Newbie questions! Please help

[Aedryan Methyus]

Ok so let me just say thank you so much for your input! Second: I actually was looking at blood pythons before ball pythons and now you’ve reignited that flame for me. I kept seeing people saying they were nippy and nasty, so I got a little turned off. But I do love how chubby they are lol why do you think they make good first time snakes? Is it the eating thing? Bc I’ll be honest that it worries me that BP are super picky.
Thanks again!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Bloods are definitely voracious eaters! However, a couple of mine that had been eating frozen/thawed perfectly fine suddenly decided to start refusing to eat f/t, just like my Ball Pythons. So, I finally gave in and just started feeding them live. Some Bloods can be a little nippy and put on quite a show as babies (just like any other species), but most of them settle down within a month or two of regular handling. Honestly, I would highly recommend a Boa (BI) as a first pet snake. Between Ball Pythons, Bloods and Boas, I would say Boas are hands down the easiest to care for, the best eaters and the most fun to handle. In my opinion, Boas are perfectly fine in larger enclosures as babies, too.

[bellad0nna87]

Welcome!!

Everyone has pretty much covered everything but I wanted to chime in and say that I recommend a PVC enclosure over glass. About a month ago my Animal Plastics T10 finally came and I am incredibly pleased with it! It holds in humidity extremely well and the temps fluctuate way less. Plus I have more peace of mind having sliding glass doors with a lock rather than the screen top with a hatch that my old 20 GAL had. Ultimately though it just depends on your preferences and what works best for you and your snake.

Also, I respectfully disagree about having to "work up" to a ball python. In my opinion it makes no sense to spend time, money, and effort on a snake that you aren't passionate about just for the sake of getting experience. If you want a ball python- get a ball python!! As long as you do PLENTY of research (read all the stickies, ask important questions before the snake arrives, have the enclosure completely setup and ready to go, etc) you will do fine! I got my ball python last year after having ZERO reptile experience but I had done months and months of heavy research so I haven't had any issues with her. In my experience they are a pretty easy species to keep.

You're definitely off to a great start so far! This forum is a valuable source of information so don't hesitate to ask if you have more questions

Thank you for your input! I’m definitely still learning and what not, and am so excited I joined this forum!
Thank you for the warm welcome and all this info


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MissterDog]

Welcome!!

Everyone has pretty much covered everything but I wanted to chime in and say that I recommend a PVC enclosure over glass. About a month ago my Animal Plastics T10 finally came and I am incredibly pleased with it! It holds in humidity extremely well and the temps fluctuate way less. Plus I have more peace of mind having sliding glass doors with a lock rather than the screen top with a hatch that my old 20 GAL had. Ultimately though it just depends on your preferences and what works best for you and your snake.

Also, I respectfully disagree about having to "work up" to a ball python. In my opinion it makes no sense to spend time, money, and effort on a snake that you aren't passionate about just for the sake of getting experience. If you want a ball python- get a ball python!! As long as you do PLENTY of research (read all the stickies, ask important questions before the snake arrives, have the enclosure completely setup and ready to go, etc) you will do fine! I got my ball python last year after having ZERO reptile experience but I had done months and months of heavy research so I haven't had any issues with her. In my experience they are a pretty easy species to keep.

You're definitely off to a great start so far! This forum is a valuable source of information so don't hesitate to ask if you have more questions

Perfectly said Kira!

The key is research. I don’t mean a few hours on google, I mean dedicating months in advance and learning from multiple sources. You have to take time to make sure you are really absorbing the information you’re getting and analyzing it because you will find conflicting information. Lucky for you op, you found the best place to learn and our community is more than happy to help

I also agree that a ball python doesn’t need to be “worked up” to. It’s not s retic or burm folks lol. You just have to be smart, use your common sense and NOT cut corners! Really take your time on the research waaay ahead of time and don’t rush into getting your bp when you WANT it but when you are READY and confident. Pet ownership in general shouldn’t be something you should leave to “learn on the fly” or “wing it” as you go. This include any “beginner friendly” pets.

Personally I feel it’s unfair to get a snake you don’t even want for the sake of experience. That’s 15-20 years of commitment you’ll still have to be dedicated to and if it’s a species you’re not even passionate about, it may be difficult to give it your all when it’s really just there to give you your snake points. Sometimes the number of snakes won’t always means you have the appropriate experience or knowledge to take proper care of an animal.

OP, if a bp is the snake you want, then go for it! Just make sure you nail down that research and be patient! You’d be surprised how straight forward it actually is!

If it’s any comfort, like Kira, my ball python Tapioca is my first snake, no reptile experience prior and spent 10 month researching and learning as much as I could. Took my time on getting everything ready and soaked up every possible information I could find.

My ball python experience has been an absolute dream with zero problems! Seriously Tapioca has been absolutely incredible and he’s the biggest pig ever! I have this forum to thank for my success as I wouldn’t be as well prepared as I was if not for these wonderful members! Kira and Craig are one of the many members that helped me on my journey :p

[Craiga 01453]

Ok so let me just say thank you so much for your input! Second: I actually was looking at blood pythons before ball pythons and now you’ve reignited that flame for me. I kept seeing people saying they were nippy and nasty, so I got a little turned off. But I do love how chubby they are lol why do you think they make good first time snakes? Is it the eating thing? Bc I’ll be honest that it worries me that BP are super picky.
Thanks again!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Now I'm gonna throw a curve ball your way. I've been lucky I guess, but haven't ever had a picky eater...until now. And he's my Borneo Short Tail Python (often referred to as Borneo Blood Pythons). So, as for picky eaters, BPs are notorious picky eaters, but even species that are typically great eaters have exceptions to the rule. Still, I absolutely LOVE him and am an advocate for bloods/STPs. I will say this, be prepared for a STRONG snake. Those beefy adults have some impressive power. They handle differently than any other species I've handled too.
Anyway...

Honestly, get the snake YOU want! If you rely on feedback from us, your head will be spinning and you'll get dizzy reading everybody's opinions.


There's an expo coming up in July in Philly. http://www.eastcoastreptilesuperexpos.com

I would go check that out and handle some different BP, bloods, etc... you'll most likely find an animal that just "speaks to you". You'll know if one just feels like the one.

[bellad0nna87]

Bloods are definitely voracious eaters! However, a couple of mine that had been eating frozen/thawed perfectly fine suddenly decided to start refusing to eat f/t, just like my Ball Pythons. So, I finally gave in and just started feeding them live. Some Bloods can be a little nippy and put on quite a show as babies (just like any other species), but most of them settle down within a month or two of regular handling. Honestly, I would highly recommend a Boa (BI) as a first pet snake. Between Ball Pythons, Bloods and Boas, I would say Boas are hands down the easiest to care for, the best eaters and the most fun to handle. In my opinion, Boas are perfectly fine in larger enclosures as babies, too.

What type of boa would you recommend I look into? And as for blood pythons, you’ve now got me day dreaming about them lol I was just going for the BP bc I love their size and how docile they can be. But I know they stress out easily so that’s the only downside. Again thanks!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[bellad0nna87]

Now I'm gonna throw a curve ball your way. I've been lucky I guess, but haven't ever had a picky eater...until now. And he's my Borneo Short Tail Python (often referred to as Borneo Blood Pythons). So, as for picky eaters, BPs are notorious picky eaters, but even species that are typically great eaters have exceptions to the rule. Still, I absolutely LOVE him and am an advocate for bloods/STPs. I will say this, be prepared for a STRONG snake. Those beefy adults have some impressive power. They handle differently than any other species I've handled too.
Anyway...

Honestly, get the snake YOU want! If you rely on feedback from us, your head will be spinning and you'll get dizzy reading everybody's opinions.


There's an expo coming up in July in Philly. http://www.eastcoastreptilesuperexpos.com

I would go check that out and handle some different BP, bloods, etc... you'll most likely find an animal that just "speaks to you". You'll know if one just feels like the one.

Wow thank you thank you! I’m totally going to that expo then!
My head is definitely spinning right now with all this information and I have a lot to think about but also a lot to go off from. So glad I joined!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MissterDog]

Forgot to add. I got my bp from Garrick Demeyer/Royal Constrictor Design’s! Totally a breeder you can buy with confidence.

also welcome!!!

[Craiga 01453]

Forgot to add. I got my bp from Garrick Demeyer/Royal Constrictor Design’s! Totally a breeder you can buy with confidence.also welcome!!!

This is fact. Garrick has a stellar reputation. If I ever do buy from a breeder and have it shipped, his animals would be at the top of my list. Deborah at Stewart Reptiles would be another. She's fantastic and a HUGE asset to this forum and hobby

[SDA]

I highly recommend you get the snake you want from a breeder that specializes in the morph you want and who feeds them on what you want to feed that as in frozen thawed rodents. Age doesn't really matter what matters is finding a proper breeder to sell you a healthy snake. Avoid petsmart or petco or even expos where people are just reselling snakes. A reputable online breeder will get you something you want that is healthy and not a problem to care for.

Ask here for breeders but avoid resellers like backwater reptiles as they are just flippers and did not breed the snake. Buy your snake from the same person that hatched it.

I got mine 8 years ago from a local breeder where I was living.

I highly recommend a PVC enclosure for when it is an adult and most likely a tub for a juvenile. Glass just won't cut it and you will end up getting frustrated unless you are lucky enough to live in a sub tropical part of the country.

One thing is you need to at least tell the country you are in. Outside the USA the supplies for enclosures and even rodents gets limited.

[Aedryan Methyus]

What type of boa would you recommend I look into? And as for blood pythons, you’ve now got me day dreaming about them lol I was just going for the BP bc I love their size and how docile they can be. But I know they stress out easily so that’s the only downside. Again thanks!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I would recommend a Boa Imperator (BI) as a first Boa over a Redtail. Redtails tend to get quite a bit larger. If you want a Boa that will likely stay within the 5' - 6' range I would get a male BI. If you don't mind something that will likely max out around 6' - 8' then get a female BI. Boas grow extremely slow, so they won't start to max out until around 4 - 5 years old. Genetics of course come down to your personal preference and budget. I wouldn't see a problem with starting a baby Boa right off in a 4' x 2' x 18" PVC enclosure. If you got a male BI that would most likely last him for his whole life, especially if you added a shelf, which would increase the inner floor space. A female might require a 6' x 2' x 18" years down the road. As far as Bloods, I started all of mine right off in 28 qt. tub racks. Technically, smaller is more widely recommended, but I consumed the excess space with a hide, a large water bowl and crumpled up newspaper and it worked out perfectly fine. All of them have been fine in 28 qt. tubs until about 3 years of age. Now, they are about to be moved into a 41 qt. rack and sometime within the next 2 years they will most likely need to all be moved into individual 4' x 2' x 12" PVC enclosures as they max out in size.