanted a terrarium. No matter what I get, unless it is something small like a hognose or a KSB, the plan is to upgrade it to a larger PVC with the move, and then repurpose the old cage towards a new snake or reptile I can raise up. I am partial to certain species, of course, and I would love to make a larger species work, but at the end of the day, I'm happy with just about any snake. As long as I can be certain of its health, I'll be happy just to have it.

You're doing the right thing- giving a lot of thought to this. As far as risks buying at a show- good sellers won't allow handling of their animals unless one is a serious buyer, & washes hands.

There's pros & cons no matter how you purchase a snake- lots to be said for seeing it in person first, but all it takes is one seller that shows up with mites on their animals & they can manage to share them because they're just so hard to see, & so many people to spread them. It happens. :(

It is hard to think of everything when examining animals- I'd suggest taking a list of things to check (health wise & questions you want answers for), & a good breeder will provide the date of hatch, & specifics about what & how they're being fed- ASK! Nothing worse than getting a snake that refuses to eat because it's the wrong thing (rat or mouse? Size?) or offered the wrong way (live, f/t, fresh killed, drop-fed?) It's all about being prepared. It also helps to know how much space a snake has been raised in- going from tight quarters to a large enclosure can freak some snakes out, & when you first bring home a snake, it eases the transition considerably if you copy how it was cared for previously as much as possible for a while.

Finding reptile-friendly apartments- unfortunately that might not be easy.

Oh yeah, the apartments are always a stinker about reptiles. When I first started looking, I would constantly get shut down for even mentioning a reptile, and fish too! My hometown is small, but it's right next to a real big city. I have a few friends who own reptiles that live there, so I know that there are apartments that, bare minimum, at least dont care. I'm sure there is something around for us, and we need pet friendly anyways for my cat. He's a Burmese mix, and boy oh boy can he meow up a storm when he wants to talk. Sharp as a tack too, but very strangely obsessed with the bathroom sink and shredding our TP >:[ I cant be too mad at him though, he's a cuddler, and he sleeps between my legs every night.

Anyways, back to snakes. I love the idea of a checklist- I have a small notebook I think would be perfect for it. I'm going to continue doing my research, until I ultimately decide on something, be it online or at the expo. Either way, thank you for the great questions I could ask, as I'd want to ask them to any online seller as well. I'll definitely be making that checklist.

I am currently leaning towards purchasing a male BP, Australia python(carpet or children's), or a corn online- something smaller, and more fit to the space I currently have- but I still want to attend the show, especially since Glenn Eisel will be there. I would love to ask about future breeding plans, since it will likely be at least until Fall 2024 before I can get a BCI. Starting those conversations really early could probably help me secure a spot on a waitlist, like user homebody said. And if not- oh well, I still think it would be fun to go anyways. Besides, going casually, I wouldnt have to worry about getting in for the VIP hours, or deliberating between snakes but one getting bought up while I'm being indecisive.

Thank you all so much for answering all of my questions. I know that I've been asking a lot, and changing quite rapidly as I do more research and explore more options. Besides the carpet python question though, I may actually stop posting in this thread, as I feel it is now maybe a bit misleading to the title? Since i am fairly certain a BCI just isnt in my cards right now. Should I just continue to research and then make a new question thread in the appropriate forum when I decide on a species?

Anyways, again, thank you so much. I really, truly appreciate it.

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Originally Posted by OatBoii

I am currently leaning towards purchasing a male BP, Australia python(carpet or children's), or a corn online- something smaller, and more fit to the space I currently have...

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A fun way to research different species is to browse the progression threads (sort of a diary) of species you're interested in. Fortunately for you, dakski keeps most of them and he does a good job maintaining his threads.

Jeff Shemesh - VPI T+ Sunglow Motley Jungle het Anery
Behira - 2016 Female Ivory Ghost - First BCI
Yafe - Albino Carpet
Solana - Our Scaleless Sunglow Motley Corn
Figment - Our Hypo Lavender Corn Baby
Shayna - Our Albino Spider Ball

For a year in the life of a Children's python, you can see my own progression thread that Boger alluded to earlier.

Wiggles, the Children's Python

Happy hunting!

Northern boas/BCI are the greatest - that’s my vote

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Originally Posted by OatBoii

As I was looking around more, I think it was only natural that I would eventually run into NERD on morph market. It seems like they have a hand in... well... just about everything xD I would love to know everyone's thoughts on NERD, but I know at least as far as plants go, that they're pretty good. I hope the same applies to their snakes.

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There's a review thread on them here that a search will find.

Personally, I recommend strongly against anyone buying any animals from flippers/resellers (except, perhaps, good local dedicated herp shops for "beginner" species) especially those who deal in any WC animals. There are many smaller quality breeders working with the sort of snakes you're interested in, and those would be the better sources.

Depends what you want from the handling experience .

I always feel 100% safe when I’m handling my Royal pythons and I let our granddaughters handle them as well .
They just don’t bite or snap .

Boas are a different matter


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

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Originally Posted by Zincubus

Depends what you want from the handling experience .

I always feel 100% safe when I’m handling my Royal pythons and I let our granddaughters handle them as well .
They just don’t bite or snap .

Boas are a different matter


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

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I think we snake-keepers, of all people, should be very careful about making such generalizations. Because it's not true. I know people with BPs that bite, & not all boas bite either- mine never did, at least not once she came under my care. Much depends on the handlers as well as whatever experiences the snakes have been through in their lives, because we're talking about fear-biting. Many owners manage to scare their snakes without meaning to, & snakes have every reason to defend themselves when they feel threatened. Children especially can be clumsy or unpredictable, but not all adults are in tune with snakes either- they're not the world's most expressive pets. ;)

Thank you to all the new people who responded. Before anything else, I would like to state that I am relatively decided on getting an australian python species of some kind, probably a Darwin CP, unless something with a male BP becomes suddenly more viable than an australian. As such, if I have any more questions relating to that, I will probably make a post in the Morelia area (I think that's the right one).

In order:

Thank you Homebody for the links to dakski's threads, and Wiggles! I loved reading about Wiggles. What a personable snake. These threads have been a massive, massive help, and I think they have ultimately been what has swayed me to my final choice. I loved hearing about Yafe's inspiring tale as well.

Thank you for your input Yung, and I agree, I adore BCIs and would pick one over any other snake. However, this thread has convinced me it is much better to wait to get the BCI of my dreams, and hopefully acclimate my partner to the idea of such a big (in length and mass) snake.

To Malum, thank you for the information. I looked around the forum, although it took me a minute to figure out the search, and found the thread I think you were talking about. As such, I began to look around MM again, and I found a smaller but still highly reviewed breeder, whose name I also searched and found at least once on here. It just mentioned that someone had received a snake from this breeder, but I did not see anything negative mentioned about them. I am now highly considering this breeder, but I would not buy anything until I've had an extensive conversation and asked a lot of questions.

To Zincubus, I am relatively neutral as far as handling goes. Well.. sort of. I much prefer calm, chill snakes to fast, wiggly snakes, but I do like both. I do not like extremely temperamental snakes, but I am not closed off to them either, because I know there are many methods to train and "tame" snakes, and much of it can also be related to age. My only hard "no" as far as snakes go is something like a retic, which is (IMO) far too big to have a far too aggressive of a food drive. Size and temperament, I think I'd love a retic, but I would not be able to handle one lunging out of their enclosure at me every time I tried to feed them. A BCI is about the biggest I am willing to experience an aggressive food drive in.

Once again, thank you for your great input Bogertophis. This goes along with what I just said above, but I do believe that there are many methods to calm and reduce the chance of a bite in any snake, no matter what it is. That being said, I have long since accepted that all reptiles, really all animals, will bite. Even if I got a sassy baby, I would not be too concerned about it in the long term, handling or feeding wise. It would just mean probably wearing gloves when moving the baby for cage cleaning and short exposure until we had developed some trust and he had calmed a little.

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Originally Posted by OatBoii

Thank you Homebody for the links to dakski's threads, and Wiggles! I loved reading about Wiggles. What a personable snake. These threads have been a massive, massive help, and I think they have ultimately been what has swayed me to my final choice. I loved hearing about Yafe's inspiring tale as well.

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You won't regret that decision. If you loved Yafe's thread, I can tell you he's even more impressive in person. My kids with Yafe:
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/KNP09jN.jpg
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/mKWOF4t.jpg.

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Originally Posted by Zincubus

Depends what you want from the handling experience .

I always feel 100% safe when I’m handling my Royal pythons and I let our granddaughters handle them as well .
They just don’t bite or snap .

Boas are a different matter


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i think this could be said of any snake below F3 - until then, they would all probably be sassy and not v child friendly - i don’t think it’s a matter of species eg: both of my Northern boas are above F3 and they are the most even keeled snakes ever - they haven’t nipped or snapped or done anything untoward not even once

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

I think we snake-keepers, of all people, should be very careful about making such generalizations. Because it's not true. I know people with BPs that bite, & not all boas bite either- mine never did, at least not once she came under my care. Much depends on the handlers as well as whatever experiences the snakes have been through in their lives, because we're talking about fear-biting. Many owners manage to scare their snakes without meaning to, & snakes have every reason to defend themselves when they feel threatened. Children especially can be clumsy or unpredictable, but not all adults are in tune with snakes either- they're not the world's most expressive pets. ;)

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True , maybe I should have said ‘in my experience’ as over the years I’ve had about 40 Royals .. and I have 7 currently but not ONE single one ever bit / or even struck at me when handling outside the viv

Like all snakes there’s always the chance of a food related strike in the viv of course where they can smell the rodent but strike at the warm hand dangling it .. . another good reason to warm up the rodent well with a hairdryer before offering :)


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