Best medium sized snake?

[Daybreaker]

Ok I was just making sure that the OP knows that if he gets a female BCI Colombian, he is getting a snake that can potentially reach 10', and isn't an unheard of size.

The "norm" isn't quite the right way of telling someone how big a snake gets, because they might get one expecting 4-7, and ends up having a 30-35lb 10' female. I was just stating as a precaution to the OP.


0.1.0 Normal Ball Python
0.1.0 Columbian B.C.I. 2013
1.0.0 EBV Red Group Pastel Hypo Jungle B.C.I. 2013

Fair enough, I'll reiterate the sizes more based on my research and personal experience:

5-6' norm for males, 6-8' for females. Smaller exceptions (4+ feet) and larger (8+ feet) are found but are uncommon based on what I've seen.

Smaller locales than Colombians include Nicaraguans, Mexican Dwarf Boas, and Island dwarf locales and larger include the BCC boas like Peruvians, Surinames, and Guyanas, and the BCOs which are Argentine boas.

[Bluebonnet Herp]

And as far as Venomous snakes, if you ever get become dead set on one, look into the eastern or northern copperheads, hog nose, or false water cobras. Rear fanged snakes are "safer" and a better way to get into hots.

What?

[Expensive hobby]

What?

Pretty vague reply...


0.1.0 Normal Ball Python
0.1.0 Columbian B.C.I. 2013
1.0.0 EBV Red Group Pastel Hypo Jungle B.C.I. 2013

[Expensive hobby]

Pretty vague reply...

And copperheads aren't rear fanged, but less venomous than others.

I was recommending "safer" alternatives.

Sticklers for every comment...
0.1.0 Normal Ball Python
0.1.0 Columbian B.C.I. 2013
1.0.0 EBV Red Group Pastel Hypo Jungle B.C.I. 2013

0.1.0 Normal Ball Python
0.1.0 Columbian B.C.I. 2013
1.0.0 EBV Red Group Pastel Hypo Jungle B.C.I. 2013

[Neal]

And as far as Venomous snakes, if you ever get become dead set on one, look into the eastern or northern copperheads, hog nose, or false water cobras. Rear fanged snakes are "safer" and a better way to get into hots.

But I'd recommend some other non-venomous snakes first.

I'm going to assume you meant that Copperheads are a good starter venomous snake, mainly due to the fact they're not as potent as the other state side snakes. With that being said it's still venomous and it's definitely not rear fanged. They're in the viper family and have 100% completely functioning fangs and do not have to chew like a rear fanged snake would.

Now hog nose and false water cobras are rear fanged, and are a safer option.

Also another option is the Rufous Beaked Snake which tend to act like a cobra in their behavior and are very reluctant to bite. They're also rear fanged.

[Expensive hobby]

I'm going to assume you meant that Copperheads are a good starter venomous snake, mainly due to the fact they're not as potent as the other state side snakes. With that being said it's still venomous and it's definitely not rear fanged. They're in the viper family and have 100% completely functioning fangs and do not have to chew like a rear fanged snake would.

Now hog nose and false water cobras are rear fanged, and are a safer option.

Also another option is the Rufous Beaked Snake which tend to act like a cobra in their behavior and are very reluctant to bite. They're also rear fanged.

Nail on the head. Thanks for knowing I meant


0.1.0 Normal Ball Python
0.1.0 Columbian B.C.I. 2013
1.0.0 EBV Red Group Pastel Hypo Jungle B.C.I. 2013

[inari rose]

I was mainly thinking about the Adder because it's size and overall cuteness. I usually don't really like smaller snakes but the Horned Adder kind of stuck out as being unusually cute.

The hognose is konda cute too but not quite like the horned adder's strangeness. After what people said and reading up on it a bit more, I really don't think a venomous snake is a very good choice for someone with little-to-no snake keeping experience (myself).

Are there any similar snakes? Like that are so strange-looking they are cute?

[KMG]

Eyelash vipers are interesting.

[MrLang]

The OP mentioned having reptiles before but never a snake. There isn't an appropriate response here about venomous other than 'if you're asking opinions, you're not even close to forming a thought that could even be a consideration of the idea of getting one.'

Also, based on never owning a snake before, I would say to the OP that you should really consider a BP or one of the mid sized colubrids. There are a lot of differences in keeping snakes than other reptiles, mainly having to do with managing a hungry or defensive serpent. You want something mid sized and active? Get a big female corn or a milk snake or something (I don't know a ton about colubrids). Once you feel pretty good about that, you can consider snakes that require higher than entry level handling/management.

Just my 2 cents. Sure, tons of people dive into more advanced keeping right away. How many of those animals die or get sold off because the keeper didn't realize what it would be like having a 7 foot bow slamming jumbos and coming at you when it misses or you drop the prey. We haven't even asked the most important questions of the OP.

1) How old are you? Who do you live with and what are their thoughts? Do you have other people in your life that are able and willing to care for the animal?
2) What are your state laws or local bylaws around reptile keeping?
3) Do you own or rent where you live? What kind of caging space/money limitations are you working around?


I'd like to think as a community we would advocate an 'entry level' snake for a new snake keeper.

[jclaiborne]

The OP mentioned having reptiles before but never a snake. There isn't an appropriate response here about venomous other than 'if you're asking opinions, you're not even close to forming a thought that could even be a consideration of the idea of getting one.'

Also, based on never owning a snake before, I would say to the OP that you should really consider a BP or one of the mid sized colubrids. There are a lot of differences in keeping snakes than other reptiles, mainly having to do with managing a hungry or defensive serpent. You want something mid sized and active? Get a big female corn or a milk snake or something (I don't know a ton about colubrids). Once you feel pretty good about that, you can consider snakes that require higher than entry level handling/management.

Just my 2 cents. Sure, tons of people dive into more advanced keeping right away. How many of those animals die or get sold off because the keeper didn't realize what it would be like having a 7 foot bow slamming jumbos and coming at you when it misses or you drop the prey. We haven't even asked the most important questions of the OP.

1) How old are you? Who do you live with and what are their thoughts? Do you have other people in your life that are able and willing to care for the animal?
2) What are your state laws or local bylaws around reptile keeping?
3) Do you own or rent where you live? What kind of caging space/money limitations are you working around?


I'd like to think as a community we would advocate an 'entry level' snake for a new snake keeper.

X2 Why not start with a Corn, King or Rat snake, they can still get up to 6 feet, but not be as strong as some of the others listed.