Which One For Me? (BP, RTB, JCP, WP, etc.)

[loud]

Thanks everyone - really appreciate the helpful advice! I did suspect that I would have to go with a Ball python, and that's okay. I really like the variety of colors that I can get, and I think I'd like their temperament. Ball pythons are the initial reason why I started looking into snakes; I had planned to get a BP but then other snakes started catching my eye.

Will definitely be doing a great deal of research, my fault usually lies in the fact that I over research and over think on everything. I ask a lot of questions, but I plan on doing a great deal of research on my own, too. Only recently started feeling the craze And yes, I will keep an eye on Craigslist and Kijiji as well, although I am hoping to find my snake at the Portland Expo in January.

Hmm it seems like you're kind of in a tight spot. There's definitely going to be a trade off with your space constraints and the hefty snake you're looking for. The bigger snakes' housing requirements will also eat into your budget quite a bit more than a smaller snake. Which one of these are you willing to compromise on the most: snake size, cage size or budget?

I really am! That's a good question - although wouldn't cage size and budget go hand in hand? My $300 - $400 budget does include the set up, and I know the larger terrariums cost quite a bit. If cage size and budget weren't linked, then I certainly wouldn't mind getting a larger cage. Physical space isn't an issue. But because cage size and budget will likely be connected, I will have to say snake size. I would still like one within the 4' - 5' range, though, and the girth of a ball python or boa (corn snakes look delicate to me).

Jungle carpet pythons definitely need less room than Common BCI.

Forgive my ignorance, please Which of the snakes on my list would count as a BCI? How much room would a Jungle Carpet python require, if you know?

Jungle carpet pythons definitely take less care than Common BCI:
- less humidity issues
- requires less room
- Smaller urinations, defecations
- Smaller food

Now unless you get a snake that is going to stay bitey forever, most can be calmed down. Most I come across are just a little nippy and shy as babies but as they get used to being handled they calm down quite nicely.

That's great to know - it's probably pretty clear already that I heavily favor JCPs I am trying not to let that bias cloud my judgement, though, because everyone else has told me that they are not easy snakes to handle at all.

Here's my thoughts on babies vs. adults:

I definitely don't mind missing out on watching them develop. I'm not one for puppies or kittens or baby animals in general. However, I do want to ensure that the baby has been properly handled and socialized so that I would be able to handle the snake without (much) incident as an adult. Plus, babies should be much easier to calm down than a full grown adult. So that's one reason to go for a baby. And it does seem as if they're cheaper, too, which is a very compelling reason for me.

The mixed opinions on JCPs have been a little confusing for me in my attempts at research. Hopefully I can get these concerns cleared up on this board