Beginner snakes?

hi everyone! Im new to this forum and I'm hoping to get into keeping snakes. I've been doing my research and i think snakes would be a good pet for me. I plan to volunteer with my local reptile club to get more experience. I've been looking into species and I love ball pythons but I think that I want something more active. Not to offend anyone but I just don't really like colubrids. Common boas seem to be perfect for me but I don't think I'm ready for something that big as this will be my first snake. I really like brazilian rainbow boas but i've heard they need lots of humidity and aren't very hardy. So what is a good beginner snake that stays around 4-6 feet but still has some body to it and is relatively inquisitive and active? thanks for reading!

What about rosy boas? I also personally love checkered garters, they can be fed fish and worms, but that might not be something you would want. Kenyan sand boas are also small, and great starter snakes.

I always say you can't go wrong with a carpet python. Jungles, IJs and Darwins are some of the smaller species. They're beautiful, easy to care for, and they make great display animals. I know you said you don't like colubrids but have you looked at some of the beauty snakes, rat snakes, or Pits (bull, pine & gopher snakes)? What about a dwarf boa?

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Originally Posted by EL-Ziggy

I always say you can't go wrong with a carpet python. Jungles, IJs and Darwins are some of the smaller species. They're beautiful, easy to care for, and they make great display animals. I know you said you don't like colubrids but have you looked at some of the beauty snakes, rat snakes, or Pits (bull, pine & gopher snakes)? What about a dwarf boa?

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I love the colours and patterns of the colubrids I just like a bit more girth size. I definitely have considered Carpets but aren't they a bit more difficult with housing as they are semi arboreal? Also, do they get thicker? I've mostly only seen juveniles. Dwarf boas definitely sound like a good choice, how long do they get?

While nothing beats good old experience, there is so much good info out there on so many diff species these days. If you do your homework and listen to those with experience you can pretty much handle anything within reason. There is as much bad advice as good advice out there but chances are you can find a care sheet for just about anything. I think this is one of the best communities out there and can pretty much handle most of your needs. Based on your description of what you want, a kingsnake might be a good choice. They are hardy, they feed well and aren't overly demanding in the husbandry department.

@ Storm- There are lots of boas that fall in the 5-6 ft range. I don't keep boas but I did some research when I was looking for a new critter. As far as carpets are concerned I'd consider them medium sized snakes. They're not as girthy as a boa with the exception of maybe a Bredli, but they're thicker than kings or corns. I think they're really easy to keep. I keep mine just a few degrees warmer than I keep my colubrids. They appreciate and will use any vertical space you give them but they don't require much height with their enclosures. Some folks keep them in tubs but I prefer to keep mine is display enclosures. You should take a look at bull snakes too. They're one of the larger colubrids. I have a pair and I love them. My female is about 7ft and as thick as my wrist. My male is 6ft but not as thick as the female. Their husbandry is pretty much foolproof. 84 degree warm spot and ambient temps for the cool side. They can come with a little attitude but they settle down fairly quickly and mine eat like pigs.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...psrmrwv67e.jpg

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...psjiiiloeq.jpg

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Originally Posted by AstralStorm

hi everyone! Im new to this forum and I'm hoping to get into keeping snakes. I've been doing my research and i think snakes would be a good pet for me. I plan to volunteer with my local reptile club to get more experience. I've been looking into species and I love ball pythons but I think that I want something more active. Not to offend anyone but I just don't really like colubrids. Common boas seem to be perfect for me but I don't think I'm ready for something that big as this will be my first snake. I really like brazilian rainbow boas but i've heard they need lots of humidity and aren't very hardy. So what is a good beginner snake that stays around 4-6 feet but still has some body to it and is relatively inquisitive and active? thanks for reading!

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BRBs are a fabulous choice . They are nocturnal of course .

I had no trouble at all keeping them and I'm far from being an expert .

Look great in daylight with their iridescent look and even nicer in the evening when they they change colour quite dramatically and get white on their lower third of the body !!

Humiduty is easily controlled with a bit of research.

A stunning Dwarf SunGlow boa ( like mine ) will be nice (even Dwarf Albino Boa ). Hoping mine tops out at 5' to 6' like his parents
I'd also suggest Woma pythons as well or Black headed pythons if funds will stretch .
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Originally Posted by AstralStorm

I love the colours and patterns of the colubrids I just like a bit more girth size. I definitely have considered Carpets but aren't they a bit more difficult with housing as they are semi arboreal? Also, do they get thicker? I've mostly only seen juveniles. Dwarf boas definitely sound like a good choice, how long do they get?

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Carpets are pretty forgiving when it comes to temps and cage design. Keeping them happy, as far as their arboreal habits go, is as easy as adding a perch or shelf to your enclosure. While youngsters are on the more slender side, as they reach adulthood most get a fair sized girth to them. My 21 year old boy is as thick as my thickest bull snake. You might want to look further into them and as Ziggy suggested, bull snakes definitely fill the bill in the girth and active/inquisitive department. They have a bit of a reputation for being more aggressive but 90% of it is bluff and with a little work most can get as calm as a corn snake. While you're at it, you might want to just check out the whole Pituophis genus - some of the pines can be super impressive too in regards to girth.

Here are a couple examples of adult bull snakes(sayi):
http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/z...psyoxugqrt.jpg

http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/z...psuair7jkv.jpg

A couple adult jungle carpet pythons(cheynei):
http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/z...pset9sajc1.jpg

http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps1xcepxta.jpg

I don't know a whole lot about them, but what about a white lipped python? From what I understand Northerns top out around 7-8 feet and Southerns get closer to 10 feet. The Northerns appear to be at the top of your size preference, but after a very quick glance around the web they might be something you'd be interested in. Maybe check them out and do some homework?

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I don't know a whole lot about them, but what about a white lipped python? From what I understand Northerns top out around 7-8 feet and Southerns get closer to 10 feet. The Northerns appear to be at the top of your size preference, but after a very quick glance around the web they might be something you'd be interested in. Maybe check them out and do some homework?

Considering how long a snake can live I would not get a species just because you are new to the hobby and people tell you that species is easier to keep.
Find a species you are passionate about, do your research and set up the enclosure first so you can get it dialed in. You will then know you can meet its needs. Then find a reputable breeder so you know you are getting a healthy animal.
I would not write off all coulbrids either, some are diurnal as well as active and meet the size requirements you are talking about. Other suggestions to look into would be woma pythons, spotted pythons, childrens pythons to name a few.
I highly recommend going to one of the many large reptile shows so you can see these snakes in person. Sometimes pictures do not do justice and sometimes it helps to talk to people in person who are passionate about the species you are interested in.

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

I don't know a whole lot about them, but what about a white lipped python? From what I understand Northerns top out around 7-8 feet and Southerns get closer to 10 feet. The Northerns appear to be at the top of your size preference, but after a very quick glance around the web they might be something you'd be interested in. Maybe check them out and do some homework?

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Liaisis can be... interesting. Nippy. Flighty. I wouldn't recommend them as a first snake.

I would suggest a dwarf or central-American locality BCI that has passed the baby/juvi defensive phase.

a BRB was our first snake. don't let the reputation of the newborns being nippy turn you away, with handling and age, the tendency goes away. ours continues to be a fascinating and ever changing wonder for us and our kids. their high humidity needs makes them good candidates for a live plant, bio-active set up that is pretty well sealed up. the trouble a lot of us struggle with is that the set up readily available at chain pet stores is great for high heat desert critters but terrible for critters that like both heat and humidity. a BRB's need for humidity, especially when very young, is more extreme than a BP's but it was a good precursor to a BP for me since learning how to heat a virtually wet enclosure made creating a moderate humidity, higher heat enclosure for our BP's easier. BRB's are nocturnal, ground/hide dwelling snakes, they like it about 78f. an thermostat controlled UTH or flexwat tape can easily do the trick. use a temp gun, scrap relying on thermometers and definitely avoid heat lamps/CHE's. if your room is cold, then insulate the top and sides. our BRB is a beautiful snake with a great disposition, it has never struck me or our kids. I recommend handling a pet snake at least once a week for say 15-30 minutes minimum to keep them accustom to being held. I hold mine till it warms up enough that it starts becoming active, then offer it food outside it's enclosure. this routine keeps it tame, IMHO.

Look into the island locality boas. Some of them will stay small. Vin Russo has a good book on the boa constrictors. I really enjoy our rosy boa, but I consider her more of a lovely display animal - she likes to sample my skin (She does this in slow motion, but now I'm a bit wary of her).

So, what DON'T you like about the colubrids? There is some variation, and I'll second the pitts. My Sonoran gopher is beautiful, alert, active, and the the breeder *warned* me, she is from BIG parents. I would add more corn snakes if I had the space.

One thing for a beginner: Try to match your climate, if you can. We keep our house very cold in the winter, and because this is NM desert, the air is dry. I never did end up getting a BP, and at this point I'm glad I don't have one, simply because I worry a little less over the husbandry of my native North American species.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

Liaisis can be... interesting. Nippy. Flighty. I wouldn't recommend them as a first snake.

I would suggest a dwarf or central-American locality BCI that has passed the baby/juvi defensive phase.

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forgive me for being a bit more blunt than bcr, white-lipped python is a terrible choice for a first snake.

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

I don't know a whole lot about them, but what about a white lipped python? From what I understand Northerns top out around 7-8 feet and Southerns get closer to 10 feet. The Northerns appear to be at the top of your size preference, but after a very quick glance around the web they might be something you'd be interested in. Maybe check them out and do some homework?

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this is a really poor recommendation. If you are unfamiliar with the species, probably it would be best not to recommend it to others.

I'd go for hog island boas too! They're a small locality boa and docile.

Reading about the length of certain snake species sounds intimidating, but a 6 foot boa is smaller than you imagine (it was smaller than I imagined, at least LOL). How "big" a snake seems depends on each species and their girth. A 6' longicauda is much thinner/smaller than a 6' blood python.

For example, my dumeril's is around 5'6"~5'8" right now. When she is curled up, she is still small enough for me to cradle on one arm. When I originally got her at around 3'6", I was imagining that a 6 foot snake is the maximum size I would want to handle, and that 7~8 feet is way too large. Turns out, I really want my dumeril's to grow to 7~8 feet now, because 6 feet is smaller than I imagined. :D

This is considering you probably want to start with a juvie and watch it grow. You'll adapt very easily to handling as it grows.

BRB's will require extensive research and getting their setup and humidity spot-on. Not that any snake species doesn't require research and the right setup, but having humidity drop is particularly dangerous for a BRB.

I agree with Hog Island Boa all the way !!!!

Sounds PERFECT for the requirements.

And there are quite the Beauties out there, tame, fun, easy, but still enough snake to be exciting :)

I'm also in the camp not to disregard all Colubrids. The Russian (Korean) Ratsnake is hands down the MOST personable (if there is such a thing) snake I have ever come across. Easy to house. Unless your house is kept very cool, you don't even have to give special heat, perhaps just a lamp with a nice basking spot. Yes, a lamp. They don't mind being out in the open, in the light. You can give them a large cage, they LOVE to climb. They are nosy. Always watching and up for adventure. Very , very cool and definitely under rated snakes. Can look a bit plain as babies but turn stunning as adults. Did I say they were FUN ? Not exactly small either, when adults. The only problem is finding one. They aren't expensive, but not many people breed them.

They are usually available in the spring. There are quite a few cool youtube videos of them...

Omg +1 for russian rat snakes though, if you want to look into colubrids.

I thought I wasn't into colubrids either, until I saw a keeper with one (I think is on the forum sometimes?). She posts videos of her russian rat, and it is honestly such a personable snake. You'll rarely hear people talking about any snake species as "social and personable", because 99% really are not, but everybody will tell you about how inquisitive and personable russian rat snakes are. It seems to be the general consensus all around.

You can see their little brains making decisions about what's going on around them. They're active and docile, but not active in a loopy/crazy way like some other colubrids are. (sorry corn snakes) Very very easy to keep too, since they live in a very cool climate, so no idea why they're not more recommended as a beginner species. Maybe due to their size.

a lot of votes for BRB. can't really argue with that. but, I think columbian rainbow is even better. I've found them to be much more relaxed that brazilian. but be aware that they look almost identical to BRB as hatchlings, but have quite a different look as adults. BRB will retain their pattern. CRB wil become somewhat mono-tone, but have a beautiful iridescence. I think CRB would be an excellent first snake.

uh oh, now you've done it, now I have a yet another snake to add to the list of someday maybe, The Russian (Korean) Ratsnake. you are right, there are some fun you tubes out there about them!

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Originally Posted by zina10

I agree with Hog Island Boa all the way !!!!

Sounds PERFECT for the requirements.

And there are quite the Beauties out there, tame, fun, easy, but still enough snake to be exciting :)

I'm also in the camp not to disregard all Colubrids. The Russian (Korean) Ratsnake is hands down the MOST personable (if there is such a thing) snake I have ever come across. Easy to house. Unless your house is kept very cool, you don't even have to give special heat, perhaps just a lamp with a nice basking spot. Yes, a lamp. They don't mind being out in the open, in the light. You can give them a large cage, they LOVE to climb. They are nosy. Always watching and up for adventure. Very , very cool and definitely under rated snakes. Can look a bit plain as babies but turn stunning as adults. Did I say they were FUN ? Not exactly small either, when adults. The only problem is finding one. They aren't expensive, but not many people breed them.

They are usually available in the spring. There are quite a few cool youtube videos of them...

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Originally Posted by Slither Seeker

uh oh, now you've done it, now I have a yet another snake to add to the list of someday maybe, The Russian (Korean) Ratsnake. you are right, there are some fun you tubes out there about them!

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i'm always happy to spread the addiction, LOL :)

They really are fun and hardy snakes, perfect for display, and great for children. I love the way they have to watch everything that goes on around them.

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Originally Posted by zina10

i'm always happy to spread the addiction, LOL :)

They really are fun and hardy snakes, perfect for display, and great for children. I love the way they have to watch everything that goes on around them.

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I really like how alert and active they are, yet relatively mellow. do you have any leads on where can they be purchased?

I actually have a thread started in the Rat Snake forum. There have been some breeders mentioned.
Not to many people breed them and they seem to sell rather quick ! I think since the hatchlings are rather plain, they aren't more popular.
If people only had patience, they turn so beautiful...

They really have personality. Those were the ONLY snakes I actually did take on walks with me.
They weren't stressed at all. The female would be under my zip up hoody and only her head and a bit of neck stuck out in front. Her head would bob in rhythm with my steps, LOL !!!
She was so content just watching whats going on that some people didn't even notice her head sticking out until they came close.

Mine were named Scarlett and Rhett ;)

They also "rattle" their little tails when they hunt, and they "smash" their prey around to kill it. They took FT no problem.

I miss all the snakes I used to have. I used to have quite the collection, but we had to relocate and I sold them all. After a year at the new location I couldn't take it anymore and I bought those 5 Ball Python morphs I still have, the ones that are almost 7 years old. I recently added the Desert Ghost, so now I have 6 snakes. All Ball Pythons.

But I used to have many different ones, also a Brazilian Rainbow Boa. I was fortunate enough to visit her breeder a few times as he was local. He was quite the respected name in the BRB community, not sure if he is still very active. He had a LOT of BRB's. I was lucky enough to experience one of his females giving birth once. So different from our egg layers. I remember those tiny glow worms nailing him as he put them up, haha. The one I chose was a calm baby, and never, ever struck or bit.

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Originally Posted by Slither Seeker

I really like how alert and active they are, yet relatively mellow. do you have any leads on where can they be purchased?

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This breeder seems to sell some every year.
Last year it was around June?
He has last years "baby" pics on his web page..

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Originally Posted by DennisM

this is a really poor recommendation. If you are unfamiliar with the species, probably it would be best not to recommend it to others.

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I apologize. I didn't intend to try to sell somebody on the species, I was simply brainstorming. That's why I suggested doing some homework, but I certainly see your point.

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Originally Posted by distaff

Look into the island locality boas. Some of them will stay small. Vin Russo has a good book on the boa constrictors. I really enjoy our rosy boa, but I consider her more of a lovely display animal - she likes to sample my skin (She does this in slow motion, but now I'm a bit wary of her).

So, what DON'T you like about the colubrids? There is some variation, and I'll second the pitts. My Sonoran gopher is beautiful, alert, active, and the the breeder *warned* me, she is from BIG parents. I would add more corn snakes if I had the space.

One thing for a beginner: Try to match your climate, if you can. We keep our house very cold in the winter, and because this is NM desert, the air is dry. I never did end up getting a BP, and at this point I'm glad I don't have one, simply because I worry a little less over the husbandry of my native North American species.

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Its not that I hate colubrids by any means. I just prefer the snakes that have head definition, if that makes sense lol. I feel like their head and body are all kind of the same size. Thanks for the suggestions!