Ball Python Alternative?

[Charles8088]

Are there any other python species, other than the ball, that...

- are as docile as a ball
- would do well in a similar sized enclosure as a ball
- grows to about the same size as a ball or less
- but is more active than a ball, more climbing as opposed to hanging out on the bottom?

[cletus]

I'd check out some of the smaller locality Boas. Not Pythons, but very nice animals.

[FlynnTheBP]

What about rosy boas or Kenyan sand boas? I just got my BP but I have experience with the other two snakes and they are both docile. Of course, sand boas are much smaller then ball pythons and spend most of their time hiding. On the upside they also require a smaller enclosure.

[Charles8088]

I'll be getting a ball python for sure... but will have room for a second. Was aiming for a Mexican Black Kingsnake, but I just really love the look of a python, their head specifically and larger girth specifically.

I'd check out some of the smaller locality Boas. Not Pythons, but very nice animals.

I like the look of boas as well, will have to look at some of the smaller varieties. I've generally stayed away from boas because I've heard they have a harder bite. Not so much for me, but if one of my two boys get bit I'd never hear the end of it from the wife.

What about rosy boas or Kenyan sand boas? I just got my BP but I have experience with the other two snakes and they are both docile. Of course, sand boas are much smaller then ball pythons and spend most of their time hiding. On the upside they also require a smaller enclosure.

Kenyan Sand Boas burrow too much, I guess. I want something that's a bit more of a climber... climbing the branches I hope to throw in there. Will check out the Rosy boa, though.

[Eric Alan]

Other... snakes? I don't understand?

In all seriousness, check out Angolan Pythons.

[FlynnTheBP]

I also love the python look. Rosy boas do climb, but not on a very regular basis. My ball python enjoys climbing, I have a plastic wall plant he is always hanging from. As for biting, rosy boas rarely bite and when they do, it's really not that bad. I guess it depends a lot on the snakes temperament. Maybe your boys could just handle the BP?

[cletus]

I'll be getting a ball python for sure... but will have room for a second. Was aiming for a Mexican Black Kingsnake, but I just really love the look of a python, their head specifically and larger girth specifically.

I like the look of boas as well, will have to look at some of the smaller varieties. I've generally stayed away from boas because I've heard they have a harder bite. Not so much for me, but if one of my two boys get bit I'd never hear the end of it from the wife.

Kenyan Sand Boas burrow too much, I guess. I want something that's a bit more of a climber... climbing the branches I hope to throw in there. Will check out the Rosy boa, though.

BOOM! Nice choice!! I want one so bad. lol

[Charles8088]

In all seriousness, check out Angolan Pythons.

Very nice looking snake. More investigating... thank you.

- - - Updated - - -

Would the rosy boas do fine in half a T8 to start, and later as it grows its own T8?

[zina10]

A Hog Island Boa would be perfect. About same size as a Ball Python, even as an adult. A lot more "climbing. Some are truly beautiful snakes !!!

[the_rotten1]

Rosys are a lot smaller than ball pythons. Half a T8 would be fine for the life of the snake. You could get two, or just give one the snakey equivalent of a spacious mansion.