Ball Python Alternative?

Are there any other python species, other than the ball, that...

- are as docile as a ball
- would do well in a similar sized enclosure as a ball
- grows to about the same size as a ball or less
- but is more active than a ball, more climbing as opposed to hanging out on the bottom?

I'd check out some of the smaller locality Boas. Not Pythons, but very nice animals.

What about rosy boas or Kenyan sand boas? I just got my BP but I have experience with the other two snakes and they are both docile. Of course, sand boas are much smaller then ball pythons and spend most of their time hiding. On the upside they also require a smaller enclosure.

I'll be getting a ball python for sure... but will have room for a second. Was aiming for a Mexican Black Kingsnake, but I just really love the look of a python, their head specifically and larger girth specifically.

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Originally Posted by cletus

I'd check out some of the smaller locality Boas. Not Pythons, but very nice animals.

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I like the look of boas as well, will have to look at some of the smaller varieties. I've generally stayed away from boas because I've heard they have a harder bite. Not so much for me, but if one of my two boys get bit I'd never hear the end of it from the wife.

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Originally Posted by FlynnTheBP

What about rosy boas or Kenyan sand boas? I just got my BP but I have experience with the other two snakes and they are both docile. Of course, sand boas are much smaller then ball pythons and spend most of their time hiding. On the upside they also require a smaller enclosure.

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Kenyan Sand Boas burrow too much, I guess. I want something that's a bit more of a climber... climbing the branches I hope to throw in there. Will check out the Rosy boa, though.

Other... snakes? I don't understand? ;)

In all seriousness, check out Angolan Pythons.

I also love the python look. Rosy boas do climb, but not on a very regular basis. My ball python enjoys climbing, I have a plastic wall plant he is always hanging from. As for biting, rosy boas rarely bite and when they do, it's really not that bad. I guess it depends a lot on the snakes temperament. Maybe your boys could just handle the BP?

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Originally Posted by CharlesMTF

I'll be getting a ball python for sure... but will have room for a second. Was aiming for a Mexican Black Kingsnake, but I just really love the look of a python, their head specifically and larger girth specifically.

I like the look of boas as well, will have to look at some of the smaller varieties. I've generally stayed away from boas because I've heard they have a harder bite. Not so much for me, but if one of my two boys get bit I'd never hear the end of it from the wife.

Kenyan Sand Boas burrow too much, I guess. I want something that's a bit more of a climber... climbing the branches I hope to throw in there. Will check out the Rosy boa, though.

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BOOM! Nice choice!! I want one so bad. lol

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Originally Posted by Eric Alan

In all seriousness, check out Angolan Pythons.

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Very nice looking snake. More investigating... thank you.

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Would the rosy boas do fine in half a T8 to start, and later as it grows its own T8?

A Hog Island Boa would be perfect. About same size as a Ball Python, even as an adult. A lot more "climbing. Some are truly beautiful snakes !!!

Rosys are a lot smaller than ball pythons. Half a T8 would be fine for the life of the snake. You could get two, or just give one the snakey equivalent of a spacious mansion.

I do not know much about them besides that they are pythons that stay relatively small but what about something from the Antaresia genus, like Children's or spotted python?

What about a smaller locality carpet python, like an irian jaya? Boas are great just get a male they'll be smaller. But there's always exceptions.

I wouldn't rule out that Mexican Black King just yet. Kings are awesome snakes and definitely a great snake for the kids. And seriously, how gorgeous is the MBK?? Plus, obviously tons of other awesome King morphs. Ok, so maybe I'm a bit biased because I love Kings. That being said, you like the frame and bigger heads of the BP but want something a little different... A Hog Island Boa would be great, maybe a Childrens python might be nice maybe a carpet python if you go male and stay away from coastals (I believe the others tend to be smaller, but maybe an Irian Jaya like Shane said?

You could try a male dominican red mountain boa (basically the redder haitian boas)

The females get sizable, but the males stay a fair bit smaller. They have a profile similar to a carpet python and the sheen of a rainbow boa. They are quite docile, but occasionally musk when younger.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...lery%2F082.jpg

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Originally Posted by zina10

A Hog Island Boa would be perfect. About same size as a Ball Python, even as an adult. A lot more "climbing. Some are truly beautiful snakes !!!

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Just looked over the Hog Island... they look cool indeed.

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Originally Posted by AntTheDestroyer

I do not know much about them besides that they are pythons that stay relatively small but what about something from the Antaresia genus, like Children's or spotted python?

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Like them both. The spotted maybe a bit more.

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Originally Posted by ShaneSilva

What about a smaller locality carpet python, like an irian jaya? Boas are great just get a male they'll be smaller. But there's always exceptions.

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Basic Carpet python I thought gets too big for my particular case... Irian Jaya's look nice, and might work a bit better.

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

I wouldn't rule out that Mexican Black King just yet....
A Hog Island Boa would be great...

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Definitely have not ruled out the MBK. Just looking at other possibilities. The Hog Island looks cool.

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Originally Posted by Regius_049

You could try a male dominican red mountain boa...

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Seeing this one for the first time. Wow... some nice colors. Seems like they're a bit more on the pricey side, though. Doesn't rule them out, just an observation.

I'm surprised I haven't seen the Dumerils Boa mentioned. They're a little bigger than a BP, although they grow slower. Very docile and more active than a BP. Not known for climbing. Half a T8 would work great for a juvenile. Here's a pic of my 8 month old, about 200g:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...00ca4a685b.jpg

I recently bought a Children's Python. Much smaller than a BP - T8 would be way too big. My Children's is also 8 months old. I've been told that without regular handling they can be nippy, although it doesn't really hurt.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...e22440fe6b.jpg


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I've seen the Dumerils Boa before. I thought I read they got bigger than 4-5 feet. But, will check them out. Decisions, decisions!

Thank you.

I believe it's rare for a male Dum to get over 5ft. I went with the Dum for similar reasons you are looking for a BP alternative. Size of a BP, but more active and something I'd feel comfortable with my kids handling.


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Though Carpet Pythons are at the top of my list as far a species, I would Not recommend them quite yet for you and your boys. I suggest that you get some confident snake handling skills first and also learn how to read your BP.

Carpets are faster and more deliberate moving, always reaching and grabbing. They are very bull headed as well. Don't get me wrong, they are very cool and rewarding and are great to display. I just think that you will enjoy them better with experience rather than struggle a bit as a novice.

To me, a Boa is a great stepping stone from BPs as far as handling and being a bit better for display. Mine are very mellow and have never bitten.

Just don't rush into it. Keep doing what you are doing as far as research.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...1d777cc9d8.jpg
Etta, Coastal Carpet

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...13e86ed4c2.jpg
Butch, wild type Boa

Antaresia are smaller, and not as heavy-bodied as BPs, but they are good-natured and more active. My spotted Python is in a 24" x 24" x 15" tall enclosure. She'd probably cruise a whole T8 if she had it, but doesn't strictly need it.


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blood python?

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Originally Posted by Dumdum333

blood python?

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He wanted a snake as docile as a ball and more active, my short tails barely move and do have a bit more attitude. Great lap snakes though.

I have a Childrens Python. He has topped out at 3 feet, incredibly active constantly climbing and moving around, he can be nippy but at that size its more funny than anything else. The smaller Aussie Pythons are very active and would do great in a full T8.

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Originally Posted by Reinz

Just don't rush into it. Keep doing what you are doing as far as research.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...1d777cc9d8.jpg
Etta, Coastal Carpet

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...13e86ed4c2.jpg
Butch, wild type Boa

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Would never rush it. Just love doing the research, learning, and outright talking about this stuff now. Those are beautiful snakes, btw.