For activity, my balls seem to be active sporadically. I don't drop temps in the winter months though, so the snake room stays at the same temps year round.
For species, what you're asking is very broad. Care and requirements are different species to species, but here's some generalities I can give with the species I keep vs the bps:
Boas (I have Argentines, Colombians, and a Hog Island): very easy to care for (like bps) that don't usually need the same security requirements that most bps need: do well in more open cages/tubs/vivs and very good eaters. Not nearly as picky as the balls are. Plan on 4 foot and up cages for females/the bigger boa species.
Colubrids (I have Cali Kings and corn snakes): very easy to care for as well, easier than balls IMO. Very hardy and great eaters as well. The kings can be hissy pissy but it depends on the individual, but my corns are really friendly and easy to handle (though they are a lot quicker than the balls when they want to be).
Blood pythons (I have a Sumatran Short tail black blood and a T pos albino): needs more care requirements than balls IMO: like cooler temps and higher humidity. Very heavily bodied snakes that are super strong so you need to understand what you may be getting into when adults. Large tubs/vivs are needed.
Retic (I have a mainland super tiger female, in my avatar): More care requirements as well and you MUST know what it will take to take on an adult retic before jumping in to get one (would take note of the dwarf retics, they'll stay much smaller usually). Should definitely do some homework before getting into any giant IMO, they sure aren't ball pythons.
I also have Angolan pythons, a coastal carpet python, and a bull snake. I adore each and they're fairly easy to keep also IMO.
Reply With Quote