20 gal for life?

[BallPythonWannaBe]

A BP will require an enclosure that is larger than 20gls... I think most agree that 40gls is the minimum. If you aren't set on cage size though, and willing to make the necessary modifications to a glass enclosure (insulation, foil top for humidity, etc.) one might work for you.

That said, they can have feeding issues.. I've had them go on food strikes and then only accept a different prey item, etc. You would need to get one from a good breeder (not a store) and request a juvie that was feeding well on f/t with a good feeding response. You would also need to setup the enclosure well in advance and monitor your temps and humidity so that everything was set before the BP came home (this really goes for all snakes).

I purchased a male western hognose as my 2nd snake. My male had serious feeding problems and I ended up rehoming him with someone that raised their own live feeders. He was previously eating f/t mice pinks and ate those for about 2 months when I got him, then went on months' long hunger strikes, broken up by the ocassional meal. I tried everything..braining, scenting, etc. nothing worked except live rat pinks. After those issues, I read accounts of others with males that had feeding issues and based on that, I'd only get a female very well-started (juvie) hognose feeding on unscented f/t.

I have a Kenyan Sand boa and they are generally good feeders. The only issue i have with mine is that they stay hidden most of the time. They are good snakes to handle those and generally docile. They also don't have the humidity requirements of BPs.

Of the snakes you mentioned you were interested in (kingsnake and corn) I'd personally go with either the king or corn... Both are better feeders and less picky about humidity than the others you are looking at. I would still get a bigger enclosure for them though (40gl) so that they have room to move around and explore.

Im very willing to larger than a 20 gal although Im not sure I have room for anything bigger than a 40 gal(Although if the snake I get does get bigger than normal I can make room) Im currently setting up the tank now(a 10 gallon) and will have it running for AT LEAST a week before I get my snake. My mother actually mentioned Petco but I shot her down as Ive heard horrid things about Petco and most pet shops in general,as a result we are going to a local expo to purchase the snake If you you do have any snakes you would reccomend I may look into those also,but as stated above would like to stay around a 40gal at most. This thread was actually started,not because I have a 20gal and wanted to have a snake in it,but to see if there were any snakes that would live in one. Just a reasearch thread really

[JodanOrNoDan]

Ball Python + Glass Tank + New Owner == Issues

The right ball python can be a beginner snake, if properly kept. I some have babies right now that I would sell to a beginner and others I would not. Talk to whatever breeder you are going to buy from and get him/her to answer questions about how often the animal is eating, what it is eating and any gymnastics that it takes for it to eat. Also ask about the snakes demeanor.

[artgecko]

I'd seriiously consider corns then, if you are going to an expo. Generally very good feeders, active in the daytime, come in a variety of colors, very affordable for most color morphs too. And, an adult male would probably be ok in a 40gl, especially if you give the snake branches to climb on also. A kingsnake would probably also work, as they have the same general feeding response and activity level.

Be aware though, baby corns / kings are very small / thin and it is very easy for them to escape if the lid of the enclosure is not very well secured or if there are small gaps. Babies can also be very nippy / defensive, but will grow out of that with handling.

A kenyan sand boa could be a very good starter snake for you too. A female will only get 3' long as an adult and could live in a 20gl just fine...a 40 gl would be even better. They generally eat well also. The only negative with them is that they tend to hide in the substrate, but will come out and explore at times...One of mine used to climb the thermometer probe cord.

If you do want a hognose, I'd go with a female and one that is well started (a juvie, not a baby), and feeding solidly on f/t. Be aware that hognose are rear-fang venomous, although most don't bite and when they do, it is equivalent of a bee sting. Some people have experienced an allergic reaction though when bit. They have to bite and actually chew on you to transfer venom, so the chances of this happening are rare, but it is possible. My male (whom I had for 2 years) never attempted to bite me.

[Jhill001]

That 20 gallon will last a solid 2 years for a corn, king, rat snake if you aren't power feeding. Should be plenty of time to save up for the 40 gallon or 36x18x18 they should be in.

[BallPythonWannaBe]

Corns do really seem to be the way to go(Especially with tanks) And I guess I hadn't really considered that,in the future,I could get a Ball Python if I still want one. Also my mother is a bit more welcome to the idea of a Corn Snake.
Thanks for all the new posters! It's nice to have a few different perspectives Just in cause I wasn't clear about it right now I have a 10 gallon,not a 20
Also,does anyone know what the snake in my avatar is? It's very pretty and I couldn't find any that look like it

[Craiga 01453]

Corns do really seem to be the way to go(Especially with tanks) And I guess I hadn't really considered that,in the future,I could get a Ball Python if I still want one. Also my mother is a bit more welcome to the idea of a Corn Snake.
Thanks for all the new posters! It's nice to have a few different perspectives Just in cause I wasn't clear about it right now I have a 10 gallon,not a 20
Also,does anyone know what the snake in my avatar is? It's very pretty and I couldn't find any that look like it

I would go King over corn, but that's just me, hehehhe

Your avatar looks like a milksnake morph to me, but not positive.

[BallPythonWannaBe]

I would go King over corn, but that's just me, hehehhe

Your avatar looks like a milksnake morph to me, but not positive.

I thought it was a milksnake I've heard kings have a *decent* feeding response

[Craiga 01453]

I thought it was a milksnake I've heard kings have a *decent* feeding response

Hahahaha, yup, decent. Django is in shed right now, deep in blue. So I guarantee that when I offer tonight he'll strike like his life depends on it and since his vision is compromised I'll need to keep a close eye on him, his aim will probably be lousy but his determination will still be there! Hahahaha

[BallPythonWannaBe]

Something I was wondering...is there a big difference between Rat Snakes and Corn Snakes? I've read that Corns are actually Red Rat Snakes?

[artgecko]

They are relatives... Different size and color are pretty much it.

For corns, make sure you look up what adults look like of different morphs, as they change a lot from baby to adult. You want to pick one that you'll be happy with and enjoy.