what to get

[emmet10]

Hi,bp.net

I am new to bp.net this is my first post.
I just got my first snake a pinstripe ball python and already want another snake

I want your opinion on what i should get.

borneo short tailed python
Red blood python
Sumatran short tailed python
Jungle carpet python
Amazon tree boa

Sorry I dont know how to do the polls:oops

[Tikall]

I think you should hold off on a second snake for now. Get to know your BP, get used to maintaining its needs, reading how it responds to you, and all that good stuff.

When you've got a good hang of that, you can move onto a more challenging snake like the ones you've listed (the carpet is probably only "challenging" because they're usually nippy as babies, though). Those snakes are quite different, and if you can find some local shows where you can handle the species you are interested in it would be a great start on deciding what's best for you.

[emmet10]

I ment once i get use to my bp

[Tikall]

Well that's still up to you, and I gave suggestions to help you decide . Research, watch videos and look at pictures, and find a place where you can handle adults to make sure it's something you can manage. The exception for handling is the ATB, which is much more of a display snake than a handling snake. Between the species is all just preference on what you are looking for in a snake.

[emmet10]

Thanks tikall

[emmet10]

I am planing on taking your advice.
I really like bloods and short tailed pythons do you have any experiencewith them

[Tikall]

I have a little experience, but there are members who frequent this forum that know much more than myself. I've only had my Sumatran short-tail since December, but I really enjoy keeping him and he's just about the perfect snake for me.

You certainly need to be familiar with cues like their breathing, how tense they are, and all that when going to mess with them, though. It becomes automatic soon enough, and your bp can teach you the basics. They're very low maintenance because they don't defecate often, and they're actually less demanding temperature-wise so long as you keep things steady. They're unforgiving of beginner errors (they'll easily get sick in sub par conditions, and they are NOT easy to cure), but if you can keep things stable in the appropriate range they're pretty easy. Handling is different from most snakes since they don't actually try to wrap around you for balance; you essentially need to cradle them and support their body yourself. There are some excellent handling videos on youtube to help you out with this. There's plenty of information to be found in this section about them, and there's more on bloodpythons.com.

[emmet10]

Arent sumatrans the smallest
How is the temperment are they as mean as people say

[Tikall]

They tend to be, but from what I've seen they can ALL get to be about 6 feet given enough time, except for the yellow head blacks which stay much smaller. I've only heard of the reds getting 8+ feet, though.

The blacks and Borneos have a reputation for being the best tempered, but there are well behaved reds, too. Just work with it from the start, and stay away from WC animals. Some breeders even breed for temperament and should be able to select a calmer hatchling for you should you request it, so that's something to look for, too.

[Hapa_Haole]

I've only heard of the reds getting 8+ feet, though

I'd like to see the pic that proves that!

You can't really go wrong with blood pythons or carpet pythons (I know little to nothing about tree boas). Blood pythons are pretty different than carpets though. Much heavier bodied, slower moving, way different colors/morphs, different housing needs, etc. Some more research and I'm sure you'll be able to decide what's best for you.

And the rep bloods have certainly is exaggerated, but that's not to say there aren't any bad eggs...

Dennis