Thinking of getting a bp

Hi everyone, I'm new here. I just discovered this site a few days ago and it's awesome! Anyway, I'd really like a bp one day (i've never had a snake before) and I was wondering if anyone had any good suggestions for where to get a bp. I live in MA and would prefer to not get one online. Driving to surrounding states wouldn't be that much of a problem (would that be a problem for the bp?). If I were to get one in the very near future, are there usually any young ones at this time of the year? What do you all think of the bp as a first snake? I read in caresheets that they're good, but other snake owners tell me they're really not that good for a beginner's snake and say that corn snakes are much better. :? ...I'm thinking I want the beefier bp although I wouldn't mind having a corn either (one day I'll have both). I've already read tons of caresheets on the internet but tell me all the good things (and bad) about the bp (if you want)! I'd really like to hear personal accounts and opinions of current bp owners. Thanks everyone. :D

Where in MA are you? We're 45 minutes N. of Boston & have a large variety of CBB snakes available, including some great beginner species, and would be happy to help you choose the right animal & the right setup. Let me know if you'd like to make an appointment.

K

KLG would be able to provide you with a top notch BP. BPs are easygoing snakes, which make them great for beginners. The difference between them and cornsnakes is that BPs have stricter temperature and humidity requirements than the hardier cornsnakes. Read the caresheets we have here and see which one might be better for you.

/Agree - there'd be no room for regret with Kara and NERD http://www.newenglandreptile.com.

I agree. I would love to be within driving distance of NERD. My checking account is probably better off though :)

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Originally Posted by Schlyne

I agree. I would love to be within driving distance of NERD. My checking account is probably better off though :)

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Me too! KLG's the best.

I'd definitely take up KLG on that one if I were you. :) And welcome to the site.

I'm within driving distance! Good thing I'm a poor :)

My first snake was a ball and he's part of the family now, he's got alot of character, more so then my other snakes. Great choice as a first snake, good luck. Sorry can't recomend any breeders, I'm in Florida. :)

My own personal opinion is that it would be better off for you to start with a corn snake - they are available in many beautiful color morphs and they are totally easy to care for - they ARE a bit more high strung and squirmy than a typical Ball Python. Ball Pythons CAN be an excellent beginners snake but you will have to pay very close attention to their husbandy requirements, in particular their temp and humidity and feeding behavior. I guess it is up to you which snake you desire more but as the others have suggested, NERD is THE place to go for your reptiles. I only wish I was not way out here in SoCal or I would go there myself.

EyeLashViper

I totally agree with EyeLashViper. My first snake was a ball python, and yes everything is fine so far. But I think if I hadn't researched hundreds of care sheets for months and months and months ahead of time, it'd be a different story. Corn snakes are a bit more high strung as babies, and are pretty small and squirmy, but their husbandry is much easier, and they're more forgiving of simple husbandry mistakes. They don't require a set amount of humidity like a ball python does, and with the fact that they're more active, and have many color morphs that are actually affordable to the average herper, they get my vote for best first snake. :)