Need Snake Recommendations

[JohnNJ]

I really like my BP's but it seems that they like to on a fast for months at a time after they get over the two year mark.

I would like recommendations for a BP-like snake (not real big) that is a very consistant eater, even over the winter. I have a California King, corns, hognose and they are all great eaters but they're not mellow like BP's.

I want a cool, mellow snake that likes to hang out and can't get enough rodents. Is that too much to ask?

[Kinra]

I've been told that Bredli Pythons are dumpsters when it comes to food, but they get to be about twice the size of ball pythons.

There are also a lot of dwarf boas you could choose from and boa tend to be better eaters.

[fire-eyes]

My first snake was a ball python. Then i went to a boa constrictor (BCI)... if you want to talk about a rodent dumpster, there you go ( here's what I mean: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvRIaPY0-Ds ).

Boas can and often do have a bit of an attitude but it's more of the amusing pushy type. This makes them a heck of a lot more interesting than ball pythons... I love BP's don't get me wrong but a boa is really something else. Mine was an exceptionally aggressive baby (much more so than most) and took a lot of work over about 4 or 5 months to calm down -- Today at about 2.5 years old he's a puppy dog and just hangs out with me. I'd say the biggest difference is that boas are really good at casting the 'intimidating' look, even when they aren't trying. In addition, you don't get to make mistakes like 'oops i smacked your' head with a boa... But then again, unless it's a large one, it can't do a lot of damage. Nothing to be afraid of.

I've been thrilled with a boa, check them out! Use a respected breeder, please.

P.S. the way you see him in that feeding video is him in feeding mode, that is not how he acts normally. But when it's time to eat look out!

[Quikcobra]

I know what your feeling... I got a few that are just annoying when it comes to eating. Some times they want live, then some frozen, then others F/K, and sometimes wont even eat. Although my Cinnamon, bumble bee, spider, mojave M&FM are all great eaters... Some feedings they look at me wanting another (Happened today.). The pastels are picky, The normals are picky but during shed (The mojave and cinnamon eat during sheds). Im not a expert YET... But that bit of info may help alittle.

[girlundertherainbow]

it's so weird when ppl talk about BPS not being hogs because all of mine are.
That said, I love BREDLIS..
def easly feeders and beautiful, and bigger..
keep in mind some get MUCH bigger than 2x a ball though.
But that are great snakes.
NO boa experience, other than rainbow boas..
those are easy feeders IMHO, and beautiful and just my fave snake all around. Very docile when handled from a young age.

[LotusCorvus]

Most of the Central American boas tend to be on the smaller side, like Nicaraguans and Hog Islands. They're all gorgeous, and have the lovely boa personality and temperament. I've heard that Nics can have attitude problems, but my partner's Nic (either a mis-sexed Nic, or a Nic/standard BCI mix, as 'he' is almost 6' now) is puppy-dog tame and barely head shy, even though he was a rescue. He's never had problems eating, and the worst he's ever done is be a little snot about going back in his tub.

Even with boas that get bigger the males always stay a manageable size, so just find something you like the look of, they're all pretty fantastic.

[Cendalla]

I know a couple of great snake possibilities but most get bigger them a BP with the exception of the Kenyan Sand Boa and a Rosy Boa. I love KSBs

I have a Dumerils boa and she kicks butt. She eats very well. Very well. She's mellow and just chills. They are very pretty to look at and they have similar husbandry needs. BUT she is six foot exact and weighs 14.2 lbs. Not huge by snake standards but definitely bigger than a bp.

I love RTBs but some times their tempers seem like quick silver. Some are better then others.

There are other amazing snakes out there but I'm going to assume you have a limited budget (like everyone else) and can't drop too much on a new pet. Good luck with what ever you choose and be sure to let us know what you picked out.

[rperry03]

Boas are great but most arent mellow for a few years

[Evenstar]

I have to say BOAS! LoL...

My 2nd snake was a BCI (columbian hypo female) and I got her for some of the same reasons you are concerned with. I could not be more pleased with her. She was only 2 months old when we got her and its so neat watching her grow. She pounds her mice every time, even when in shed. And she is so happy to come out and just hang out with me. She's even more mellow than my BP.

BP's stress when being handled. Even if they are generally cool with things and nicely tame, they still stress to a certain extent because, as a general rule, they are shy snakes. Boas are not shy. My boa doesn't stress in the slightest with handling. These snakes actually enjoy it.

And my baby is now only 6 months old and she's as mellow as a cream puff. Some do settle down more with age, but most will settle quickly once they get to know you and your habits.

They do get big, obviously, and maybe that would rule them out for you. But if you're willing to consider the steps you'll have to take to manage a snake that size, you won't be sorry. If size is an issue, hog islands are a great choice and a Dumeril would be a good option too (I don't have personal experience with Dum's but I have heard they've great personalities and appetites too - I want one eventually).