ball python or kenyan sand boa?

[serein]

Hi everyone. I have been interested in getting a ball python for around 2 months now, but I have been considering other recommended snakes for beginners as well. I recently had second thoughts about getting a ball python, so I did some research and came across kenyan sand boas. I would like advice from anyone who owns a ball python or kenyan sand boa, and how easy they are to care for from a beginners level. (If you have both, pros and cons would be helpful!)

Some similar questions I was wondering: How much does each snake cost in a month? Which snake is easier to care for? Which of the two is generally calmer? Which snake is the easiest to travel with if needed?

[andrewross8705]

Hi everyone. I have been interested in getting a ball python for around 2 months now, but I have been considering other recommended snakes for beginners as well. I recently had second thoughts about getting a ball python, so I did some research and came across kenyan sand boas. I would like advice from anyone who owns a ball python or kenyan sand boa, and how easy they are to care for from a beginners level. (If you have both, pros and cons would be helpful!)

I have ball pythons, corns, sand boas and hognoses. I enjoy all of them but some have more personality than others. Ball pythons are nicknamed pet rocks because they aren't super active. With that being said, I have 2 that are all about exploring when they come out and another who wants nothing to do with me and just stays curled up where I put him. Both snakes are nocturnal so don't expect to see them much during the day. Sand boas will be mostly hidden in their bedding so even at night you may not see them as much. They can be active when out of their enclosure though.

A BP will be much bigger than a sand boa but the requirements for both are pretty basic. I would suggest going to a reptile show if you can and hold both, check them out and see what you think. You may change your mind and decide that neither are for you and want to go with a corn or a hognose for example. The only real con that I could think of for both are they aren't very active and some people get bored with them. For me I enjoy the morphs and how unique each one is.

Some similar questions I was wondering: How much does each snake cost in a month? Which snake is easier to care for? Which of the two is generally calmer? Which snake is the easiest to travel with if needed?

I can't give you a solid answer on that because when I order food, I buy in bulk and spend about $300 for nearly a dozen snakes. Both are easy to care for, require minimal maintenance and can be housed in basic set ups. Sterilite tubs are best over a glass tank for a ball python as it's harder to keep the humidity levels stable in a tank. My male sub adult is in a 6qt. It's easy to spot clean and requires minimal space.

Each snake is different. One sand boa may be more jumpy than a ball python or vice versa. It's all about how much time you invest in handling the snake. In terms of travel, my ball pythons will be going into pillow cases that have been tied shut when we move again. The sand boas will be in deli cups or a tupperware container depending on their size.

[Craiga 01453]

I have no experience keeping sand boas, so I have been hesitant to reply. However, what Andrew said about going to an expo if you can is a great idea.
Being able to handle and interact with different species at different ages/sizes is a great way to help decide what is right for you.

Honestly, nobody can really answer that question for you. It really comes down to what you want, what your realistic capabilities are and what you're willing to put into it.

BPs are always a great choice due to their size, docile nature and all the beautiful morphs out there. However, they can be pains when it comes to food strikes. And, as Andrew said, they are often nicknamed "pet rocks" because they spend the majority of their time hidden.

I also have a corn and a hognose and honestly can't say enough good about hognose. They are incredibly personable, silly snakes. Just plain adorable!!! They are active during the day too, which is a change from my BP and my corn.

I also have to throw in my two cents on Kingsnakes. Hands down, my all time favorite snake is my Kingsnake. Super easy husbandry, eats ANYTHING ANY TIME, handles extremely well and is pretty active during the day.

So...it really is up to what you are looking for. If you've already done a bunch of research and narrowed it down to BPs and KSBs than I hope I didn't waste your time adding what I did. If not, maybe check out Kings and hognose.

Good luck, we're here if you have more questions.
Keep us posted

oh, and P.S. Sorry, I can't help with the last part of your question. I've never tried to figure out what the monthly upkeep costs me. I buy my food in bulk as well and have never taken the time to figure out what the monthly electric bill, food, etc... costs me. Maybe I should figure that out some day...