New snake for newb?

Hi all,

I am considering my first snake and was wondering what was the consensus on a breed that would make a great house pet.

I’d really like an animal that is friendly and like to be handled, within reason or course.

After researching online a bit, looking at care and temperament my short list probably includes the usual suspects.

I like a Western Hognose as they look like they would be interesting with all of their defense mechanisms. The Kenyan Sand Boa as they seem like a good beginner snake.
I am partial to the Redtail Boa, even though I know they can get big, I’d get a male but had read that they can be friendly.

A Ball seems nice and everyone seems to like them though they can be finicky eaters.

Also, what does everyone think about adopting a snake from the shelters? Is this a good idea or a recipe for anxiety?

Lastly, is it better to get a young snake or an older one? Do they bond more when raised from hatchling?


Thanks,

S8k

My ball, Lily, really seems to enjoy handling. She a lot slower than my corns. However, she is still stuck on live. Probably do to me being a bit of a newb myself and not doing it right.
Personally, I love my corns, they have been very forgiving of my mistakes. Shed well, never miss a meal except in shed, and handle well.
Getting my hognose is what really pushed me to do more research and try to do better husbandry wise. He's really great but possibly not the best first snake.
Boas are supposed to be good for handling and I want one so bad. However, as I have no experience with them, I'll leave the recommendations to somebody else.
I bought all mine as hatchlings but as long as it looks healthy, I don't think there's any thing wrong with getting an adult.

If you want to just have an easier time with a healthy snake, get a healthy one from a good breeder instead of a "rescue" or shelter.

Getting an established adult with known docile temperament is your best go, but starting from a hatchling for the species you listed isn't hard either, and can be rewarding watching them grow :D

Snakes do not "bond" as they don't have that emotional intelligence in their brains, but they simply learn to not act defensively/to trust you won't hurt them. So look at other reasons to decide if you want a hatchling or not.

Many species can be an easy, docile first snake- it all depends on you and how smart you are with doing research and providing them the correct husbandry and setup. Do your research, and pick the species you're passionate about and that you think you can realistically handle.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by S8k

Hi all,

I am considering my first snake and was wondering what was the consensus on a breed that would make a great house pet.

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Snakes are species and sub-species, not breeds :) All snake species can be found in the wild.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by S8k

Hi all,

I am considering my first snake and was wondering what was the consensus on a breed that would make a great house pet.

I’d really like an animal that is friendly and like to be handled, within reason or course.

After researching online a bit, looking at care and temperament my short list probably includes the usual suspects.

I like a Western Hognose as they look like they would be interesting with all of their defense mechanisms. The Kenyan Sand Boa as they seem like a good beginner snake.
I am partial to the Redtail Boa, even though I know they can get big, I’d get a male but had read that they can be friendly.

A Ball seems nice and everyone seems to like them though they can be finicky eaters.

Also, what does everyone think about adopting a snake from the shelters? Is this a good idea or a recipe for anxiety?

Lastly, is it better to get a young snake or an older one? Do they bond more when raised from hatchling?


Thanks,

S8k

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I am considering my first snake and was wondering what was the consensus on a breed that would make a great house pet.

I’d really like an animal that is friendly and like to be handled, within reason or course.

Define, "great house pet." Snakes are largely private animals, who, in good cases, tolerate handling well and can form some kind of bond with their keepers. I am not sure any snake "enjoys" being handled. Most snakes are nocturnal and spend most of their time hiding.

I believe snake emotions are; hungry/food mode, defensive/scared, content/safe, wanting to mate, and on some level, curiosity, although this usually involves looking for a place to feel safe.

My BCI, of all my snakes, seems to like handling the most and appears very curious.

However, when I think of a good house pet, I think dog!

Not trying to give you a hard time, but I want to set realistic expectations here.

Not sure how much experience you have with snakes, but they would not do well being out all day with you. They want warmth and safety. I handle at most 1X a day for relatively short periods. Most of my snakes get handled 3-4 times a week unless in shed or digesting.

My BP, Shayna, gets stressed if out too long, so I limit her to 10-15 minutes tops, or if she shows signs of stress sooner. She is very calm and great and being handled, but still prefers her warm, safe, enclosure.


After researching online a bit, looking at care and temperament my short list probably includes the usual suspects.

I like a Western Hognose as they look like they would be interesting with all of their defense mechanisms. The Kenyan Sand Boa as they seem like a good beginner snake.
I am partial to the Redtail Boa, even though I know they can get big, I’d get a male but had read that they can be friendly.

A Ball seems nice and everyone seems to like them though they can be finicky eaters.

Okay, Ball Pythons can be finicky eaters. For that reason, I do not recommend as a first snake, but if you are aware they can do that, and you get one already eating Frozen/Thawed (F/T) prey, AND you have husbandry dialed in to a T, you can just wait them out. My BP fasts every winter for about 5 months. It's just something she does and I wait out. Harder on me than on her. BP's can also be relatively shy/private animals. You talked about handling. They are generally not defensive, especially as they grow bigger, and tolerate handling. However, being relatively shy and living in burrows in the wild, they want to feel secure more than they like being out.

BP's also come in about every color you can imagine, and pattern, for that matter.

Western Hognose snakes can have similar feeding issues, but stay small, need only a small(er) enclosure, and are generally quite friendly. Much lower up front costs for tank etc. and humidity is also less of an issue making them easier husbandry wise.

True BCC's (Red tail boas) get pretty large. They are larger than their cousins (Boa Constrictor Imperator - BCI). A male can get 6-7FT pretty easily and a female 7-9FT. They are awesome animals, but at that size, not sure if it's the best first snake. Also, humidity is a big deal with Boas, as with BP's, but they need a much larger enclosure.

BCI's come in about any color and pattern you can think of as well and generally stay smaller than BCC's. Expect a male to be 4-6FT on average and a female 6-8FT (with 2X+ the weight of a male - they are much thicker as well as being longer).

Aside from a crazy food response, Boas like BCI's and BCC's can be puppy dog tame. My female BCI, Behira, is a total sweetheart. However, she loves FOOD! I have hook trained her to avoid a food response bite when getting her out of her tank. You should hook train any larger snake, especially something like a Boa that sees movement and thinks FOOD first. Are you comfortable doing that?

Have you thought about a corn snake? I have two, different morphs, and they are not quite as chill as a boid (like a BP or Boa), but eat like clockwork, and are comfortable being handled. They are also confident snakes and once they have some size on them, are very rare to bite. I've had both my corns since they were 8G and aside from a few defensive strikes the first week, they've never thought of nailing me. They also come in a ton of different colors and patterns, are relatively inexpensive, don't need crazy husbandry requirements or a large tank, etc. I think they are great first, and forever snakes. I still keep them and I've had snakes for 20+ years.


Also, what does everyone think about adopting a snake from the shelters? Is this a good idea or a recipe for anxiety?

First snake, absolutely get from a good breeder. DO NOT ADOPT! There will likely be issues and you will still be trying to figure out what you are doing husbandry wise, how to work on building a bond, etc. YOU DO NOT WANT TO BE NURSING AN ANIMAL BACK TO HEALTH while you are still learning.

Lastly, is it better to get a young snake or an older one? Do they bond more when raised from hatchling?

I prefer younger snakes. You can watch them grow, which can be really fun, and bond with them from the time they are young. You also know how they've been cared for and can develop a bond while the snake is growing up.

Does that mean a baby? Not necessarily. I've gotten baby snakes, and reptiles for that matter (I also have kept and do keep lizards), but I've also gotten juvenile animals (1-2 years old). My BCI, Behira, was a holdback and I got her at about 1 year old. She was a little bigger and established than a baby would be. This meant I knew her temperament really well, she was very much established and hardier (my first Boa and wanted a little leeway in case I made a mistake).

I would not rush to get an adult if I were you. If you get from a breeder, the animal will likely not have been handled much, and if not from a breeder, you are likely taking from someone who doesn't want it anymore (which could be much worse).


Keep asking questions. We are here to help. Fine tune what you are looking for and make sure you have a great first experience as a snake owner. Also, remember, the enclosure needs to be setup perfectly and ahead of time and will probably cost more than the snake. You will need heating elements, thermostats, an escape proof reptile specific cage, etc. Also, remember, most snakes live for a long time. Corn snakes, 12-20 years. BP's, 20-30 years. Boas, 20+ years. Please remember that this is a serious commitment, so give it some thought.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by S8k

Hi all,

I am considering my first snake and was wondering what was the consensus on a breed that would make a great house pet.

I’d really like an animal that is friendly and like to be handled, within reason or course.

After researching online a bit, looking at care and temperament my short list probably includes the usual suspects.

I like a Western Hognose as they look like they would be interesting with all of their defense mechanisms. The Kenyan Sand Boa as they seem like a good beginner snake.
I am partial to the Redtail Boa, even though I know they can get big, I’d get a male but had read that they can be friendly.

A Ball seems nice and everyone seems to like them though they can be finicky eaters.

Also, what does everyone think about adopting a snake from the shelters? Is this a good idea or a recipe for anxiety?

Lastly, is it better to get a young snake or an older one? Do they bond more when raised from hatchling?


Thanks,

S8k

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Hello, like redshepherd said, snakes are classified by species, not breed. But, that's just a matter of wording and no big deal...
Moving on...

If you're looking for a pet that "likes" to be handled, a snake might not be the pet for you. They "tolerate" handling for short periods, but are by no means a pet that should be out of their enclosures for more than a few minutes a day.

As far as "adopting" a rescue...I highly advise otherwise for a first snake. Get a well-established animal from a reputable breeder.

Deciding which species is totally on you. You'll have this animal for 20+ years with most common species in the pet trade. Put in your due diligence and learn all you can about the species before bringing it home. If you've done proper research and are certain you can provide a proper home for the snake's lifetime, get the animal YOU want.

Hognose- very important to keep in mind that hognose are a rear-fanged species and considered mildly venomous. Although a bite from a hognose is very rare, it's something that should be very high on your pros/cons list.
They can also be very tricky feeders as hatchlings, especially males. So if you decide on a hognose, I would definitely recommend making sure the animal has eaten at least 10 meals of F/T unscented prey.
Hognose are adorable little snakes with a personality unlike any other species I know of. They are curious, inquisitive snakes by nature and typically handle well. They are also very easy on the wallet since enclosures and prey are very inexpensive by comparison to larger species.

I personally don't care for KSBs so can't weigh in there.

I am also in the research phase as far as boas and don't have one yet, so can't say much there either. But keep in mind some localities get much bigger than others, so if you're looking for a smaller boa there are options out there. I've been researching boas for a while now and am giving them serious considerationn as my next snake to join the family.

BPs- well, they're the most common snake in the pet trade for a reason: they're great all-around snakes as pets. Their size and temperament make them very easy to handle and they also come in about a million different paintjobs. As you already eluded to, they can be finicky eaters. If you've s0ent more than 2 minutes researching snakes, this is a common issue among new keepers. We see a new "my BP won't eat" thread every other day, literally. BUT, if you've done PROPER research you can expect this from a BP. It's more stressful on new keepers than it is on the snake. If you're ready for food strikes and won't freak out if your snake doesn't eat for a few weeks...or months...then you'll be fine. Just provide proper husbandry and understand that your snake will eat when it needs to. Some people will say that their finicky eating makes them a poor choice for a first snake, but I personally disagree whole-heartedly. They are great first snakes...IF YOU'RE PREPARED...


Lastly, snakes don't "bond" with their owners like other animals do. They prefer to be left alone. They prefer to remain hidden and safe. If you're getting your snake from a reputable breeder they'll be able to tell you if the snake is well-established or if it has been a tricky one to start out. Find yourself an animal, regardless of species, that is eating well and has shown a good temperament from hatchling/neonate and avoid a "trickier" individual for a first snake.

Any which way, take your time, do your research (I'm talking months of research at least) and find the right species for YOU. It will be YOUR pet for the next 20+ years, after all.
And do yourself (and your new pet) a favor and have ALL your equipment ready to go BEFORE bringing a snake home. Make sure temps and humidity are dialed-in. Make sure your heating equipment and thermostat are functioning properly. Make sure you have access to proper prey. Make sure you have money put aside for vet bills (emergencies and illnesses happen, and an unexpected vet bill can be a couple hundred bucks easy).

You're off to a great start!!! Keep researching and asking questions. The more you know about your pet the better you can care for it.

Good luck and feel free to ask any questions you may have.

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Originally Posted by dakski

Have you thought about a corn snake? I have two, different morphs, and they are not quite as chill as a boid (like a BP or Boa), but eat like clockwork, and are comfortable being handled.

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I would also suggest you look into corn snakes. I have one and she is wonderful. She LOVES to eat, is cheap to feed, easy to maintain, tolerates handling well, beautiful, elegant in shape, and just a total peach. They aren't hyper by any means, but nor are they the lethargic creatures balls are. I'd say they give a really well-rounded, low pressure, snake experience.

For your first, I would really stay away from boas. They're a bit towards the proverbial 'deep end' and a bit more than what most novices bargain for. Too easy to get in over your head right away.

My advice, start small and take it slow. Most people on these forums don't have just one snake, or even just one kind. So, if things go well for you (and I'm sure they will) you'll likely get one of those other snakes you're interested in next, then another, and another.

If you can, the best place to go is a reptile expo where you'll be exposed to lots of different snakes. Check online, they happen often. There's one local to me at least four or five times a year.

One last thing that everyone downplays, but you should know. If your going to keep snakes, the simple reality is this - sooner or later, you're going to get pooped on. LOL, it isn't so bad though.

Keep in touch and let us know what noodle you pick out!

Oh, and get a thermostat!

It depends on what you want for the snake. Do you want a snake you can handle often, a display snake, or something else? It is best to buy from a breeder and wether or not you want a hatchling is up to you. Sometimes its best to get an adult if you dont want to buy more than one enclosure as it grows. Also, in my opinion snakes do not bond. My snake is more at ease with me mostly because I know how to hold him and this relaxes him but I dont think he recognizes me as an individule.

Some people have suggested corns, because corns are great snakes. I've kept corns in the past, but I just like others better personally. If corns interest you, Kings and milks are a great option to look at as well. I'm personally a huge fan of Kings.
All three colubrid species above are very easy to keep and popular in the pet trade for that reason, plus they remain a very manageable size.

If you go that route, be sure that your enclosure is 100% escape proof. These guys are escape artists who could put Houdini to shame. They're very quick and can fit into the tiniest of places and be gone forever....just a heads up.

I agree with everyone else that a rescue snake may not be the best choice as a first snake. I’ve had a couple of true rescues that had condition and health issues requiring veterinary care, which can get expensive depending on the issue. There is also the stress of caring for the animal, getting it healthy, and quite honestly...wondering if it will survive. Even those of us that have been keeping snakes for years get quite stressed out during this process, which is why so many of us suggest against it as a first choice.

There is the possibility of picking up a nice animal from Craigslist or other online sources, many of us have, but keep in mind you are at the mercy of that person’s honesty...or lack thereof. A reptile expo is the best resource to find a variety of species at much more reasonable prices than the typical pet store. I would recommend having a good idea of what you want to get species-wise. There will be a lot of selection, but you really do want to have a setup already in place before you bring your new snake home, which means it needs to be dialed in for the species you plan to purchase.

There are a lot of different options for cages and heat sources, but I’m going to provide just one website where you can get an idea of the potential cost for a good setup: http://www.reptilebasics.com/ . Pretty much everyone here is going to recommend reptile specific cages, equaling plastic/pvc with secure doors that hold humidity well. With a lot of colubrids you can use tanks with screen lids due to lower humidity requirements, but most corns and kings I’ve had experience with are fantastic escape artists...most snakes are. BP’s and boas are much more difficult to keep in a tank because it is difficult to maintain humidity at the correct levels. It can be done, but comfort of the snake and ease of providing correct environment should be a first priority.

Just to give you an idea of proper setup costs, I just purchased two Reptile Basics 2’x3’x12” cages ($225 each), two Ultratherm heat mats (11”x11” @ $20 each), and a Herpstat 2 thermostat ($205 - has controls for both cages) for my two adult corn snakes ($695 total). For a single snake, you can expect to spend between $200-$400 for a good quality cage, heat source, and thermostat (absolute must), thermometer to monitor temps, hides, water bowl, and preferably a temp gun to check heat output on your devices. The brand and quality of cage, heat source, and thermostat will play into cost, but I personally recommend going with quality products up front...the peace of mind is well worth the up front cost.

You've gotten some great advice so far. I'll echo the importance of doing your research on any species you choose. Many species are great for new keepers as long as you're prepared. I like kings a lot as a fun smaller snake. For medium sized snakes I love bull snakes, carpet pythons and some boas. I'd stay away from the larger critters until you get a little more experience. I also prefer to get my snakes from reputable breeders as opposed to pet stores or rescues. Best wishes with whatever you decide. Hope you'll share pics.

If you want a Boa, get a Boa. They can get big, but it will take 3-5 years for it to get big.

Not really much point in starting with a smaller snake if you will get all the experience that you need just by raising a Boa from a baby.

For something a bit smaller and even more docile than a BCC, check out a Dumerils Boa

Quote:

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Originally Posted by S8k

Hi all,

I am considering my first snake and was wondering what was the consensus on a breed that would make a great house pet.

I’d really like an animal that is friendly and like to be handled, within reason or course.

After researching online a bit, looking at care and temperament my short list probably includes the usual suspects.

I like a Western Hognose as they look like they would be interesting with all of their defense mechanisms. The Kenyan Sand Boa as they seem like a good beginner snake.
I am partial to the Redtail Boa, even though I know they can get big, I’d get a male but had read that they can be friendly.

A Ball seems nice and everyone seems to like them though they can be finicky eaters.

Also, what does everyone think about adopting a snake from the shelters? Is this a good idea or a recipe for anxiety?

Lastly, is it better to get a young snake or an older one? Do they bond more when raised from hatchling?


Thanks,

S8k

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Probably won't be a "consensus" here, as we all like different things- that's fine, there are many great choices. You will probably take the best care of the snake
that appeals the most to YOU. Remember that snakes can live a long time, so it's an important decision for sure. You should consider the needs of the snake
first though: can you meet any special needs? For example, some snakes require very warm temperatures, while others cannot thrive above certain temperatures-
so think about where you live & how warm or cool you keep your house....it's a commitment. For those that get large, remember that increases the cost of their food
& housing too...make sure your new pet fits your budget & don't forget to allow for unexpected medical care.

Snakes that are just born or hatched are delicate & best suited to keepers with experience. Once they have a well-established feeding record, they are a much better
bet for a new keeper, as are young adult snakes. Avoid wild-caught snakes, they can have health challenges not typically found in captive-bred snakes. As far as
adopting a snake from a rescue, that can go either way, depending on the rescue (how skilled they are and how willing to share the true background of each animal).
I wouldn't hesitate to adopt from a rescue that has taken good care of a snake that needed help...for the most part, they make sure they are healthy before they re-
home them. As with dogs & cats, good shelters make sure their animals connect with the "right" owner before they allow adoption. If it's a good shelter, the snake
you adopt may actually have had better medical care than some others you might buy without such professional assessment.

I would personally not recommend a hognose as a first snake, nor a ball python...both can be challenging (fussy feeders) that can be discouraging, but it's still up to
you. I happen to love all sorts of rat snakes, & if you want a docile snake that's easy to feed & care for, I can think of no better choices than corn snakes, Trans Pecos
or Baird's rat snakes. Even rat snakes that get larger don't have near the body weight of a boa. Another great option is an Australian "spotted python"- they stay
small, about 3-4' but their personality is quite "large"...as is their feeding response, and they handle beautifully & since they need warmer temperatures than corn
snakes (for example), there is less risk of them over-heating when we hold them for a while.

That's a great question about a young snake "bonding" more with their owner...I've taken in snakes of ALL ages, & there is nothing more satisfying than seeing a snake
that has been neglected or mistreated realize that, under my care, that it can relax, feel safe & thrive. That's all the bond you can ask for, so no, I don't think age
really matters.

OP, S8k, any thoughts? You've been pretty quiet since asking your question on a new addition.