What herp after a BP?

[Lolo76]

Im pretty much in the same boat as you are. I've been looking at green tree pythons lately. Might be an idea..

I LOVE those, but thought they were more of an "intermediate/advanced" snake... and how big of an enclosure do they require?

[olstyn]

I LOVE those, but thought they were more of an "intermediate/advanced" snake... and how big of an enclosure do they require?

My understanding is that yes, GTPs are a bit more advanced. Not necessarily hard to take care of, per se, but they do have "tighter tolerances," as it were. They won't tolerate husbandry mistakes as well as BPs and leos, and most, though not all, of them do not tolerate much handling, and can be quite willing to bite. They're really more of a display animal than something you can interact with on a regular basis. That said, they certainly do make a beautiful display, so the higher effort and lower interaction may be worth it to you. Above all else though, whatever animal you decide on, be absolutely sure that you know and can handle its husbandry requirements.

Edit: As far as enclosures go, young ones can be kept in small tubs with perches mounted in them; larger snakes typically are kept in anything between a 2x2x2 foot cage up through 4x2x2, depending on size of snake and owner preference. (Note that I do not keep GTPs myself; this is information as I recall it from having read about them, and therefore if someone with actual experience comes along and contradicts what little I've said, I'll immediately bow to their expertise.)

[Oxylepy]

Pets I would want after a Ball in order of desire:

Ferret
Giant Centipede
Boa

[Lolo76]

Ferret

Super cute, but illegal in the state of California...

Giant Centipede

Ummmmmmm.... ew?

Boa

What type of Boa would you pick? I think my favorite based on appearance is the BRB, but I know that's a little over my head right now... some day, though.

[icygirl]

If you are used to keeping snakes, then yes, a beardie is high maintenance. Much more work than a ball python, but also very rewarding. They are very inquisitive and funny to watch.

When it comes down to it, it's about what you like in an animal! Everyone is different in what they like about herps. Also, make sure whatever you get is a responsibility you can handle. For example, bearded dragons need to be fed multiple times a day, poop cleaned every day, and veggies prepared daily, so you have to make sure you have the time to invest in the animal before you buy it.

My personal vote, as usual, is for corn snakes. Out of all my snakes I think my corn is my favorite. (Shh, don't tell my BP's!)

[Lolo76]

If you are used to keeping snakes, then yes, a beardie is high maintenance. Much more work than a ball python, but also very rewarding. They are very inquisitive and funny to watch.

Yeah, I think they're just adorable! Check out this photo I took at East Bay Vivarium a while back... the guy on the far right kills me. Looks like he's saying "Yo, wazzzzup?"

When it comes down to it, it's about what you like in an animal! Everyone is different in what they like about herps. Also, make sure whatever you get is a responsibility you can handle. For example, bearded dragons need to be fed multiple times a day, poop cleaned every day, and veggies prepared daily, so you have to make sure you have the time to invest in the animal before you buy it.

One thing I love about herps is how easy they are... at least compared to my dog and cats, who are almost as demanding as human children. So if beardies require that much care, it's probably not the best match for me - I'm perfectly capable, just not looking for another high-maintenance pet right now.

My personal vote, as usual, is for corn snakes. Out of all my snakes I think my corn is my favorite. (Shh, don't tell my BP's!)

Corns are definitely at the top of my list, at least until I'm more experienced. I think it's tied between them and hognoses, based on what I've heard & read so far.

[Lolo76]

Btw, I have a 15gal wood/glass tank that might be available for another herp. It has been housing my "female" leopard geckos, but I recently discovered one is a boy & had to separate them... my roommate is adopting the boy, since he was looking for one anyway, and the girl is now in a 15qt Sterilite tub. She seems much happier in the tub (less intimidating I suppose), so I was thinking of just leaving her in there.

I love this terrarium, and paid a pretty penny for it... rather than selling it, might as well just get another reptile! Would this be suitable for something like a corn snake or hognose? Fyi, it has a built-in light socket with a ceramic heat bulb, since the bottom is just too thick for an UTH heater. It maintains really well, though, and keeps perfect temps & humidity with little effort.

(I've since replaced that red lamp with a ceramic)