New User Question - Ball as 1st Snake for Child

[Nick_MD]

Thanks for the replies everyone! They have given me a lot to think about. The short answer sounds like get both a Corn and a BP eventually, but it brings me full circle as to which to get first...

My new approach is going to be to say we're going to go get a BP "together" which basically means that it's going to be my snake first with some assistance from my son. If he really takes to it, then in 6-12 months we can go back to Repticon and get him "his own" Corn which may not be a hatchling. Best case scenario, he likes both of them and takes over most of the upkeep as his gets older. Most likely scenario, I end up with a BP of my own (or he loves the BP and I end up with a Corn for myself). Worst case scenario, I end up owning both a BP and a Corn which really doesn't sound too terrible.

[Lord Sorril]

Set up and calibrate temps in your enclosure before you get your snake(s).

Get female snakes. In case it doesn't work out for you-adult female snakes are easier to re-home...and if you decide to breed them someday the older females will come in handy...

[Zincubus]

Thanks for the replies everyone! They have given me a lot to think about. The short answer sounds like get both a Corn and a BP eventually, but it brings me full circle as to which to get first...

My new approach is going to be to say we're going to go get a BP "together" which basically means that it's going to be my snake first with some assistance from my son. If he really takes to it, then in 6-12 months we can go back to Repticon and get him "his own" Corn which may not be a hatchling. Best case scenario, he likes both of them and takes over most of the upkeep as his gets older. Most likely scenario, I end up with a BP of my own (or he loves the BP and I end up with a Corn for myself). Worst case scenario, I end up owning both a BP and a Corn which really doesn't sound too terrible.

For what it’s worth I have two beaut adult Corn snakes just to add weight to my last post and show that I’m not just some crazy Royal lover


Remember if you’re going with a Royal : Ball Python ensure it is a good feeder / eater by buying off a trustworthy seller




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[Bogertophis]

And "full disclosure", I've had BPs many years ago, but none currently. Way more into rat snakes & others...currently have 5 adult corn snakes & 11 rat snakes
of various kinds & ages. 19 snakes in all currently, including a spotted python, rosy boa & Texas longnose. Your plan sounds pretty good. Have fun!

BTW, Australian spotted pythons also make great pets...WAY easier to feed than BPs, stay about the size of a corn snake. I've only had this one, & in the 11 years
I've had her, she has only nipped me by mistake ONCE. She handles great, even with strangers, & she eats unheated f/t small mice happily. Just a thought- not
as colorful as corn snakes are though, but she likes to bask on branches...way less of a "hider" than BPs are. She's always watching me ("food?"). BTW, she does
great in a glass tank also, with more warmth than a corn, & only needs a humid hide (not a whole humid enclosure).

[Mike Beaulieu]

I will go with many on this one. My son is 6 and I am teaching him the husbandry of all my animals because he takes an interest in them. But just because they want one, is not good enough. I can't see him fully taking care of any animal for a few years, even though he is much more knowledgeable then his peers at his age. My focus is to create a desire for him to know and love these animals.

They will handle my bp, my beardy, but they are mine. They have hamsters i. Their room, they feed them but I have to remind them, I am their true keepers.

He can have one, but make sure you understand you will be taking care of it.

That is my personal experience with my son.

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[Nick_MD]

Thanks again for the replies. My son sounds similar. I would have never agreed to let him get a snake if I didn't already have some experience taking care of them (Dumerils Boa as adult and Rat Snake as kid). I'm just really glad my wife talked him out of a Hermit Crab. She said, "I would rather you get a snake" and well, we jumped all over that and here we are. I fully anticipate being responsible for the upkeep - just maybe with a 7 year old assistant. It's part of the reason I'm taking the time to research what I want really first, but what also works as a reasonable starter for a kid.

I'm working on getting the cage dialed in currently. Aiming for an optimal BP setup, but if I come home with a corn snake, then I can always adjust the setup.

I very much like the look of the Okeetee Corns, but will not get a baby which is all I saw for those at the past Repticon. I'm also liking the BPs that have a high yellow/black contrast - maybe a Pastel or a Mojave, but need to research any genetic issues on those. I actually like the Normal BPs too so getting a healthy normal could be the best route...

[Bogertophis]

You might ask some breeders about older hold-backs they may want to sell...they might have them but not drag them to all the shows as they take more room &
most buyers want hatchlings. I like Okeetee Corns too & used to breed them. I still have one but he's 20 years old, a little old to call a "hold-back". And if you
like the look of Okeetee, you might also look for Abbotts corn snakes. (they tend to have heavier black borders between the reds & oranges, really pretty IMO)

[Meghenebk]

Be careful! I started with a corn. And then a BP. And, over a few years, a king, a rosy boa, a western hognose, and now a boa constrictor! Definitely can't stop at one.

[Bogertophis]

Be careful! I started with a corn. And then a BP. And, over a few years, a king, a rosy boa, a western hognose, and now a boa constrictor! Definitely can't stop at one.

Who wants to "stop"? You're no fun...

[WhompingWillow]

I very much like the look of the Okeetee Corns, but will not get a baby which is all I saw for those at the past Repticon. I'm also liking the BPs that have a high yellow/black contrast - maybe a Pastel or a Mojave, but need to research any genetic issues on those. I actually like the Normal BPs too so getting a healthy normal could be the best route...

One thing to possibly consider is that a lot of BPs brown out as they age, whereas a lot of corns look the same as adults if not better. I know some BP morphs hold their color better, but I'm no expert on that. As an example, my Pastel Vanilla Yellowbelly is still pretty yellow and black at about 2 years of age. My Dragonfly is also still pretty bright but has browned out some.