What reptile is right for me? Oh, and i'm new here....Hi!

[_Victor_]

Hello everyone! I'm new to this forum, however I've been lurking for a while. After seeing all the information i could acquire by posting my own threads and asking specific questions, i decided to join. I have been researching all sorts of herps for around 3 years now, and I still haven't made a decision! So maybe, if I put some guidelines and information down on your screen, you could help me decide? I'm not limiting myself to just snakes, or just lizards, but i'd like to steer clear from chelonians, and of course, crocodilians. I also like more unusual animals, and i know i'm going to get a ton of hate for this statement, but I am not a huge fan of Ball pythons, Corn snakes, King snakes, Beardies, or or Leopard geckos... It's not that i don't like the reptile, i think they are a little too "common", if that makes much sense? I've had my eyes set on a Green Tree Python for a while, and bought Greg Maxwell's 'The more complete chondro', but the price is too much for me right now. My budget for the reptile (on it's own, without supplies) $300-$350. My budget for supplies (enclosure, lighting, heating, etc.) is around $350 as well. I prefer more tropical animals, because the idea of having a little piece of the rain forest is very pleasing to me. So, my main perimeters for an animal is moderately sized, tropical, uncommon, >$700 for everything....i'm sorry for such general guidelines. I do have some experience, however, volunteering at my local zoo, primarily with reptiles. It's mainly balls, and beardies because of their docile nature, and can easily be used to teach young children. I'm also sorry for having this being poorly written, as it is late, and I am tired...

[shadowsnakes]

Have you considered carpet pythons? They grow to decent size and fit well within your budget. They can be a little aggressive but are amazing snakes. Keep in mind many reptiles/amphibians have wildly varying levels of difficulty to keep and the more "common" ones you listed are great for first time keepers. A BP is cake compared to a chameleon or monitor!

[artgecko]

Hmm.. Crested Geckos, gargoyle geckos, if you want a challenge, satanic leaf-tailed geckos (not very handle-able though). Day geckos also fall under the cool, but not handle-able catagory. Uromastyx lizards (require high temps and eat veggies).

Snake wise, they aren't "uncommon", but Kenyan sand boas are neat snakes and look cool. They stay small (3' for females) and burrow under ground. I also like the smaller locality boas (hog island, etc.) but haven't kept them. If you want something larger, I agree that carpets are nice snakes and are flashy looking. Womas are also very nice looking, but larger.

Of these, I'd say the Kenyan sand boas and crested geckos are the easiest (and cheapest to setup), the hog island boa, carpet, and gargoyle geckos would be next in difficulty, followed by the Womas, day geckos, Uros, and satanics.

[artgecko]

Forgot to mention short tails... like bloods. These are very exotic looking. They get big though.Not long, but fat. From what I've read they aren't that hard husbandry wise, but you need big prey items when they're full grown.

[jclaiborne]

what about a Blue Tongue Skink? By far my favorite reptile in the collection!

[bigt0006]

I second a carpet python there husbandry is pretty easy and they are full of character. As babys they can be nippy but they tame out with handling and age and different localities vary in max size coastal carpets are the biggest of all the localities i forget what the smallest is. Price wise there not that bad and just the base localities are cool and have a ton of colors depending on what you want

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[Raven01]

I would suggest both Carpet pythons or smaller Boa's although, I must admit the gf's Cresties have really grown on me too. Blue Tounge Skink is another great possibility.

[JustBitten]

I vote carpet if you want something that is better for a display as they don't tend to hide all day and can become more confident with age. If you aren't picky about looks, they can be had for less than $100. They can make a great handleable pet and the smaller ones (irian jaya) don't get much heavier if at all than the average ball python. Care is also very easy. Lots of info on them around, if you go looking.

[NH93]

I just want to add that, maybe you are not fond of the more "typical" reptiles, but they are typical for a reason. They are (in general) great starter reptiles for someone who has never had any before. You may really like something like a green tree python, but just remember that certain more uncommon species like that are difficult/expert-level, if you will, due to their unique and specific environmental requirements, as well as their nature to humans.

I can totally understand your perspective though! Which ever animal you choose, just remember it is in your care. You seem to have done a lot of research on many species, which is awesome!
If over time you do find yourself getting bored with your pet, you can always trade or sell and buy another (or more) in the future when you've had some experience under your belt.

Best of luck!

[xFenrir]

I agree with the carpet python, or if you're looking for a larger boid that's still pretty close to a "beginners" snake, I'd look at a male Colombian BCI. They've got some cool morphs that can be within the $350 range, and while they average 5-6ft I've never really felt I was in over my head with my BCI girl. They make great "showpiece" reptiles (people are always impressed with her size and looks when they see Satin) and I LOVE how curious and not handling-shy she is. While each snakes' personality is always variable, I don't think I could've asked for a better snake than a BCI.

The only thing that might end up as the dealbreaker is the enclosure size, as they usually require at least a 5x2ft enclosure. However we built ours (a 6x2x3) for under $400, heating included.