What is the best intermediate snake species?

[Sauzo]

Yes, yes, and yes! Good points. Although, I think colubrids are cool, though not exactly your cup of tea, Sauzo?

I agree it's very important to research. You are going to have a colubrid for 10-20 years and a boid for even longer. Make sure you are comfortable with your decision and can properly care for the snake. You are asking the question, so I imagine you will do that, but it's a good point.

"Boas are much more laid back, kind of like a huge BP that isnt scared or hides."

I am nominating this for best description of a Boa on BP.net.

I can attest, from limited experience, Boa's are not shy and do not scare easy! Shayna, my BP is a total sweetheart, but scares herself bumping into stationary objects, and is rarely found outside a hide.

Behira uses hides, but usually only part way. She likes getting her body snug in there, but her head is almost always way out of the hide and checking things out.

She is very observant and likes to see what's going on around her, in tank, or out and about being handled. I like the bravery and personality, but do not love Shayna any less.

For what's worth, Figment, my corn (and I have had several throughout my life), is similar to Boa's in terms of not scaring easy and often checking things out. He likes to hide more than Behira, but also will come right out to see me half the time I open the tank. When being handled, he is more interested in moving around though. He's an adult and about 650G and 5FT, so very manageable, to say the least, but he moves a lot. He does not scare or mind being redirected though. If he bumps into something, it's, "NEXT!" Bump, next, bump, next, bump, next. He almost likes bumping things with his head to investigate.

Nah, I'm more of a large constrictor person. I like hognoses and maybe one day I'll get one but for me, i prefer the snakes i can throw over my shoulder and go outside in backyard with.

I have done some research and found an amazing snake species the Asian vine snake,
though I think since I have not had an arboreal or defensive snake yet it might be a little much,
I think I should get a little experience with a nippy/fast arboreal snake that's not rear fanged venomous,
So do you think I should have experience with another species first? If so what?
Thanks.

If you like a vine snake, go for it. The reptile shop i go to a lot had a little one which was pretty cool looking. I really wouldnt worry about the rear fang venom. Hognose are rear fanged venom too. The venom is more for subduing prey than trying to use on a predator.

I was scared of getting a GTP for over 20 years and wish i would have just done it. Being arboreal really isnt that much of a different set up. I mean it is different but not like day or night. Most arboreals will use horizontal space more too. Just like GTPs are arboreal but they dont climb up and down tree trunks all night long. They spend a lot of time on the floor as well as going horizontal through branches. Just do research on caging size they need and their size as well as other husbandry and if you can meet it, go for it.

As for nippy, a lot of babies are nippy and snakes in general arent a dog or cat. They arent something you 'play' with daily and throw a stick and it fetches it. Just get a snake hook and after the snake settles in, work with it. Who knows, maybe you will get a weirdo one that likes interaction. Retics always had a bad rap and Caesar is like a giant kid. He literally wants attention and will pace the front until you open a door and pet him and socialize with him. Then when he gets his fill, he will lay down and get quiet or go half in a hide.

Bottom line is if you like a snake, do the research and if you can afford it and care for it, go for it. Now something like full on venomous reptiles, i would hold off on them until you have experience and make sure you or your local hospital has antivenom lol. I've been so close to pulling the trigger on a gila or beaded lizard as i've wanted one as long as i've wanted a GTP.