Looking for something alittle different for next snake

I'm looking for some ideas for my next snake. I already have a ball python. I don't care for any of the boas I've seen. Not a fan of colurbrids either. I think I'm just more of a python person. from what I've seen available I like womas, scrubs, angolans, timors and bredlis. I not against a carpet, but don't want a mix. I'd like to at least start it in a half of a t8. I'd like it to be handlable and mild tempered. Dont want to spend more then 300. I'd like it to stay a manageable size. I love my ball python, but would like something more active. Any ideas?

If you don't necessarily need something large, maybe a sand boa. I was handling one the other day - really nice snake.

They just don't do it for me. I don't like smaller snakes.

Personally, I am a big fan of woma's. I don't have one yet but I have a hold on one and I can't wait to get her. They're beautiful and not overly popular. I vote for a woma :)

I wish there were more morph type breeds. I like the variety balls offer.

Chondropython, aru local. Can't go wrong with that!

Check out some of the blood and short tailed python species, curtus/breitensteini, if you haven't already. Lots of morphs in there and they a lot larger than royals.

Whoops, definitely doesn't fit the "more active" bit you requested in the first post! Think you're on the right track with womas and carpets.

Looks like scrubs get a little too big.

Timors are known to fling poo and Pee all over when they want to be left alone. Probably will end up with a woma or angolan.

Get a super-dwarf retic. That will keep you on your toes.

I definitely go with a carpet of some sort. Jungle, Coastal, IJ, or Bredli. I have my 4 m/o jungle and yearling coastal in a divided T8 and they're both doing fine. If you want a pure specimen you should contact Nick Mutton at Inland Reptile. He produces some really nice animals.

http://inlandreptile.com/

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Originally Posted by JoshSloane

Get a super-dwarf retic. That will keep you on your toes.

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That thought had crossed my mind, but it seems as though there's no guarantee they won't get too big.

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Originally Posted by Yodawagon

That thought had crossed my mind, but it seems as though there's no guarantee they won't get too big.

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Savu python then. All of the fun of a retic in a 4-5 foot package.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

Savu python then. All of the fun of a retic in a 4-5 foot package.

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A they get awesome white eyes when they reach adulthood! :tongue2:


http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11...c780e8f202.jpg


http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11...87fda7b20a.jpg

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Originally Posted by Yodawagon

I wish there were more morph type breeds. I like the variety balls offer.

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Black Headed pythons .. very similar to Womas but generally larger and they have a jet black head and neck .

Also if you want something different - I've got a Dwarf Hypo Burmese python ( pics on my collection thread ) .
Typical Burmese personality - plus very alert and inquisitive AND fast moving yet lovely and calm when being handled .
300 should get you a normal phase dwarf Burm

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Originally Posted by Yodawagon

I'm looking for some ideas for my next snake. I already have a ball python. I don't care for any of the boas I've seen. Not a fan of colurbrids either. I think I'm just more of a python person. from what I've seen available I like womas, scrubs, angolans, timors and bredlis. I not against a carpet, but don't want a mix. I'd like to at least start it in a half of a t8. I'd like it to be handlable and mild tempered. Dont want to spend more then 300. I'd like it to stay a manageable size. I love my ball python, but would like something more active. Any ideas?

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I would not discount the "boas" or boa constrictors just yet.

They are much more active than royal pythons. Our royal is the least active, most boring animal in the collection though she does come out late at night occasionally. If DIFFERENT is what you seek, boa constrictors are just that. Semi arboreal as opposed to almost completely terrestrial. More active, and if part of your criteria is being able to handle the snake, boa constrictors are excellent.

They are large, but in most cases not too large. They are docile usually, and have an endless feeding response. If your royal won't eat, the BC will. There are plenty of color morphs and strict localities.

This is a pure locality Barranquilla, Colombian. He is a bit over 6 feet long at 3.5 years old. He was bred by Gus Rentfro and I bought him from Legacy Reptiles for under $300!
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...a/DSC01670.jpg

Great to handle and active, plus they are dense so you feel like you are holding onto something, something like a steel bar LOL!
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...a/IMG_2584.jpg

Some of the fascinating and entertaining feeding behavior of my boa constrictor is shown here.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...a/IMG_2596.jpg

Angolans are nice, but they are often pricey from what I've seen and look quite similar to what you already have.

Scrubs are typically NOT good for handling and are not a beginner snake. Pythons, especially the arboreal or semi arboreal specimens have long teeth, and scrubs have a reputation for finding the face. Caging for a scrub could be a challenge as well. Tall and wide enclosures suit them best.

Woma pythons are pretty interesting and might be worth a look. Again, you have a terrestrial snake so you are not changing things drastically as far as any climbing behavior goes.

You may also want to look into water pythons. They are similar to olive pythons, but smaller and from what I understand they are quite active.

Bcr229 may be onto something with the Savu. I need to see more pictures and hear more about them.

SD retics sound great, but I'm not seeing a lot of them for under $300 and unless you are a USARK member, you will have to buy in your own state.

Last and certainly not least, El-Ziggy has, IMO probably found you an excellent solution, the carpet python group!

Follow the link in the post there. Inland Reptile has morphs and PURE locality stuff. You can get a pretty looking coastal for $160 with locality data.

ALL morelia are arboreal and the carpets are not shy. You will see them, they climb and perch, feed well and once beyond the early stage of life, are very easy and fun to handle. Carpets can get big, but normally even the long ones are still fairly slender bodied snakes compared to boa constrictors or other pythons of the same length.

Over 6 feet and around 2.5 year old, this is a coastal cross of unknown origin. I've seen both parents in photos and know the mother is 10 feet long and the father is 8 feet and still growing.

Mixes are common and don't change the behavior of the snake. As a matter of fact most of the morph carpets are a percentage of one type or another. The mix I own is pretty, but I'm much more into locality specimens.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...a/IMG_2479.jpg

http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...a/DSC01696.jpg

Typical in cage behavior in the evening and throughout the night.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...a/IMG_2647.jpg

Anything semi arboreal can be fun to set up in display caging.

The top cage is for the royal, the bottom for the boa constrictor. The royal was lucky to get the top cage as it used to be the cage for the boa when he was smaller.http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...a/IMG_2657.jpg

The carpet python cage screams display cage, and she uses all of it.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...a/IMG_2635.jpg


Choose carefully after you research. Both BCI boa and almost any carpet, sans a pure diamond are very easy to care for and fairly hardy.

I know you do not like colubrid snakes, but I know the eastern kings are nice sized and VERY active. Active during the day as well and they are very affordable and easy to keep.

If you can get anything you want, make your research count and don't pull the trigger until you are 100% satisfied.

Good luck!

I agree with carpet python as an excellent choice. They seem to meet all your requirements. If you want a larger snake, go coastal or inland. These can hit 9-10 ft. Going smaller, jungle,IJ or Darwin. My first "big" snake was a coastal, they're nippy babies but quickly become docile.

Also, look into Hog Island Boas. I've not had one, but from what I read, they're great snakes!

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Originally Posted by Gio

Bcr229 may be onto something with the Savu. I need to see more pictures and hear more about them.

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These are mine - http://s477.photobucket.com/user/efi...?sort=3&page=1

I just got the 2011 female a few weeks ago. She's five feet long now and isn't expected to grow much more. Savus are thin-bodied snakes and she fits nicely into a melamine enclosure with the footprint of a 40-breeder for quarantine.

Most commercial care sheets state they need "moderate" humidity levels but I've been told by several keepers who have had them a while that they run them higher, around 75%, or they have bad sheds. Temps range from 75-85*F. So, husbandry is very like a Brazilian rainbow boa.

They have a voracious appetite; I'd put the food response right up there with my SD retics. They will eat themselves to an early death if allowed to get fat.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

These are mine - http://s477.photobucket.com/user/efi...?sort=3&page=1

I just got the 2011 female a few weeks ago. She's five feet long now and isn't expected to grow much more. Savus are thin-bodied snakes and she fits nicely into a melamine enclosure with the footprint of a 40-breeder for quarantine.

Most commercial care sheets state they need "moderate" humidity levels but I've been told by several keepers who have had them a while that they run them higher, around 75%, or they have bad sheds. Temps range from 75-85*F. So, husbandry is very like a Brazilian rainbow boa.

They have a voracious appetite; I'd put the food response right up there with my SD retics. They will eat themselves to an early death if allowed to get fat.

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I know you were looking at arboreal hides, are they semi arboreal? I like the pictures and they, to me, look like a scrub/retic combo in a way.

The OP was looking for the $300 or less price range. Are these guys spendy at this time because they are somewhat rare or are they in that range?

They appear to be something I'd really like and consider down the road.

I haven't had time yet to set up arboreal hides. These guys do like to climb when you have them out though, much like a BRB or DRMB.

These guys aren't at all spendy, I got the adult female for $220 shipped. Babies are typically $150-175 plus shipping. I think there isn't a high demand for them because many people who purchase snakes eventually want to breed them, and these guys take a long time to mature - 4-5 years for a male, 5-6 years for a female - before they will produce babies. People looking to breed and sell don't want to wait that long.

perhaps a Macklot's python would be right up your alley.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

I haven't had time yet to set up arboreal hides. These guys do like to climb when you have them out though, much like a BRB or DRMB.

These guys aren't at all spendy, I got the adult female for $220 shipped. Babies are typically $150-175 plus shipping. I think there isn't a high demand for them because many people who purchase snakes eventually want to breed them, and these guys take a long time to mature - 4-5 years for a male, 5-6 years for a female - before they will produce babies. People looking to breed and sell don't want to wait that long.

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WOW!

Good news on all fronts!

I don't want to take the flavor away from the original post, but I really want to see how things progress with your Savus.

I read a bit about them in Mark O'Shea's book BOAS AND PYTHONS OF THE WORLD but the passage was pretty short if I recall.

I'll check out Youtube for some stuff as well. I had really wanted to try a scrub or olive, but didn't want to deal with the space limitations, water pythons sounded cool, but if Savu Pythons climb I really like the idea.

Plus you have a diverse collection. Once I hear how they stack up to SD retics which are expensive I may have a whole new love affair.

The OP certainly has a large pool of potential new snakes to choose from.

Lots of good ideas. I'm a little ways away from purchase, because I like to research the crap out of things.

I had a red tail years ago. She was cool, but they just don't do it for me.

Carpets are cool, but I'm more of a pure bred person. Although there's plenty of pure strains available.

Savus sound cool, a little slender though.

Black heads are cool, but way too pricey for me.

Don't like kingsnakes or corns. I've had corns before. They aren't "exotic" enough to keep my interest. We have garter snakes where I live. That's what colurbrids remind me of.

Maybe I've spent to much time looking. Everything seems over done to me. Classified ad burn out. Maybe that's why nothing is exciting to me.

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Originally Posted by Zincubus

Black Headed pythons .. very similar to Womas but generally larger and they have a jet black head and neck .

Also if you want something different - I've got a Dwarf Hypo Burmese python ( pics on my collection thread ) .
Typical Burmese personality - plus very alert and inquisitive AND fast moving yet lovely and calm when being handled .
300 should get you a normal phase dwarf Burm

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I love Burms, but their hard to find local because of the ban. But a dwarf would be cool. Did a little research. Sounds like half dwarfs stay small, and have better temperaments.

Not sure what to tell you. Your criteria seems to be everything offered here yet you don't seem blown away. That is a bit surprising as royal pythons like the one you own are one of the least active snakes and certainly don't get large compared to boas, carpets or some of the other species.

Maybe you are an olive python candidate? Large, but still not overly large. Active though mostly terrestrial, they will eat about anything, including other snakes. But we get into the budget crunch you want to avoid.

I'd say a Cribo, since the tend to be VERY active, but are also very expensive plus they are a colubrid.

Dumerils boa or Madagascar tree boas are interesting.

If you want a challenge look at a Cuban boa.

Tanimbar pythons are a smaller version of the scrub python, but are said to be nippy into adulthood.

I didn't mention either green tree python or emerald tree boas because they are not noted for being good to handle.

Largest colubrid in the world and rare, rare, rare if you want something totally different. But you'll pay for these I'll bet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfayEQxhSbc

Dominican Red Mountain Boa.

I know absolutely nothing about them except that they're beautiful. So take that suggestion with a large grain of salt!

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Originally Posted by Caspian

Dominican Red Mountain Boa.

I know absolutely nothing about them except that they're beautiful. So take that suggestion with a large grain of salt!

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I saw those too. They are different that's for sure. Maybe.

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Originally Posted by Yodawagon

I love Burms, but their hard to find local because of the ban. But a dwarf would be cool. Did a little research. Sounds like half dwarfs stay small, and have better temperaments.

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Yeah , the Dwarf Burm hatchlings these days are puppy soft but the first generation of Dwarf Burms were apparently quite feisty . Anyways , mine is very inquisitive in the viv but turns into a Royal when he's handled ( after a two minute mooch around ) .

He's also 18 months old and still under 3' ..

My normal Hypo Burm was around 8' at this age .

;)

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/...psvbosqncb.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/...psl8pcouxt.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/...psd9juyd8x.jpg

Come to zee dark side.

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Originally Posted by Kris Mclaughlin

;)

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/...psvbosqncb.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/...psl8pcouxt.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/...psd9juyd8x.jpg

Come to zee dark side.

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Beautiful. But can you handle it?


Also have been looking at stimsons. Their a little smaller them I was looking for, but sound good.

She dont handle too bad, but ya have to distract her first before ya reach in or else you look like lunch lol.

Those close-ups make her look like she was photographed on some early misty morning in the jungle.

So pretty.
I have an old tank in the barn about that size. (purchased for $5 at the local charity shop several years ago. never have put it to use.)

Just purchased and finished this: Philippe de Vosjoli, The Art of Keeping Snakes. Good for vivariums, and he highlights a few snakes that are a little different. The Morelia vidris is on the cover. I had never heard of the banded water snake, nor the wart snakes Acrochordus spp.

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Originally Posted by Yodawagon

Beautiful. But can you handle it?


Also have been looking at stimsons. Their a little smaller them I was looking for, but sound good.

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Stimmies are rad. small but awesome little snakes.

Gio, Thanks for that link!
I had thought I'd run through all the good snake videos. Somehow missed this guy.
Stuff to look forward to.:)

I have a Children's python which is a fun little snake. He eats very regularly and isn't troublesome in any way. Stays small and is almost always out-- rarely hides.

Also have a Woma python and he is a great snake too.

Have had: Burmese python (rescued from a bad situation and end up rehoming-- way too much snake for me), blood python (really liked this snake-- similar to a BP but different colors/ patterns, lost in a domestic split). Had a Kenyan Sand boa, but he hid all the time and was a PITA to feed.

I'm really interested in a 100% pure super dwarf Reticulated python. There's not a lot out there for sale right now so I'll have to keep my ear to the ground. Womas are also in my list.

We get a lot of Super Dwarf Retic morphs over here in the UK but usually imports from USA ( PrehistoricPets ? ) ..

I've got a pair of Macklots that I really like, similar to the Savu's but they get larger. They are little demons as babies though they calm down quit a bit as adults. KILLER feeding response, I love feeding these guys. They throw so many coils around their rat that you can't even tell it's a rat anymore. They look like brown speckled springs wrapped around something.

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Originally Posted by MarkS

KILLER feeding response, I love feeding these guys. They throw so many coils around their rat that you can't even tell it's a rat anymore.

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This is how the Savu's are - the feeding response is stronger even than my SD retic. The smell of thawing rabbits makes my adult female foody for days afterward - never mind she's only big enough to eat a kit!

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Originally Posted by MarkS

I've got a pair of Macklots that I really like, similar to the Savu's but they get larger. They are little demons as babies though they calm down quit a bit as adults. KILLER feeding response, I love feeding these guys. They throw so many coils around their rat that you can't even tell it's a rat anymore. They look like brown speckled springs wrapped around something.

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You didn't happen to score the pair from TCR in St. Paul did you? They used to have a pair of them, and I have not seen them in a long time. Maybe I just haven't found them after the remodel they did there.

I was looking into water pythons as a possible species since I don't have room for an olive. Maybe the Macklots would fit the bill.

I've got to say, my coastal carpet cross is the most active snake in my collection. Always out, plus she climbs and perches about 50% of the time.

I'm curious to know the direction the O/P went.

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Originally Posted by Gio

You didn't happen to score the pair from TCR in St. Paul did you? They used to have a pair of them, and I have not seen them in a long time. Maybe I just haven't found them after the remodel they did there.

I was looking into water pythons as a possible species since I don't have room for an olive. Maybe the Macklots would fit the bill.

I've got to say, my coastal carpet cross is the most active snake in my collection. Always out, plus she climbs and perches about 50% of the time.

I'm curious to know the direction the O/P went.

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Yes, I actually got them from Chase Delles (Bruces Delles owns TCR, Chase is is son). His adults are amazingly docile but I don't know if he's been breeding them much these days.

Still haven't gotten anything.

Boy, there's a lot of us Minnesotans on this thread. I remember back when twin cities reptiles was in golden valley in the basement of sports cards imporium.

Id really like a 100% kalatoa female retic, but I'd have better luck finding a unicorn.

I'm waiting on a t10 from ap to get here. Should be about 6 weeks still.

It's funny how ball pythons ruin you. Sure their not the most exciting snake, but the morphs make up for it. Every other snake mentioned here seems 1 dimensional almost. Their not, and all are great ideas, but the lack of morphs and variety makes it hard. I'd get another ball in a heart beat, but I want something more lively.

My interests include bredli, pure carpets, womas, and anything off the beaten trail. I think looking through classified ads has ruined the excitement. My wife is toying with the idea of a beardie, so I've been researching those with her too.

Also have thought about white lipped pythons.

@ Yoda. I've recently gotten into carpets and find them to be a great species to work with. My jungle and coastal are both beautiful display animals, they eat without fail, and have excellent temperaments. I'm taking delivery on a male Bredli this week. If you're a bit of a purist you should check out Nick Mutton's stock at Inland Reptile. He has some amazing carpets. I'm a big fan of olives and white lips too but I'm hooked on Morelia.

http://inlandreptile.com/availabilit...ailability.htm

I've heard wonderful things about white lipped pythons, quite fascinating.

Have you looked into diamond pythons? A young male shouldn't go too far over your budget[emoji6] beautiful, docile yet active when kept correctly. If you want to be able to handle it though, make sure it's been handled from a baby! My diamond wasn't handled till I got him at the age of 4 or 5, and while not aggressive he's quite awkward to handle. I guess he doesn't know how to act when being handled so he just flails himself around which often results in him spraying his pee everywhere...


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

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Originally Posted by EL-Ziggy

@ Yoda. I've recently gotten into carpets and find them to be a great species to work with. My jungle and coastal are both beautiful display animals, they eat without fail, and have excellent temperaments. I'm taking delivery on a male Bredli this week. If you're a bit of a purist you should check out Nick Mutton's stock at Inland Reptile. He has some amazing carpets. I'm a big fan of olives and white lips too but I'm hooked on Morelia.

http://inlandreptile.com/availabilit...ailability.htm

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I've been on inlands site many times. There's a lot to choose from on there. Many that you will never see anywhere else.

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Originally Posted by Yodawagon

Still haven't gotten anything.

Boy, there's a lot of us Minnesotans on this thread. I remember back when twin cities reptiles was in golden valley in the basement of sports cards imporium.

Id really like a 100% kalatoa female retic, but I'd have better luck finding a unicorn.

I'm waiting on a t10 from ap to get here. Should be about 6 weeks still.

It's funny how ball pythons ruin you. Sure their not the most exciting snake, but the morphs make up for it. Every other snake mentioned here seems 1 dimensional almost. Their not, and all are great ideas, but the lack of morphs and variety makes it hard. I'd get another ball in a heart beat, but I want something more lively.

My interests include bredli, pure carpets, womas, and anything off the beaten trail. I think looking through classified ads has ruined the excitement. My wife is toying with the idea of a beardie, so I've been researching those with her too.

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Are you here in the Twin Cities?

Not many folks outside of the cities can whip out "Golden Valley" like you just did LOL!

If so, here is your Dwarf or SD retic option.
https://www.facebook.com/monstercages


MarkS mentioned Chase Delles. "Chase Reptiles". Chase deals with mainland retics, but I'll bet he could find a male mainland line that would stay smaller if fed properly. I always think about my coastal hitting that 10 foot mark and not being concerned. If the animal is slender (reasonably) it doesn't present nearly the amount handling issues an 8 foot female BCC would when weight factors in.

If you are a USARK member there is always Kris at Vital Exotics in WI.

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Originally Posted by Gio

Are you here in the Twin Cities?

Not many folks outside of the cities can whip out "Golden Valley" like you just did LOL!

If so, here is your Dwarf or SD retic option.
https://www.facebook.com/monstercages


MarkS mentioned Chase Delles. "Chase Reptiles". Chase deals with mainland retics, but I'll bet he could find a male mainland line that would stay smaller if fed properly. I always think about my coastal hitting that 10 foot mark and not being concerned. If the animal is slender (reasonably) it doesn't present nearly the amount handling issues an 8 foot female BCC would when weight factors in.

If you are a USARK member there is always Kris at Vital Exotics in WI.

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I am NOT an usark member but it doesn't look like vital exotics has anything as far as pure super dwarf . I also checked with monster cages down in Wynonna and he doesn't deal with anything 100% anymore either.I've tried contacting reeds retics, but he hasn't responded back. I grew up in robbinsdale. I now live up north in Milaca. I spent 20 years living in robbinsdale so I remember a lot from that area. I got my first reptiles, anoles, from pet place in ribbon center. Their long gone.