Snakes that wrap around your hand

[want_pet+snake]

I recently began my search for a snake. I like the way jungle carpet pythons wrapped around my hand. However, I am looking for something smaller. I don't care for the appearance of ball pythons. Are there any smaller snakes that exhibit this behavior? I like the tree boas and tree pythons appearance but I have been unable to find one locally to handle. I also like the house snakes but again none are locally available. Thanks for any input you might provide. Once I have some species that are good candidates, I'll call around to find specific individuals I can interact with.

[Archimedes]

Arboreal snakes are gonna be more tricky to handle, especially as babies. Balls do a lot of hand-holding when you have them out, and when they get to trusting you.

All handling, no matter what the species, takes time. And if the individual snake has an easygoing temperament, it'll get comfortable in your hands a lot quicker than a jumpy one.

[want_pet+snake]

I suppose what I am looking for is a snake that doesn't constantly move as if it's trying to run away, but rather one that tends to latch on and stay. I had guessed some species might have a genetic predisposition for this type of behavior, as in a diurnal surface species that frequently flee predation with speed but maybe it's just the individual?

[Anya]

Do you like to look of rubber boas? They're extremely hard to find in the pet trade, but they're supposed to be just like you describe.

[DooLittle]

BCI's. Not sure about your size requirement. But they " hang on" and after they get done with their intial expoloration settle down.

[The Serpent Merchant]

I suppose what I am looking for is a snake that doesn't constantly move as if it's trying to run away, but rather one that tends to latch on and stay. I had guessed some species might have a genetic predisposition for this type of behavior, as in a diurnal surface species that frequently flee predation with speed but maybe it's just the individual?

Honestly the snake you are describing is a ball python. My carpet python won't sit still in my hand at all, and most other that I have seen are the same way. Tree boas and pythons tend to be aggressive and really are better as display animals vs pets to hold.

While they might get a bit bigger than you would like Dumeril's Boas are some of the most laid back and beautiful snakes readily available.

here is my dumerils:



In this picture she is just a baby. They grow very slowly, males tend to be smaller than females (like most snakes) It takes them 3-5 years to fully grow, so by the time they are you should be comfortable with the size. Adults average 4-6 feet.

[KMG]

All snakes will get a grip on what they are on. I would worry more about the end result of the snake.As in what size the snake can reach and what size cage you will need to house it. Many people buy a baby snake for a number of reasons without thinking about how large it will become.

You need to research different species that interest you and make sure you can and want to offer the amount of room and care it requires. Balls are a great choice because they stay a very manageable size and usually have a nice temperament.

If your looking into arboreal snakes you should try to buy one as a sub adult or adult so you will have a good idea of its attitude. Some can really be terrors to deal with. Also by getting a older one they will be easier to handle. Babies are very fragile and can be hurt some what easy. They can be really tiny and most people recommend no handling for the first year of life. I Have had one of each but am way happier with my current adult Aru. He is a good boy during the day but is very nippy at night. My other yearling Biak was a terror day and night.

My true favorite in my collection are my bloods. They are like my bulldog and will lay with you forever. The only problem is they are very heavy bodied and can weigh a ton. My biggest is a female near 5.5 ft and about 20 pounds now. She is a puppy but is the strongest snake I have and can be alittle stubborn at times. She requires a strong handler during those times.

I think my suggesting to you is one i had in the past and really enjoyed. A California kingsnake. She was easy to handle, easy to house, and a manageable size. She always loved wrapping around me and hanging out. Though any snake can be different than the next.

[Pyrate81]

With skimming the thread I'll agree with KMG for recommending a California kingsnake. I walk around with mine as a neck tie or a sling sometimes. He loves when I fold laundry for some reason.

I'll add African house snake to the mix. They only get 24-30 inches long but really like hanging on glasses and weaving through your fingers. I'll call mine "my little Chinese finger trap" cause it can sometimes be difficult unraveling him from my hand.

[Pyrate81]

here is my dumerils:



In this picture she is just a baby. They grow very slowly, males tend to be smaller than females (like most snakes) It takes them 3-5 years to fully grow, so by the time they are you should be comfortable with the size. Adults average 4-6 feet.

Very interesting/cool looking dumer. Never seen one look quite like that with the "patches"(for lack of a better term).

[alykoz]

Indonesian tree boas are awesome and stay pretty small I've never even had the one I work with get any type of defensive around people. I was thinking about getting one but I like the size of ball pythons and my butter is gorgeous! Let us know what you come up with!