Shopping for a first snake

[kobemomma]

Hi everyone! I'm new here and looking to get my first snake. I have fallen in love with pythons and boas, but can't visualize tending a giant snake. This is why I thought perhaps a ball python? Does anyone have any advice on whether this is a good first snake or should I opt for something like a kingsnake or a corn? The feeding problems are a little scary to read about. Is that pretty common?

[Marla]

Ball pythons are excellent first boids for someone who is willing to invest time and effort into researching their needs and making sure they're properly cared for. For this reason, we generally advise against it for kids or folks who seem impatient on the forum. For an easier snake, I understand corns are a good choice, but they're illegal here in Georgia so I've never had one.

Edit: by the way, welcome to the site! We're glad to have you join us, and happy to answer questions.

[elevatethis]

First off, go over to the left and check out the ball python caresheet. Print it off. Read it. Read it again. And again. It will give you a really good first look on what is going to be involved. If you get a good setup going, they are one of the most low-maintenence snakes you can get your hands on. The ONLY quirm that they have is that they are all too often problem feeders.

You can get through that in this way: Avoid the problem altogether and get a captive bread specimen from a breeder online. Captive bred pythons are almost always excellent feeders Shipping snakes is perfectly safe if done properly. Pet store snakes are often wild caught or farmed bp's that are full of parasites and stressed out from a rough first few weeks of life being imported. These are the problem eaters we all discuss over and over on here.

This is an animal you will have for a significantly large time of your life...don't make money an issue and pay the extra 20 bucks to get a captive bred snake.

Welcome to the best ball python site ever!!!!!

[roadkill317]

Yes, BP's are excellent for a first snake, I just got mine about two or three weeks ago and this is my first snake and its great, but be prepared to spend some money. Good luck!