New Member... Questions Before I Get My First BP

[Charles8088]

Hi. I'm new to the forum, and to snakes in general. I did some online research for a beginner 1st snake, and obviously I've been mostly seeing corn and BP. I thought I would like the corns better since they tend to be a bit more active, but now I think I'm going to go for the python. I just love the thicker bodies, and the shape of their heads.

Anyway... so while I'm not 100% sure that I'm going for the BP, I'm about 80% there.

So, a few questions on the enclosure...

I'm probably going to go with a glass tank, since I have easy access to them. I'm probably going to go for a 36x18 (depending on height, can range between 30-65 gallons). Do I need to worry about getting nipped accessing the tank from the top? Read that you should approach the snake from his side or on his level, and not from above like a predator. Is this much of an issue to be concerned about?

And, besides maybe requiring a little more effort to maintain the humidity, what other negative issues or challenges might the "glass" tank produce?

Then... the 36x18... would that be a good size for an adult? Preferably BP, but maybe corn.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Had a lot more questions I was thinking in my head, as I was driving to work... now that I'm in front of the computer typing, I cannot remember them. Go figure.

[Snakes1]

I haven't really seen any difference with my snakes when it comes to grabbing them from the top VS from the side. But a BP that is scared will try to defend itself no matter where you come from.

If you want to have a glass tank, go buy a terrarium, and not a aquarium. The terrarium is better for humidity and makes everything more easy!

Other issues with a glass tank? Well the humidity and heat control was enough for me to stop using glass tanks.
The glass tank can also make the snake shy, and afraid. And that can make a snake stop eating. Just make sure you have two hides. One on the cold side and one on the hot side.

[Craiga 01453]

I've never personally had any issues with accessing my snakes enclosures from above. Like said above, a snake will defend itself from any angle if it feels threatened.

As far as glass goes, I currently have 4 snakes all in glass and am going to be switching over to PVC over time as funds allow. The humidity is the biggest issue, especially during the winter months. That's not to say that glass is no good, it's just a little more work. You can wrap three sides of the tank in anything from paper to decorative terrarium backers to make the snake feel more secure, eliminating that issue. One thing some people, myself included, like about glass is the display aspect.

As far as a BP vs a corn, they are both the most common snakes for beginners for several reasons. I have both as well as a King. They are all amazing animals and I enjoy keeping both colubrids and BPs because of their differences. You can certainly get a visually appealing snake regardless of which you choose, so it's going to come down to what you're looking for as far as temperament, handling, size, etc... Corns are much faster, tend to be much more curious while being handled and are almost always moving and exploring while you have them out of their enclosures. BPs are also going to be curious and want to explore, but tend to be willing to just sit and chill with you more than a corn would.
The size is another difference, as you already mentioned, but also a matter of personal preference. Both are very manageable size which works well for most people, especially new snake keepers. I will say this, corns can be very fast, and because of their slender bodies, can be incredible escape artists. Regardless of which you choose, you will need to make sure the enclosure in escape-proof. Corns can also escape your hands if you give them a split second. BPs are slow by comparison and their thicker bodies make them easier to handle, in my opinion. This may seem like I'm trying to sway you, please don't take it like that. I have 2 corns and only 1 BP (for now ), as well as a King, so obviously I love the colubrids and plan to add more over time.

Regardless of which you choose, choose the right snake for you, after all, you're making a commitment to the animal for years to come, so it really comes down to what YOU want. I definitely think you will enjoy your snake whichever you choose. And if you're like most of us, you won't stop at one snake, hahhahaha.

Don't be afraid to ask questions, that's what this forum is for. You're in good hands here, lots of great, experienced, knowledgeable people willing to share their passion and help out.
Good luck!!

[predatorkeeper87]

do yourself a HUGE favor and go for sterelite tubs instead of a glass tank. I promise you I'm saving you the headache of foil wrapping and humidity issues lol. a 41 qt sterelite tub is good for an adult bp for life.

My male spider will destroy hands if you come at him from above, otherwise hes a big baby. my other 2 could care less where you pick them up from. Bites don't hurt so even if you get tagged consider it a right of passage into snake keeping lol.

Make sure you get yourself a good thermostat to control your heat source. An undertank heater would be the easiest thing to start out with.

Welcome to the addiction lol, get ready to drop cash on your 2nd, 3rd and so on snakes too lol.

[Charles8088]

If you want to have a glass tank, go buy a terrarium, and not a aquarium. The terrarium is better for humidity and makes everything more easy!

Other issues with a glass tank? Well the humidity and heat control was enough for me to stop using glass tanks.
The glass tank can also make the snake shy, and afraid. And that can make a snake stop eating. Just make sure you have two hides. One on the cold side and one on the hot side.

The thing with the glass aquarium is I already have them. I'm an aquarium buff, so plenty of glass tanks here. So, yea, while I love these other really nice enclosures from Animal Plastics or the Vision cages, financially the glass is free... at least for now, cause I do eventually want to get one of those nicer enclosures.

And, I do actually plan on making the glass a little more private by painting the back and sides black, and then making a custom background in the tank... custom side as well. So as to look a little more natural. Then, there will be several hides and other articles inside for the snake to feel secure... branches, rocks, etc... can there be too much? Not sure, that's why I ask here. So, that's the purpose of this post... I want to make sure I have it all covered and not missing anything. Of course, if there's an issue I can't solve with the glass tank, then I would just surrender and put out the money for the nice enclosures.

Humidity... I don't THINK I would have an issue, but of course that could all change after I have it all set up... which is the reason I wouldn't get any snake until I have the enclosure fully set up and temps and humidity readings to where they should be.

Glass tank also made it easier to convince the wife about getting a slithery friend. If she had any idea of the actual funds I would be spending on the new hobby, I think she would... well, she wouldn't be happy.

And if you're like most of us, you won't stop at one snake, hahhahaha.

Welcome to the addiction lol, get ready to drop cash on your 2nd, 3rd and so on snakes too lol.

Yes, that is what I'm afraid of.

do yourself a HUGE favor and go for sterelite tubs instead of a glass tank. I promise you I'm saving you the headache of foil wrapping and humidity issues lol. a 41 qt sterelite tub is good for an adult bp for life.

The tubs are good, I like that option as well... however, I want a nice "display" to show off the snake. If I eventually get more snakes, the tubs are an option, but for the first set up the display tank is enticing. In terms of the adult requirements, the 41qt tub, which you say is good for the BP's adult life, is it the footprint size of the tub that's good? What the dimensions of the tub? Just curious.

[tttaylorrr]

And, I do actually plan on making the glass a little more private by painting the back and sides black, and then making a custom background in the tank... custom side as well. So as to look a little more natural. Then, there will be several hides and other articles inside for the snake to feel secure... branches, rocks, etc... can there be too much? Not sure, that's why I ask here.

start reading here: How to Set Up a Glass Enclosure. it's a wonderful write-up that will help you understand what a glass enclosure needs to be successful.
and no such thing as too much as far as the snake is concerned, but just know you'll have to clean all of it when it gets dirty.

So, that's the purpose of this post... I want to make sure I have it all covered and not missing anything. Of course, if there's an issue I can't solve with the glass tank, then I would just surrender and put out the money for the nice enclosures.

your forethought to ensuring your snake's enclosure is perfect before it arrives is definitely commendable and something we don't see that often from new keepers.

Humidity... I don't THINK I would have an issue, but of course that could all change after I have it all set up... which is the reason I wouldn't get any snake until I have the enclosure fully set up and temps and humidity readings to where they should be.

read over the sticky i linked above to ensure your humidity requirements for glass enclosures are met; it should make dialing everything in easier.

Yes, that is what I'm afraid of.

don't be

The tubs are good, I like that option as well... however, I want a nice "display" to show off the snake.

just know you won't see your BP much; they hide practically all the time. i went with a glass enclosure for my first snake, and i bought a T8/PVC cage when my first BP got big enough. i know down the road i'll be moving away from glass and will probably only use my glass set-up for quarantine.

[predatorkeeper87]

The tubs are good, I like that option as well... however, I want a nice "display" to show off the snake. If I eventually get more snakes, the tubs are an option, but for the first set up the display tank is enticing. In terms of the adult requirements, the 41qt tub, which you say is good for the BP's adult life, is it the footprint size of the tub that's good? What the dimensions of the tub? Just curious.

If you want a display snake...a BP isn't what you want lol. They hide, 24/7. I only see mine if I move their hides lol.

Theres a bunch of debate on the size and footprint for a bp but ultimately mine never climbed when they had taller enclosures so I opted to put them in a rack system with 41 qt tubs. They have room to move around, and they feed on the regular so to me that tells me they are happy.

I prefer floor space to head height for BPs.

I come from the aquarium hobby too, and I can tell you displaying snakes just doesn't have the appeal like big fish. I love just having the snakes and know they are thriving in my care, don't mind not having them on display.

[Zincubus]

It's just not correct to suggest that they don't make good display snakes tbh.

Given the right kind of viv setup with plenty of hiding places and some branches they will be seen climbing and exploring every evening .

It just riles me somewhat . I've seen pictures of some set ups that comprise of a rub , a hide , a water bowl and some kitchen role as substrate and then they're surprised when the Royal spends a lot of time in their hide .

[Charles8088]

start reading here: How to Set Up a Glass Enclosure. it's a wonderful write-up that will help you understand what a glass enclosure needs to be successful.

Thank you for the link. There was another one I read about the glass enclosure setup, but I'll read this one too. The more the merrier.

If you want a display snake...a BP isn't what you want lol. They hide, 24/7. I only see mine if I move their hides lol.

Yep, and that's the reason I was initially thinking CORN. I love the BPs, they are really beautiful snakes. And, in my mind I had settled for the corn because I wanted to "see" more in the display tank and have something a little more active, but then went to the reptile expo... BIG MISTAKE. Now I want them all.

So, mentally, I made every excuse in the world to get a BP, and maybe the corn will come next. In all honesty, however, I'm still not 100% of which to get. I definitely see a future with at least one of each... but, the aim here, is my "first" one.

[Charles8088]

It's just not correct to suggest that they don't make good display snakes tbh.

Given the right kind of viv setup with plenty of hiding places and some branches they will be seen climbing and exploring every evening .

It just riles me somewhat . I've seen pictures of some set ups that comprise of a rub , a hide , a water bowl and some kitchen role as substrate and then they're surprised when the Royal spends a lot of time in their hide .

And there it goes... another reason to stick to BP and not a corn. hehe