Preparing for my First Snake

[Kryptic]

Thanks for your input guys, it's been really helpful.

Bogertophis, I seriously considered the Antaresia genus and Rosy Boas as well. My issue with them that dropped them out of my consideration is that between MorphMarket and calling reptile stores, I haven't been able to find one within 100 miles. Since it's my first snake, it's important to me at a minimum to see and handle at least one member of the species before I buy it. Ideally, I want to see where it's being kept and meet the individual animal first.

I do appreciate your opening the door to a massive rabbit hole I went down. I re-researched the Antaresians, Rosy Boas, Hognoses, and Blood Pythons. After looking back on my notes and giving it some thought, I think a Ball Python would be the best bet. I like the Pituophis a lot, but I like the looks and personality of a Ball Python better. Even within Pituophis, a Gopher Snake was my second choice behind a Bull Snake (but again, none available locally).

The environmentals might be harder to dial in at certain times of the year, but it's definitely doable with some observation, adjustments, and all the Ball Python info available out there.

And PlateofFlan, we pretty much never lose power here. Any time I can think of, it's been in the summer. But you do raise a great point in that snakes do seem to require some emergency preparation in case of something like a power or gas outage. I'm going to keep a log book for the snake, and a couple of emergency action plans to deal with excessively cold or hot weather contingencies would be good material to write down in the back of the book.