Best pythons or boas??

What are some pythons or boas that can suitably live in a 40 gallon enclosure *as an adult*?

Other than a ball python?

Male Tarahumara Boa
Savu Python, Anthill Python, or Childrens Python

Yeah, other than a BP, I know that. Thanks for the suggestions.

Many dwarf boas will be fine in there, as will ball pythons, and the pythons bcr229 mentioned.

An issue you might have with a 40G is humidity, and to a lesser degree, temperature control.

Do you mind me asking why you are set on a 40G?

That might make a difference in where you go from here as well. If it's space, cost, etc. that might help us find something for you. Space wise, you might still have PVC as an option and that might make it easier to care for any of the above species. If it's cost, make sure you understand the tank is probably the cheapest component. You will need heating elements, thermostat(s), etc.

Many people on here do fine with glass enclosures. If it's your only tank, and it's for a creature than needs high humidity, it's not a big deal. Covering the top, substrate, etc. are all ways to adapt. However, as/if your collection grows, like mine did, I found that it's easier to keep it simple. So I let the tanks do most of the work for me (in terms of holding humidity and thermostats and well sealed tanks = good temp control).

I know you didn't ask, but I'll say it anyway, many colubrids, like corn snakes, would be thrilled in a 40G and do not have the temperature and humidity requirements of many pythons and boas. I have 3 boas, a carpet python, a ball python, but also 2 corn snakes. They are beautiful and docile (generally) creatures. Of course, I love my boas, but if I had a 40G, and not the larger, PVC, setups I have for my boas, I'm not sure what direction I would go in.

Having said that, if you can handle the humidity requirements and temp requirements, any of the dwarf boas, BP's, etc. could work. I have a dwarf Venezuelan Red Tail/BC and he's amazing. However, I've had several breeders talk me out of some of the dwarf boas due to temperament. I am spoiled by my BI's and Feliz, my BC, is mostly just a little version of them in terms of his nature. He's incredibly docile, except when food is near, but that's just boas.

Anyway, I rambled, but I wanted to give you as much info as possible.

Let us know your thoughts and we are here to help!

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Originally Posted by dakski

Do you mind me asking why you are set on a 40G?

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I'm not set on a 40G, I would gladly get a bigger one if I had enough space for it. (And... I already have a 40G so why not use it?)

Don't apologize for rambling, I appreciate all the info.

I have good experience with an Australian spotted python & plenty of rosy boas. Of those, I prefer the spotted python as she never goes off feed in winter, but most
rosy boas will, though not as bad as BP's fasting. Aussie spotted pythons are about the size of an adult corn snake & very similar to Children's- mine prefers to be on
her branches/driftwood, & she is ever-vigilant, but still a good pet to handle (very strong grip though, not the snake to let tangle in long hair, LOL). They also prefer f/t small mice, whereas some rosy boas take more convincing for f/t. I do think that personalities differ, I can only say that I have no problem with her biting me at all (-my Aussie spot py, that is), but her appetite for f/t mice is always impressive. :snake2:

Viper boa!

Thanks for the insight Boger.

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Originally Posted by wnateg

Viper boa!

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Ooo, I've never heard of those, they certainly sound cool though. I just looked them up and they look awesome too, thanks for the suggestion!

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Originally Posted by vivi

Ooo, I've never heard of those, they certainly sound cool though. I just looked them up and they look awesome too, thanks for the suggestion!

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They'd be great based on size & appearance, but so far, difficult...better for advanced keepers, from what I've read. I think most are w/c too, so they'll be heavily-parasitized & you'd better have some savings for the exotic vet. ;) I hope more ppl will keep working with them though, to get them figured out.

BTW, Aussie spotted pythons are NOT imported, they're c/b (captive bred) right here in the states- & that generally means a much better pet experience, with a healthy snake that's not parasitized & in need of vet care & which may not survive despite best efforts.

Yeah, I looked on morphmarket and only found wc ones. Thanks for letting me know, I do want to get something beginner.

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Originally Posted by vivi

Yeah, I looked on morphmarket and only found wc ones. Thanks for letting me know, I do want to get something beginner.

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I've read some accounts of people keeping them...very frustrating. I think they look cool too, but not a fan of w/c exotics being dragged from their world, most don't survive.

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Originally Posted by dakski

Many dwarf boas will be fine in there,

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What are some different kinds of dwarf boas?

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

They'd be great based on size & appearance, but so far, difficult...better for advanced keepers, from what I've read. I think most are w/c too, so they'll be heavily-parasitized & you'd better have some savings for the exotic vet. ;) I hope more ppl will keep working with them though, to get them figured out.

BTW, Aussie spotted pythons are NOT imported, they're c/b (captive bred) right here in the states- & that generally means a much better pet experience, with a healthy snake that's not parasitized & in need of vet care & which may not survive despite best efforts.

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Most are wild caught, but there a few CBB on morph market for very reasonable prices that I just saw (and want) today; that's why I bring them up. Though, they would not make a good first snake, you're right about that.

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Originally Posted by vivi

What are some different kinds of dwarf boas?

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Vin Russo at Cutting Edge Herp has a bunch he breeds.

I got Feliz from TC Reptile (Tommy Carpenter). I can speak well of both but have only purchased from Tommy. Tommy does mostly dwarf species. All his boas are locale. Feliz was a Rio Bravo line dwarf BC.

Both guys have good FB pages but I don’t have Facebook.

if you google either, their websites and FB pages should come up.

if you want to talk to Tommy I can make an introduction. Just PM me.

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Originally Posted by dakski

Vin Russo at Cutting Edge Herp has a bunch he breeds.

I got Feliz from TC Reptile (Tommy Carpenter). I can speak well of both but have only purchased from Tommy. Tommy does mostly dwarf species. All his boas are locale. Feliz was a Rio Bravo line dwarf BC.

Both guys have good FB pages but I don’t have Facebook.

if you google either, their websites and FB pages should come up.

if you want to talk to Tommy I can make an introduction. Just PM me.

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What's the price range on these suggestions?

The dwarf boas Vin Russo breeds are drop dead GORGEOUS. Thank you for the suggestion, however a lot of them are out of stock and *probably* out of my price range.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

What's the price range on these suggestions?

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Can vary.

I think many of Tommy’s locale boas are under $600. Honestly not sure the prices of all of what he offers. Same for Vin on not having an idea.

Feliz is an incredibly rare locale and was about $600.

I love Australian pythons, and while a 40g tank may be too small for an adult carpet, it could house a Childrens or Spotted python nicely.

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Originally Posted by dakski

I have a dwarf Venezuelan Red Tail/BC and he's amazing. However, I've had several breeders talk me out of some of the dwarf boas due to temperament.

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While my baby Tarahumaras are nippy they're honestly no worse than some of the baby ball pythons I've produced, and they're settling down nicely with gentle handling. All three of my adults are very chill.

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Originally Posted by EL-Ziggy

I love Australian pythons, and while a 40g tank may be too small for an adult carpet, it could house a Childrens or Spotted python nicely.

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Yes...my 12 year old Aussie is not over 4'...some things I've read say they can get 4-5', but that's gotta take a while...they start out pretty small & even a great eater like mine isn't growing that fast. A 40 gal tank is perfect for one of these. Not the fanciest bright colors but a win for ease of care & personality. Mine is a dark greenish "granite phase"& she has real nice iridescence too...when I've done "meet & greets" with her, she was very much admired, as well as docile being held by total strangers. An excellent choice IMO.

Looks are definitely not everything for me, IMO all snakes look cool (show me an ugly snake) and I love high contrast colors as much as the next guy, but I would be more than happy with a "regular" looking morph or "dull" looking snake.
Temperament is also not a huge thing (as long as they aren't venomous ;)) because I am willing to work with defensive snakes.
It's more about the husbandry and if I can provide the needs and a happy life for the animal. If I can't provide those needs now or in the future I won't even consider getting said snake.
I have nothing against BPs and think they are awesome snakes, however I would like something more active.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

What's the price range on these suggestions?

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Originally Posted by vivi

The dwarf boas Vin Russo breeds are drop dead GORGEOUS. Thank you for the suggestion, however a lot of them are out of stock and *probably* out of my price range.

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I can comment a bit on Vin's dwarf boa prices -- I've got a boa from him, and I see him at expos fairly frequently.

The boas you see commanding a high dollar on his Facebook page are typically his holdback-quality and rare locality stuff. He's typically got a lot of good dwarf boas in the US$200-400 range in the late summer and fall -- think hypo het leopard Sonorans, hypo het blood Central American crosses, a few Mexican and Central American localities, that sort of stuff. Visual leopard or blood boas are when you start breaking into the US$600-800+ range.

Vin's boas are worth the money, in my opinion. The boas he breeds are high quality -- the locality boas are pure, the morph-y boas are beautiful, and I haven't heard of anyone getting a boa from him that wasn't clean and healthy. The man knows and cares for his boas, and it shows.

Back to your original question: I wouldn't recommend housing a dwarf boa in a 40G tank. A 4'x2'x2' PVC or wooden enclosure would be far more appropriate for their size and activity level, with the benefit of easier temperature and humidity control. I say this as someone who has young boas in a 4'x2'x2' PVC enclosure and a 20L tank right now. I can't wait to move the boa in the 20L out and into a PVC enclosure -- I've insulated that tank and covered the top, and it's still a struggle to keep things where they need to be! If you're set on using the 40G, an Antaresia python or rosy boa would be best. Good luck!

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Originally Posted by WrongPython

Back to your original question: I wouldn't recommend housing a dwarf boa in a 40G tank. A 4'x2'x2' PVC or wooden enclosure would be far more appropriate for their size and activity level, with the benefit of easier temperature and humidity control.

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Thanks for the input! Unfortunately I don't have the space for anything bigger than a 40G and its good to know that you wouldn't recommend keeping a dwarf boa in a 40G, maybe someday I will get one though. I would only want the best for any snake. My family doesn't want anything to do with my first snake so I have to keep it in my room, and I have a desk perfect for that. Antaresia are rad, and I will definitely look into them.

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Originally Posted by vivi

Looks are definitely not everything for me, IMO all snakes look cool (show me an ugly snake) and I love high contrast colors as much as the next guy, but I would be more than happy with a "regular" looking morph or "dull" looking snake.
Temperament is also not a huge thing (as long as they aren't venomous ;)) because I am willing to work with defensive snakes.
It's more about the husbandry and if I can provide the needs and a happy life for the animal. If I can't provide those needs now or in the future I won't even consider getting said snake.
I have nothing against BPs and think they are awesome snakes, however I would like something more active.

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I meet many ppl who really know nothing about snakes but are curious when I've done "meet & greets" with some of my snakes at the local Wildlife Expo: many people think that all pythons are HUGE, & are quite surprised to find out that "this is a real python" ("see those heat-sensing pits?"), LOL.

As far as activity, most snakes aren't exactly in "track & field" but it's nice to have snakes that don't stress out easily from a "change in scenery". The "Wildlife Expos" I've been participating in have lasted an average of 4+ hours with a crowd around me for most of that time. I take 3 or 4 snakes with me & switch off, giving them short breaks. None of my snakes have ever freaked out or "misbehaved"...but we're all really tired after it's over, lol. Sadly we won't be doing it this year, "thanks" to the pandemic. :(

I think all snakes look pretty cool too...they each fill different niches in nature, & their colors & appearance reflect that. Spotted pythons start out in nature eating tiny lizards, then gradually as they get larger they also get braver & able to take small rodents...so they actually PREFER f/t pinkie mice for first meals. They can be instinctively afraid of pinkie mice...that's actually why I got this python! Her owner was a jerk who was disgusted that she kept refusing to eat live pinkies, he was UN-willing to feed her f/t, & he was going to "stick her in the freezer"! :O After much conversation, I offered to take her off his hands (I pre-paid the air shipping, sent him the packing materials & told him exactly how to do it) & promised to buy her from him IF she was as he had described (ie. she was not sick, just fussy about eating), & as I reminded him, if he was just going to stick her in the freezer, what did he have to lose anyway? So she came to live with me (as a very small yearling), & within a few hours of her arrival by Fedex, I could tell by her behavior that she was looking for food, so against the advice I generally give ppl (NOT to feed right away) I fed her & she wolfed down 3 f/t pinkies like nothing! :D She'd have taken more but I said no. I've never had a bit of trouble getting her to eat & I couldn't resist rubbing it in, how she ate immediately. I paid him as promised.

You sound a bit like me, btw...I don't mind a challenge with "defensive" snakes & I've had my share, but this spotted python wasn't ever one of them. She's a cool snake. It's actually helpful to have snakes with different personalities...they manage to teach us more that way. You have the right attitude...putting the snake's needs first, and making sure you can provide for that snake. I think you'll be a good keeper.

A male Tarahumara would be ok in a 40 breeder. It would be cramped for a female. The other dwarf boas would outgrow it. Put a plexiglass cover on the top with a DHP to help bump up the ambient (the UV radiation passes through the plexi), and a UTH to create a basking spot, and it'll be fine.

A male Savu would also be fine in it set up similarly.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Her owner was a jerk who was disgusted that she kept refusing to eat live pinkies, he was UN-willing to feed her f/t, & he was going to "stick her in the freezer"! :O

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I am so glad you got her away from the previous owner. I'm going to look into spotted pythons and other antaresia for sure.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

A male Tarahumara would be ok in a 40 breeder. It would be cramped for a female. The other dwarf boas would outgrow it. Put a plexiglass cover on the top with a DHP to help bump up the ambient (the UV radiation passes through the plexi), and a UTH to create a basking spot, and it'll be fine.

A male Savu would also be fine in it set up similarly.

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It sounds more like that would "work" more than "be ideal" for the snake, although I'm not sure.

Of all the BI's the Tarahumara would be fine in a 40-breeder because of their natural environment. They're from the hills of Mexico where it's cooler and dryer and they've adapted to live in that environment. So, they'd be more forgiving of the challenges of keeping any other tropical snake in one.

Same with the Savu, they're comfortable in a wider temperature and humidity range because they adapted to use the whole island of Sawu, which is only 60 square miles.

You'll notice that no one suggested a BRB male because while the tank is big enough for them, you'll never keep the humidity over 70% consistently, which is what BRB's need.

Thank you for the advice. Now I have something to research!

Look at woma pythons

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Originally Posted by AzJohn

Look at woma pythons

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Good idea, thank you.

I have both a Children's and a Stimson's Python, as well as a pair of Tarahumara Boas. The Tarahumara are recent acquistions, and while I am really enjoying them and find them (so far) easy to care for and nice to handle, I'll leave any further comments to folks here who have more experience with them than I do.

For your 40 gallon enclosure and given your comments, I would enthusiastically recommend a Children's Python. These little guys don't have demanding temperature and humidity requirements - they do well with a general python setup of a warm spot in the 88-90 F range and a cool spot in the 78F range. Unlike a Ball Python, they aren't sensitive about, and are forgiving of, reasonable humidity/temp fluctuations. They have fantastic appetites, and they are wonderful to handle because they're a slow-moving python as opposed to some of the more flighty/squirmy snakes. I really enjoy my Children's personality. She's just under a year old, so is in a Sterilite tub that I can easily put on my desk - it's become a routine to remove the lid so that she can rest her little head on the edge of the enclosure and just watch me and the world around her. It's incredibly cute. She'll voluntarily climb out and onto my hand, and is perhaps the most serene snake I own. While more active at night, both she and the Stimson's are often out and about during the day, just basking on their cork rounds/branches or on top of their hides - it's nice to see them like that.

I could go on, but don't want to be boring. I'll just say that I can understand why the Antaresia are so much loved in Australia, and I'm a little shocked that they aren't more widely known and appreciated here. The advantage to their being pretty unknown here in the U.S. is that they are quite inexpensive - average cost for a Children's is $100. I've convinced two of my friends who wanted a great beginner snake to get a Children's Python, and both of them have just been delighted so far.

Honestly people, don't apologize, I asked a question and any info is awesome. :gj:

Antaresia are definitely underrated! I really appreciate all the input.

Oh, if anyone knows any antaresia breeders (Besides BHB, Backwater, and UG reptiles. I don't support them...) I'd love to hear, please PM me.

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Originally Posted by vivi

Honestly people, don't apologize, I asked a question and any info is awesome. :gj:

Antaresia are definitely underrated! I really appreciate all the input.

Oh, if anyone knows any antaresia breeders (Besides BHB, Backwater, and UG reptiles. I don't support them...) I'd love to hear, please PM me.

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Well, I certainly can't recommend the guy I got mine from...:rolleyes: but just do some "homework"...search for breeders and ask them a few questions. I take my cue from the how a seller responds to a question or 2 (and I don't mean by bombarding them either). I assume that any seller that has no time for me BEFORE the sale will have even less afterI have the snake. Try to check their reputation as many ways as you can...& you can always post & ask here too, if anyone has had experience with them.

BTW, I'm delighted to see others having a similar great experience with Antaresia maculosa (Aussie spotted python); I've only known this one, but she is NOSY, & I love that in a pet snake. It's what I also love about rat snakes. Mine is most often on her driftwood-branches complex under her warming black light, day or night. I always feel like I have a pet snake, even though she's more likely waiting for edibles than me, lol. It's so cute & if I approach her home, she's coming right up to see what's happening & not afraid. :snake:A quick whiff of my scent & she knows I'm not food either.

BTW, I paid a "whopping" $40 for mine, but I would say that $100 is a more realistic price these days, though you might find a better deal just because ppl may not be spending much on pets now with the pandemic, & you may find a breeder eager to sell you one, possibly even a hold-back.

I believe Vin Russo actually has some Children's pythons available on occasion, and for a reasonable price from what I've heard. I've also seen some available on Morph Market pretty frequently, but I'm not familiar with the breeders or sure if the prices are fair. Good luck!

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Well, I certainly can't recommend the guy I got mine from...:rolleyes: but just do some "homework"...search for breeders and ask them a few questions.

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Haha, I actually spend a lot of my free time researching snakes and this forum is definitely a good resource.

Based on the positive comments I keep hearing, I think a spotted or children's would be a good choice. Only time will tell though, I'll try not to keep you in suspense. ;)

I would love to hear everyone's experiences with them and any tips or sources are much appreciated. My PMs are always open and so is this thread.

I got my Children's Python from Riley's Reptiles (also my Jungle Carpet Python). Riley knows his snakes and is a real pleasure to deal with - he may have just one female left from his 2019 babies. I'm not sure if she is already spoken for; I know she was the last of this clutch to get stabilized with feeding and he recently got her regularly eating mice, so she is either ready to go now or will be very soon. He isn't breeding Children's this year, so if the female is no longer available you'd need to find another breeder - look for folks with positive ratings on MorphMarket or Fauna Classifieds. Some of the Facebook groups dedicated to Antaresia may be helpful, though a lot of those members are our Aussie friends.

Also keep an eye open for Spotted or Stimson's. All of the Antaresia are wonderful. You won't find the Pygmy variety in the U.S. for anything under four figures, but Spotted, Stimson's, and Children's are all reasonably priced.

I just spotted this...pardon the pun...:rolleyes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtCuobZlvVg

Yep, that was the year before he bred his pair of Children's. He went through all kinds of hell getting the babies established in a feeding routine - so much so that he has decided not to breed Children's again. It wasn't just having to feed them mouse tails, which isn't unusual in small hatchlings. It's that a couple of them just would. not. eat. until he did stuff like warm up pinky heads, wrap them in fresh gecko shed, and dance them around in a particular way while tease-feeding the babies. Eventually all of them got stabilized with eating but one, which passed away, and that really upset him. I'm just grateful I was able to get my girl from him, as I know how well he cares for his animals.

You'd never know how hard he had to work to get my little one eating - I think she'd actually eat in my hand, lol. She tackles her pinkies with huge enthusiasm every time.

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Originally Posted by AzJohn

Look at woma pythons

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I have a male woma. Can't imagine him being in anything less than a 4 x 2. Females will definitely at minimum need a 4 x 2, bigger for larger females. And they are active, not like a corn but nothing like a couch potato ball python. Mine explores, he uses all 5 of his hides (they are mainly there for stimulation) and would pick a random one to use every other day. Mine is almost never found curled up, stretched out and will use the space given.

I just purchased a 40 gallon tank today for my growing corn. He is in there temporary until I see his full grown size so I can either upgrade or make it permanent. In your case, if you pick up a small adult colubrid, like a small corn or a gray banded king, that could work. Humidity is not a concern, and they don't seem too bothered being in a glass tank. Some boas and pythons can be shy eaters, like dumerils boa, where a glass tank may be at first intimidating to them.

I also have a Children Python. I would recommend that for the 40g tank, but make sure to add plenty of climbing material. These snakes are a good size, but exploring is not so common as much as they just want to eat, a lot. The only time I see my Bender out of his hide perked on his drift wood is food, which is 99% of the time. Same spot. Every day. Not really paying attention to other things. The 1% is when he is in shed, he hides for days. So colubrids would be more entertaining to watch.

I've only kept this one Spotted python, & never a Children's python, but some have talked about a challenge getting the tiny Children's python hatchlings to feed well,
so that's one slight advantage (IMO) for the Spotted python...they're a little bit larger than Children's, so the hatchlings would generally be easier to get going, but either
way you'd want to get one that's well-started with a feeding record for best results, & of course that goes for ANY kind of snake. The Spotted hatchlings are from 9 to
13", whereas a Children's starts off between 8.5-10.5".

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

I've only kept this one Spotted python, & never a Children's python, but some have talked about a challenge getting the tiny Children's python hatchlings to feed well,
so that's one slight advantage (IMO) for the Spotted python...they're a little bit larger than Children's, so the hatchlings would generally be easier to get going, but either
way you'd want to get one that's well-started with a feeding record for best results, & of course that goes for ANY kind of snake. The Spotted hatchlings are from 9 to
13", whereas a Children's starts off between 8.5-10.5".

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I'm willing to work with whatever I choose, and I know I can come to this forum if I need help.

I'm bound to make a mistake at one point or another, but it's nice to be prepared.

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Originally Posted by vivi

I'm willing to work with whatever I choose, and I know I can come to this forum if I need help.

I'm bound to make a mistake at one point or another, but it's nice to be prepared.

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I know, & I get that...but newly-hatched snakes that don't naturally crave mouse pinks but rather lizards that "fit" are both a challenge & a risk, so make sure the breeder or source has them eating pinks, because if it's shipped to you (or even just because it's re-homed) many snakes go thru a set-back of not wanting to eat. As far as the size of these (either one) as hatchlings, they're as big or bigger than corn snakes. "Tiny" for those used to BPs, but not so tiny as they could be. (I've raised 7" glossy snakes too, so it actually COULD be worse, lol.) If BPs are "noodles", then these are "angel hair pasta".

BTW, my spotted loves & uses a humid hide a LOT, so plan to use one. I do not otherwise regulate the humidity in her tank, & because of the warmth, it does dry out, but she sheds perfectly as long as I keep her humid hide damp. I'm sure this applies to Children's too. BTW, Children's pythons are so-named for the last name of the man who found them, it's not a "recommendation for ownership" though they do seem to make good pets anyway.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

I know, & I get that...but newly-hatched snakes that don't naturally crave mouse pinks but rather lizards that "fit" are both a challenge & a risk, so make sure the breeder or source has them eating pinks, because if it's shipped to you (or even just because it's re-homed) many snakes go thru a set-back of not wanting to eat. As far as the size of these (either one) as hatchlings, they're as big or bigger than corn snakes. "Tiny" for those used to BPs, but not so tiny as they could be. (I've raised 7" glossy snakes too, so it actually COULD be worse, lol.) If BPs are "noodles", then these are "angel hair pasta".

BTW, my spotted loves & uses a humid hide a LOT, so plan to use one. I do not otherwise regulate the humidity in her tank, & because of the warmth, it does dry out, but she sheds perfectly as long as I keep her humid hide damp. I'm sure this applies to Children's too. BTW, Children's pythons are so-named for the last name of the man who found them, it's not a "recommendation for ownership" though they do seem to make good pets anyway.

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Right, i'll make sure they are well started on pinks. Thanks for the tip about the humid hide too!

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Originally Posted by vivi

...Thanks for the tip about the humid hide too!

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I use a rectangular plastic food container (mine's large since my snake is an adult, but you'll get by with a smaller one for a while) with an entry hole on top. Inside I use either orchid bark or sphagnum moss, well soaked & drained. You could also use other substrates that hold humidity instead (like Reptile Prime, etc.) in the humid hide.

If you can find them, rubber boas would be great in a 40g. Added bonus with them is that they do not require supplemental heating and thrive a room conditions. They are difficult to track down however

Another option I did not see (granted, I did power skim so I might have missed it) would be sand boas

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Originally Posted by asplundii

If you can find them, rubber boas would be great in a 40g. Added bonus with them is that they do not require supplemental heating and thrive a room conditions. They are difficult to track down however

Another option I did not see (granted, I did power skim so I might have missed it) would be sand boas

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I totally forgot about rubber boas.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

I know, & I get that...but newly-hatched snakes that don't naturally crave mouse pinks but rather lizards that "fit" are both a challenge & a risk, so make sure the breeder or source has them eating pinks, because if it's shipped to you (or even just because it's re-homed) many snakes go thru a set-back of not wanting to eat. As far as the size of these (either one) as hatchlings, they're as big or bigger than corn snakes. "Tiny" for those used to BPs, but not so tiny as they could be. (I've raised 7" glossy snakes too, so it actually COULD be worse, lol.) If BPs are "noodles", then these are "angel hair pasta".

BTW, my spotted loves & uses a humid hide a LOT, so plan to use one. I do not otherwise regulate the humidity in her tank, & because of the warmth, it does dry out, but she sheds perfectly as long as I keep her humid hide damp. I'm sure this applies to Children's too. BTW, Children's pythons are so-named for the last name of the man who found them, it's not a "recommendation for ownership" though they do seem to make good pets anyway.

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Never heard of a keeper of Children Pythons using humid hides (I get most of care keeping info from the Australian forums). I'm not against it at all though for any species to have a humid hide. That is what they would expect to find in the wild anyway, somewhere deep in the burrow where it is cooler and wet from the rain. However, my CP never touched it. I tried 3 times. He shed one piece on his own without issues. It is on average a 40-50% in my house here in FL, with AC on. I also tried providing a humid hide for the kings and corn. Only my Cali king used it once or twice. She prefers soaking in her bowl. Ironically, the times that I had stuck shed with any of my snakes are my ball python and dumerils boa, both are in tubs with 60-70% humidity. That too, happened like 2-3 times in the last 3 years I think.

Fyi, CP's are more of a micro bat eater than lizard eaters. Bender's strong grip on my hand (and he was just holding on) helps me see that lol. They are known to hang on cave walls and grab micro bats as they fly. If they can get it, they do hunt rodent prey, birds and lizards.

But yes, it is true baby snakes, especially those who have a more specialized diet, can be picky, like baby gray banded kings. That is why buying from a good breeder is important. You want the best start you can get with your new snake.

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Originally Posted by asplundii

If you can find them, rubber boas would be great in a 40g. Added bonus with them is that they do not require supplemental heating and thrive a room conditions. They are difficult to track down however

Another option I did not see (granted, I did power skim so I might have missed it) would be sand boas

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VMSHerp breeds rosy boas, which is more common than the rubber boa and falls within the same family. I had a sand boa from him and she was great. My corns came from him too. He also breeds transpecos, these are not commonly found but I heard nothing but great stuff (Boger knows more). But a 40gallon may be too small for a transpecos?

His website is easy to use, if the snake did not transition to f/t (he tries to do that for all his hatchlings), he will list what it is eating so you are not caught unaware, and any questions or changes to the order can be made via email and he responds very quickly.