Just started keeping snakes a couple months ago...

[OhClueless1]

And we want some more! lol

I really want to get another snake already. I figure this is probably not a good idea but wanted to ask anyways. Whats a good time frame for getting the feet wet? Breaking in time frame so to speak? Right now I have two baby ball pythons who are about 4 months old. Both are fed frozen/thawed and are good eaters. Despite using glass tanks temps and humidity are good and things seem to be going well.

I went to the breeder where I bought my first BP and where I also get my mice from and he had a bunch of baby Dumerils which were gorgeous! I am considering switching to plastic totes to make life a little easier with having multiple snakes so I can switch substrates and what not. Just wondering how long I should wait to make sure I have some clue as to what I am doing. Also what are some good interesting snakes to keep. I love the BP's but don't want a house full of normals and will prolly never be able to afford some of the morphs I have been drewling over. Should I stick to just BP's maybe? I dunno just asking some advice.

Thanks

[Mindibun]

I dont think any time is too early as long as you have done TONS of research. I'm feeling the same right now. I have two BPs, one 4yrs and one 6mo. and I think I'm ready for something a little more hands-on. I'm looking at black milk snakes right now. Before that I had wanted a hogg island boa, but then read somewhere that they carry something that could harm ball pythons. So I decided against them. But you should really look into the hoggs id you have another room you could keep it in, and you're looking for a somewhat larger snake. They tend to top out around 6-7 feet. I held a full grown adult and it wasn't too big. Heavier than a BP but completely manageable. Plus, they are naturally a gorgeous peachy color. ^_^

Just, like I said, ask around and do lots of research. I started thinking about another snake several months ago. I'm JUST NOW locating breeders.

[Lucero87]

Do whatever makes you happy and whatever you can handle...i too wanted more bp's after my first one and i've have them for a year and two months (i have two normals)...and i'm in the process of paying off an albino caramel...they're addicting...normals, morphs...just great snakes overall.

[JLC]

I say go for what you really want, as far as which species to keep. Just be sure to do your research first...and bear in mind that they are only cute little babies for a short time...gear your research and consideration toward what it will be like to keep an ADULT snake of that species.

If you're going to switch enclosure types...I'd do that first and make sure you're comfortable with your new routine before adding any new animals to care for.

As for as a specific time frame between acquisitions...I don't think there is one. They're not like dogs or cats that have to interact with each other and require hours a day of training and attention from their owners to stay healthy. It's really just whenever you feel you are ready and have done the research you need to do in order to care for something new.

I will say this: All too often, I see people get caught up in the game of collecting snakes and other critters. They're SO cool...and there are SO many different kinds to choose from...all so beautiful and special in their own right. And even within a single species, there are gorgeous individuals that will always tempt you to want more. There will always be another beautiful animal to want. There will always be another "great deal" that comes your way and is hard to pass up. So, so so often...I see people collecting animals far too fast...and suddenly they find themselves paying hundreds of dollars a month that they can't afford just on rodents to feed them. And the first hint of financial stress (either a vet bill or a car breaking down or whatever)...they suddenly start selling off their collection that they really couldn't afford to keep in the first place. And...despite whatever lesson you think they might have learned....I've seen them start buying up more animals almost right away.

Please, please please avoid this trap. Carefully consider each purchase and look at the long-term consequences of owning each individual animal. There's always more that we want that we can't or shouldn't have.

Sorry to get preachy....that's just been on my heart for awhile now, and you gave me a perfect "out" to release it.

[Sunny1]

There is no time frame between snakes, there is just the time it takes to do complete research on the type of snake that you want to get, getting their enclosure set up and running properly (correct size, heat, humidity, etc. for that particular snake), and locating and researching breeders as well as looking for the perfect snake to add to your collection!! Take your time, and know you have the best resource to help you out....This Site!!!

[OhClueless1]

Sorry to get preachy....that's just been on my heart for awhile now, and you gave me a perfect "out" to release it.

I asked for opinions and I don't think your being preachy at all. Its that trap your speaking of that I want to avoid. I won't be getting anything any time soon anyways because of the Holidays and all that. I am just thinking about what I might want after the new year maybe and I am only looking at getting one more. I work too many hours to have so many snakes that I couldn't handle and spend time with them all.

[Sparky1]

All great posts, much like you i have only recently started my collection. Like others have said i did months of research on balls RTB and just snakes in general. My next step was to locate a local breeder and made friends with him, since for me there is not a better feeling than being able to get answers any day of the week. I also wanted to see what the full grown size really was in person. He was more than happy to give me a bit of hands on education with helped alot! He breeds a wide range of small snakes up to berms and retics and rtb. And on the dumerils note they are a striking snake, alot different than a ball. Just be ready for a snake that can get rather large, his breeder female is a pretty thick bodied almost 7 foot snake. This sight also has great info on all kinds of questions! Just realize how big some snakes can get, its hard when they are just cute lil babies!

[Sunny1]

Yes, definitely look into their adult size!! A snake's size as a baby can be very deceiving! Just look at all the cute little burmese python babies that get to be 15+ feet as adults. (Nothing here against burmese pythons, I love them...just know that they are WELL beyond my personal limit in adult snake size!!) And the way to not let yourself fall into the trap of adding too many animals too fast, is to know your limits... financially and otherwise, and stick by them. (Or just have a significant other like my husband who is ALWAYS reminding me "No More Animals"...LOL) I think you'll be okay though, as long as you look at all things considered, look ahead into your future and see what your plans etc. may be that can affect the keeping of your animals, and if you do your research. Good luck with whatever you decide to be your next snake!!!

[littleindiangirl]

I think there are some great snakes to keep at the beginners level. And I don't know what "qualifies" someone as ready to keep another species. I'll use bloods as an example. On different websites like NERD, they state that it is an intermediate level snake. For people that have successfully kept other species and can recognize certain problems with their set up or husbandry or the snake itself.
I think if you feel confident enough with keeping a certain species, and you feel ready to take on the financial commitment (not just price, but feeding and any health issues), Go for it.

Do your research, ask questions, talk to breeders and keepers about whatever species your really interested in and get a feel for behavior, husbandry, feeding, pooping, shedding and common problems.