What kind of snake should I get next?

Hi all, I got a ball python a couple months ago and now I want another snake so can u please help with the perfect snake for me? I don't want another ball, I don't want one that will be over 5 feet (preferably fit in a 40 gal long as an adult), I want one that is at least semi arboreal and not too difficult to tame. Also if more than one of the same species can live together in the same tank thats a plus. Thanks in advance!

My first suggestion would be researching Rat, Corn, King, Milksnakes, and maybe even the Pituophis genus. Just Google them. They're all North American Colubrids. Many, many variations to look at and see which ones catch your eye, then learn as much as you can about them. They're relatively easy to care for, different than pythons, and all of them are awesome in their own way. :gj:

Honestly, I can't think of any snakes that are okay living communally... it can be done, yes, but is definitely not recommended (especially for non-expert owners). Many lizards are fine living together, but snakes are much better off in their own enclosures. That aside, have you considered a corn snake, or perhaps a male jungle carpet python? The JCPs can get well over 5ft, although typically the males stay in the 5-6ft range - and they are semi-arboreal, at least mine is! Also consider the spotted, children's and Stimson's pythons, as they're very docile, small, and have relatively simple husbandry needs.

P.S. If you're dead-set on keeping multiples in a tank, please stay away from the colubrid family... they're more prone to cannibalism, and certain species in particular (like the king) will NOT hesitate to eat their cage-mate. :(

Do not keep them together. Check out spotted python, children's python, and sand boa. And the ones mentioned above. Check out Snakebytes with Brian from BHB, they have a lot of good videos that will help.

Quick thread hi-jack...

Is there any reasons why 2 Ball Pythons could not be kept together? I would like to get another and was planning on keeping them together.

Yes many reasons. Either use The search function or Start a new thread. There's too many reason to go into it on a different thread. Mainly for an inexperienced keeper it's just better to keep them separate for the various reasons.


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What about the amazon tree boa or emerald tree boa or the green tree python? I think thats what they r called I have researched them a little but i would like some opinions on owning one. Which is the easiest? Are they as difficult as they are portrayed? Are they really "nippy" or is that a stereotype?

Also I read that childrens pythons can be kept in twos or even threes is this wrong?

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Originally Posted by brittani72

What about the amazon tree boa or emerald tree boa or the green tree python? I think thats what they r called I have researched them a little but i would like some opinions on owning one. Which is the easiest? Are they as difficult as they are portrayed? Are they really "nippy" or is that a stereotype?

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I've never owned a GTP, so my experience with them in rather limited, but they are considered a more advanced species to keep. They are very delicate and require very precise care for them to thrive. Being that you are new to the hobby, I would heed the advice of others and wait a few before jumping into them.

Amazon tree boas are great if you're wanting to get into arboreal species and are up for the challenge. Pretty much everything you've read on them in true. I currently have a 1.1 pair and let me tell you, they will not hesitate to light you up. I've probably been bitten close to 50 times by mine just doing routine maintenance. They are not a good species to keep if you intend on handling them because they are very frail and do not tame well (I've never met a tame atb). A decent hook is a must for anyone interested in getting an ATB. If you just want a beautiful display animal, then go for it! I love mine.

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Originally Posted by brittani72

What about the amazon tree boa or emerald tree boa or the green tree python? I think thats what they r called I have researched them a little but i would like some opinions on owning one. Which is the easiest? Are they as difficult as they are portrayed? Are they really "nippy" or is that a stereotype?

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I have a GTP and he's got a wonderful personality but that depends on the snake. Some are jerks, some are not. You will need a a specially suited cage for them (NOT a 40 gal tank) as they are entirely arboreal. Every function is done while perched. You will need a cage similar to this, with or without the extra plants. You'll need to be vigilant about the humidity and as previously mentioned they're generally considered more difficult to keep.

I think a lot of the snakes that have been suggested to you are good ideas. Sand boas are really cool and deceptively good at climbing. Why exactly do you want it to fit in a 40 gal tank? Do you have an extra you're trying to fill or is that just a representation of the size constraint you have? Why do you want an arboreal animal? For display or because you think it's behavior would be interesting to watch? More information will allow for people to make more informed suggestions.

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Originally Posted by babyknees

I have a GTP and he's got a wonderful personality but that depends on the snake. Some are jerks, some are not. You will need a a specially suited cage for them (NOT a 40 gal tank) as they are entirely arboreal. Every function is done while perched. You will need a cage similar to this, with or without the extra plants. You'll need to be vigilant about the humidity and as previously mentioned they're generally considered more difficult to keep.

I think a lot of the snakes that have been suggested to you are good ideas. Sand boas are really cool and deceptively good at climbing. Why exactly do you want it to fit in a 40 gal tank? Do you have an extra you're trying to fill or is that just a representation of the size constraint you have? Why do you want an arboreal animal? For display or because you think it's behavior would be interesting to watch? More information will allow for people to make more informed suggestions.

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I think an arboreal or semi aboreal snake would be cool to watch but maybe it wouldn't be right for me cuz I would still want to handle the snake sometimes and I do have a 40 gal long tank thats burning a hole in my closet But if I got an aboreal snake I wouldn't use it

Like has been said, check out carpet pythons. A male jungle or irian jaya carpet would probably suit your needs. They are semi arboreal and generally have decent dispositions if they are handled frequently. Most of ours were every bit as tame as our balls with the exception of a couple babies that were nippy. As they get older they will usually become more terrestrial, though. Avoid coastal carpets if you're concerned about size as they can get rather large for most people and they will require much larger than a 40 gallon as adults. Care for carpets is similar to ball pythons in most respects too, so they are extremely easy to keep. One big difference (compared to most balls) you would notice is the feeding response. Every carpet we ever had were eating machines.

I totally agree with AK, carpets are fantastic snakes and I've never had an issue getting them to feed. When I got my first IJ carpet baby, it was from a reptile show. The little girl had bitten the man taking her out of the display case 3 times (caused a bit of a crowd to gather at the table). However, when I brought her home, I had not, and still have not, ever been bitten by her. They're fantastic, definitely underrated snakes.