New BP owner

[Craiga 01453]

I personally disagree when I hear people say BPs aren't good first snakes. They're by far the most popular snake in the hobby, and for good reason.

Yes, they can be finicky eaters, but that's why it's important to buy from a reputable breeder. If your breeder is making you pay for prey I'd start looking elsewhere and find a breeder that starts their animals on F/T prey. It'll save you a LOT of headaches. Check out morphmarket.com for tons of options.

And, it sounds like you're off to a good start with preparation. Remember, the more we know about our pets the better we can care for them.

Now back to BPs as first snakes.... IF you're prepared, and it sounds like you are, the food refusals can be a bit frustrating. But, if prepared, you'll know not to panic. ANY species can be difficult eaters, my only difficult eater is a species known to eat anything and everything reliably. My BPs, however, eat year round and I haven't had a single refusal in over a year.
They're docile, slow moving, easy to handle and stay pretty small (especially males).

I personally say buy the snake you want, don't buy something you don't want just cause it might be easier. Snakes, in general, are EXTREMELY easy pets to keep, especially in comparison to most other common pets.


As for what to tell a 12 year old. Well, some are much more responsible and mature at 12 than others. But it's most important to stress that the animal is a living creature, not a toy. Snakes aren't great pets if you want something you can handle often or for long periods, so if you're looking for a cuddly companion it may be best to look elsewhere. And I would definitely have a rule in place that the snake only comes out with parental supervision.

Oh, and to touch on the lighting question... I used the dark purple bulbs for years. It has no effect on the animal at all, is enough to see the animal, but not bright enough that's it's annoying at night.


Oh....and to touch on the reply above... YES, plan on that being YOUR snake. I've seen COUNTLESS snakes on Craigslist and wherever looking for new homes because the kid lost interest,went off to school, etc...