Which should i get?

[Darkyst]

i am getting ready to purchase a pet snake, i have been reading about the tank set ups several people have listed for me to look at here.

now i am looking at the snakes themselves.

i am new to snakes and would like to know which one is a good one for beginners to start with? someone mentioned not to buy them from petco where else would yall suggest getting them from?

i have always wanted a albino snake, if someone could tell me where to look for purchasing id appricate it. if not its just what i can find at the local pet stores

thanks for any advice

[stratus_020202]

Go to www.kingsnakes.com and click on classifieds. I think it's fine to get one from a pet store, but remember they aren't always treated right. The new snake might be a little stressed, and you could have trouble feeding him if he's been force fed. I bought my bp from a terrible pet store, but I fixed up her cage, and she's much happier and healthy now. It is better to buy from someone who knows what they are doing. You can also try 8 ball. He has such beautiful snakes. www.8ballpythons.com. Go ahead and set up his home if you are getting it soon. That way you can get the humidity and temps right. Good luck, and send pics when you get him/her.

[FatBoy]

You need to get one from a reputable breeder, there are several that are members here. This makes sure you get a well established healthy snake.

[mainbutter]

Keep in mind that you can probably pick up a very nice, healthy, normal male ball python(if you go for a ball python) from reputable breeders for as much or less than it will cost you from a local pet store.

SOME local pet stores are perfectly fine, some are amazing, some are downright horrible. I'm lucky that there is a fantastic place that specializes in reptiles, with some amphibs and fish and exotic mammals, near where I live. However it seems that most of the country lacks a place like that, and most people looking for pet snakes just check out petco/petsmart.. They are known for not keeping great care of the snakes. Many people have purchased snakes from big box pet stores to find out the snake is sick, won't eat, or has other problems.

Another great option you should look into is local reptile or pet shows/expos. These are great for having a large variety of options to choose from when looking at snakes. You can probably pick up feeders and supplies there as well(though it is highly recommended to have housing setup well before you purchase a snake).

As for snakes that are good for beginners/first time reptile or snake owners? You'll get a ton of different answers. Most people almost always mention ball pythons and corn snakes as some of the best beginner snakes, and I'd have to agree, I've had experience with both and any 8 year old with a brain and the willingness to read a few care sheets can provide good care for either.

Other species to look at:
Western Hognose Snakes(top of my list for what I want to get later this year)
Carpet Pythons
Boa Constrictors("BCI" boas specifically)
Kingsnakes
Milksnakes

One thing to note: After deciding on a particular species, be sure to do plenty of research about husbandry requirements. Each species has its own particular needs, and the ones I listed above, although all are fairly easy to take care of, have specific needs.

[nova2door]

if you want an albino i would say albino cornsnake, you can get a baby at a reptile show for $5-$10
if you deside you don't need an albino yet i would say normal ball python, you can pick up a captive bred male for around $30

[Darkyst]

Keep in mind that you can probably pick up a very nice, healthy, normal male ball python(if you go for a ball python) from reputable breeders for as much or less than it will cost you from a local pet store.

SOME local pet stores are perfectly fine, some are amazing, some are downright horrible. I'm lucky that there is a fantastic place that specializes in reptiles, with some amphibs and fish and exotic mammals, near where I live. However it seems that most of the country lacks a place like that, and most people looking for pet snakes just check out petco/petsmart.. They are known for not keeping great care of the snakes. Many people have purchased snakes from big box pet stores to find out the snake is sick, won't eat, or has other problems.

Another great option you should look into is local reptile or pet shows/expos. These are great for having a large variety of options to choose from when looking at snakes. You can probably pick up feeders and supplies there as well(though it is highly recommended to have housing setup well before you purchase a snake).

As for snakes that are good for beginners/first time reptile or snake owners? You'll get a ton of different answers. Most people almost always mention ball pythons and corn snakes as some of the best beginner snakes, and I'd have to agree, I've had experience with both and any 8 year old with a brain and the willingness to read a few care sheets can provide good care for either.

Other species to look at:
Western Hognose Snakes(top of my list for what I want to get later this year)
Carpet Pythons
Boa Constrictors("BCI" boas specifically)
Kingsnakes
Milksnakes

One thing to note: After deciding on a particular species, be sure to do plenty of research about husbandry requirements. Each species has its own particular needs, and the ones I listed above, although all are fairly easy to take care of, have specific needs.

hmm boa constrictor....
i sould of mentioned i have 2 kids 6 & 8 and a newborn, and two +90lb dogs

are boas as docile as ball pythons? id want it to get along with my kids

8ball has albinos for 600$ is that normal pricing for an albino?

[JeffJ]

hmm boa constrictor....
i sould of mentioned i have 2 kids 6 & 8 and a newborn, and two +90lb dogs

are boas as docile as ball pythons? id want it to get along with my kids

its not going to eat your kids or dogs.

they are mild tempered. bring them up right and you will have no issues with it.

[stratus_020202]

hmm boa constrictor....
i sould of mentioned i have 2 kids 6 & 8 and a newborn, and two +90lb dogs

are boas as docile as ball pythons? id want it to get along with my kids

8ball has albinos for 600$ is that normal pricing for an albino?

I would go with a ball python. It's the only snake i've had experience with, but we just threw a party, and the kids were all amazed by my little bp. She did wonderful too. She wasn't shy at all. Of course, close supervision is always a must. And yes, that is normal pricing for an albino. You could probably work out a payment plan if that is an interest. It would give you time to set up the enclosure.

[Jerhart]

Go to www.kingsnakes.com and click on classifieds.

www.kingsnake.com

[demonicchild]

I would like to support whoever said no petco. I lost my first snake (a corn) due to their cruelty. Buying from a breeder the best way to go! My new ball eats like a champ despite a few of my beginner mistakes because he was privately bred and I got him knowing everything about him. Its just something you do get from a petstore.