Any suggestions for my next snake?

This is my first post (I’m pretty sure), so forgive me if there’s already a thread for this.
I am a beginner, owning one snake (a juvenile male ball python). I have had him for about 3 1/2 months, and have had success in taking care of him. Since I enjoy owning a snake so much, I’m considering buying another in the near future. Would you guys suggest another beginner snake, or intermediate? And which breed specifically?

Any size constraints? Would you mind if the snake get to 7 or 8 ft? Would so also mind if you have a baby snake that bites you until it gets to trust you more?

What are you thinking? It will be yours so your opinion is what matters. We can let you know if we think your idea is a good one with your experience, but we are in no position to guess what you may be ready for.

A big factor is money. How much can you afford? As in do you have the needed funds for the cage, heat devices, and controllers needed for what you get?

Then how much room do you want to give to another snake? Will you be able to give the snake what it needs once grown?

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Originally Posted by KMG

A big factor is money. How much can you afford? As in do you have the needed funds for the cage, heat devices, and controllers needed for what you get?

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I also feel it's EXTREMELY important to have some cash squirreled away for emergency vet bills, equipment failures, etc... Accidents happen, illness happens, equipment fails. So it's our responsibility to be able to afford new equipment or vet bills, which you typically have no time to prepare or save up for. Just my two cents, but I find it irresponsible and unfair to take on pets if you can't provide in emergency situations as well.


As for what snake to get...that's completely up to WHAT YOU WANT in your new pet. There are tons of species (not breeds, FYI) to choose from, so without knowing your expectations there's no way we can help you.

Consider woma pythons. They are supper easy to care for and eat pretty much every time you offer food. My male is around 2000 grams, and is about as large as a male woma will get in the US. They will need a larger tank and, in my opinion, more attention than ball pythons. They have a massive prey drive. You need to teach them what is food and what are hands. If they only associate your hands with feeding they will try to eat them. How ever with regular handling and socialization they make amazing, inquisitive pets. I can not recommend them enough.

I’m not too worried about biting, however my home doesn’t have the kinda room for an enclosure large enough to house a 7-8 footer.

Very true, money is an important factor. I feel like it is feasible for me to purchase up to around a $500 snake, as I am a teenager. I haven’t had trouble buying supplies in the past, that should be pretty easy.

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Originally Posted by puddingscales

Very true, money is an important factor. I feel like it is feasible for me to purchase up to around a $500 snake, as I am a teenager. I haven’t had trouble buying supplies in the past, that should be pretty easy.

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Cool cool. Just make sure you've got some stashed away too just in case.

Are you looking for a snake that's a bit more active and curious? Or are you looking for more of a sit and chill type snake?

Do you have a plan for your snakes after high school, should you go to college, move out, join the military, etc?

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Originally Posted by bcr229

Do you have a plan for your snakes after high school, should you go to college, move out, join the military, etc?

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Excellent point

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Originally Posted by puddingscales

Very true, money is an important factor. I feel like it is feasible for me to purchase up to around a $500 snake, as I am a teenager. I haven’t had trouble buying supplies in the past, that should be pretty easy.

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No offense, but life is easier at this point in your life because living with your parents allow you the financial freedom to do most of what you want. For example, if you need a ride to the vet or the store, your mom or older sibling may offer to take you. I am assuming you will be keeping your snakes in your bedroom like most people do when they live with their parents, unless the parents are a fan or pet keepers as well.

Having a car of your own to drive without asking for permission, taking public transit without supervision, and paying for what you need for your pets without having to borrow money or ask for it from someone else... This is not to be expected from you at this age and at this point in your life.

In a few years, all that will change. Going to college or moving out does not guarantee a roommate who would tolerate or accept your pet snakes. One snake is too much for some people, even if it stays in your room. Or your dorm does not allow any pets. Or you could only afford a small 600 sqft apartment by yourself.

Did your parents agree to another pet snake? Just because they accepted one or may like your first snake does not mean they will be okay with more in the house.

Consider this, vet bills are expensive. Exotic vet bills are double to triple the amount, because you will need an experienced reptile vet who knows the species you are working with. Who will be paying for the surgeries, the diagnostic testing, the blood work? An exam alone in my area costs about $60-75. Just for a check up for my blue tongue skink cost me $250. And every pet owner knows vet bills are part of the deal you make with each pet you bring home.

Needless to say, I recommend no other snakes for you. I have a lot, many are wonderful species to keep, but I cannot recommend anything to you at this time. Once you move out of your parents home, keep a job for a few years, go to school, start a serious dating life, etc... And you are ready financially and mentally ready for another pet commitment, I will be here for you.

Another option that would cost you nothing is to volunteer. Volunteer at your local reptile rescue or hero society. Get involved. Or apply to a part time position at a reptile store or volunteer if they allow it.

I heartily agree with all that's been posted already, but one more thing to consider at your age: your friends...especially close friends & dates. Some will not accept your
pet snakes, so just remember your choice of pets may affect your social connections. That's even BEFORE you need to find your own place to live someday...pets are our
responsibility & many kinds of snakes can live a long time...20-30 years. Think before you buy...it's a big commitment.

Echoing what is said before... BPs can live for 25-40 years. It's not healthy for humans to live with their parents too long. Unless you're a silver spoon child, once you move out, you're going to be dirt poor for a few years at least. Apartments have different rules. Your roommates might not like snakes, especially a "large" one. Also, moving with snakes is a real pain, especially if you need to go long distance. And all this is coming from a guy who had two BP living in bins under his bed in college. I ended up having to get rid of them. I don't know where they are now, and I worry about them.

Better a snake than a cat or dog though. Personally, my favorite small, easy to keep, fun snake is a hognose. A lot of folks who don't like snakes, like hognose. Transporting is easier, care is easier, convincing future roommates or "Significant Other" is easier. But don't get another large snake, until you are REALLY settled.

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Originally Posted by Craiga 01453

I also feel it's EXTREMELY important to have some cash squirreled away for emergency vet bills, equipment failures, etc... Accidents happen, illness happens, equipment fails. So it's our responsibility to be able to afford new equipment or vet bills, which you typically have no time to prepare or save up for. Just my two cents, but I find it irresponsible and unfair to take on pets if you can't provide in emergency situations as well.


As for what snake to get...that's completely up to WHAT YOU WANT in your new pet. There are tons of species (not breeds, FYI) to choose from, so without knowing your expectations there's no way we can help you.

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I really feel like this cannot be understated. Since you're a teenager, make sure you have much more than just the cost of the snake itself saved up -- unforeseen things can happen and you'll need to have the cash on hand to do the right thing for your new snake.

A milk snake or king snake might be a good choice. I prefer milk snakes. They are really a great pet. They are hardy, eat frozen/thawed food, and don't need a huge tank. I think they would make a great apartment pet.

First of all, I can’t actually give an adequate advice so you should not listen to me and should take into account what all the people with much more experience have advices.

The points that the people above have brought up are something I myself heavily considered when getting my first snake. They are a big commitment, assuming my BP will have a long healthy life, I might have her for longer than any romantic relationship I’d ever have. So it’s basically like a mini marriage.

These are the things I briefly considered: getting a snake with shorter lifespan or adopting an older snake. Sounds kind of morbid. Now i didn’t decide to go that route, obviously, but I made sure if push comes to shove that there’s someone to take care of my snake while I figure out housing arrangements.

No one here knows your situation, if you’re planning on going to college, living with your parents till you can afford a place of your own, etc. Maybe you don’t even have a solid plan for the future and that’s okay, but you have a responsibility to your snake. So make sure you have a plan no matter what you decide to do and aren’t just getting snakes because they’re cute and you really want a new pet. The novelty of a new pet doesn’t always last long and don’t get too caught up in chasing the excitement of having a new baby (I struggle with this as well, it’s like baby fever pet edition).

All that being said I think hognose snakes are really cute and I’d love to have one one day in the not so near future. So maybe you’d like those too.


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Originally Posted by LyraIsGray

These are the things I briefly considered: getting a snake with shorter lifespan or adopting an older snake. Sounds kind of morbid. Now i didn’t decide to go that route, obviously, but I made sure if push comes to shove that there’s someone to take care of my snake while I figure out housing arrangements.


All that being said I think hognose snakes are really cute and I’d love to have one one day in the not so near future. So maybe you’d like those too.


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It does sound kinda morbid but you do have a good point. Tricolored hognose are BEAUTIFUL but have really short life spans (for a snake). I believe the average is around 8 years.