New to snakes and the site

[madmax1]

Hi, I am new to snakes and was wondering If a BP is a good snake to get for a first snake,OR a corn-snake, I am going to explore this site and educate my self all I can about the BP and the corn-snake.I AM REALLY Interested in the BP, It would be nice to hear about some first time experiences, and get some really good opinions. I am glad to be part of this site seems like a really good place to start . There is a Reptile Show coming up on Sept 7th, in New York ,which I am going to attend and might purchase a BP this will be my first Experience at reptile show and maybe i can get some advice on what I should look out for. http://www.reptileexpo.com/nyfirst.htm
here is the vendor list was wondering if anyone might have heard any of these vendors, they might be able to recommend ! ALL advice would be greatly appreciated. here is the vendor list
http://www.reptileexpo.com/nyvendor.htm

THANK YOU Kevin

[hondo1967]

BPs are great pets there pretty easy to keep, keep there temps around 90 on the warm side of the enclosure and humidity around 50 to 60 %. Also have a little hide box for your future python and always have fresh water for him or her. There are care sheets on this site that will help you alot. I will be at the show on the 7th in white plains

[desertpirate]

That sounds familiar... when my husband and I were first getting into snakes we considered the same two. They are both very easy to keep, but the temps and humidity are slightly different for each. It basically depends on the personality you want in your pet. Corns tend to be constantly on the go when you're holding them, like they have somewhere to go and they're already late. Balls can be more content to sit still and hang out with you. Of course those are broad generalizations, and there can be exceptions!

[Sonya610]

Corns tend to be constantly on the go when you're holding them, like they have somewhere to go and they're already late. Balls can be more content to sit still and hang out with you.

Yeah I chose a BP because I wanted a snake that was tolerant of being held. However I will say the fact she is ALWAYS in her hides, and I hardly ever see her except when I take her out is a bit disappointing. I knew they were secrative, just didn't realize HOW secrative.

[Wh00h0069]

and yes a ball python would be a great first snake. Just make sure you learn all you can, and set the enclosure up properly before acquiring one. Good luck!!

[frankykeno]

The best advice I can give you is to sit down and think (or list out) what you like about snakes, what you want in a snake, what sort of expectations you have of the snake and your ability to care for it. That will help a lot before you end up with a snake that maybe isn't what you thought it might be.

A lot of snakes end up in rescues because people don't take this vital step. Burns that "grew too big". Colubrids that are "too nippy". BP's that are "too boring" or "won't eat for me". I'm glad you're taking the time now to think about this decision. This time to make the right choice for you will benefit you and your future snake.

[kjhowland]

BOA BOA BOA.

Both are great snakes with various differences. Research and decide what you want, or get both.

Beeger Boxes makes great custom built wooden enclosures and will be at the show.

CV Exotics is a great breeder. They sell both boas and ball pythons. I bought a 66% Het Snow Boa from them at a show six months ago. I love him.

[FatBoy]

Read, Read, Read, then talk to others that have snakes. This site has great care sheets. Read every word and make sure you really want the responsibility of caring for a snake. Food availability will be an issue too. The worst thing is someone who gets a snake and doesn't properly take care of it. Sounds like you are putting some thought into it, that's a good thing. Definately get a CB snake from a breeder, stay away from the pet stores. Also get a supply list from the breeder you purchase from or the care sheets, pet stores will sell you a lot of unnecassary stuff and usually a tank that is way too big. Most pet store "reptile experts" don't know JACK!!

[blackcrystal22]

BOA BOA BOA.

Both are great snakes with various differences. Research and decide what you want, or get both.

Beeger Boxes makes great custom built wooden enclosures and will be at the show.

CV Exotics is a great breeder. They sell both boas and ball pythons. I bought a 66% Het Snow Boa from them at a show six months ago. I love him.

I wouldn't consider a boa to be a good beginner snake.. their size would be a bit much for someone who's never worked with snakes before.

Here's a previous post of mine about balls vs corns. You decide. :]

Because ball pythons can be stressed out for more reasons, I've been bitten by my ball that I've had for 6 months twice.. and only once by my FIRST corn and he was sick.
Even my crazy female corn who is fearful of any touch, doesn't bite.. she just.. musks. D:

I love, adore, and own both for many different reasons.

Balls

• I love the way that ball pythons handle.. it's a bit more calm and the way that they feel is very fun. For begginner snake handlers, it's a bit less intimidating than holding a fast moving corn.
• They don't poop as much and it usually doesn't smell as bad.
• They are a bit more of a challenge, which I enjoy.
• I love the morphs!

Corns

• Cheaper for the snakes and morphs in general.
• Less specific about temps and husbandry details.. much easier in that range.
• Usually have a better feeding response.
• The morphs are cheap and very pretty, they are also good begginner breeders before balls to get used to the entire idea.
• I don't mind smaller/thinner snakes and still enjoy holding them when I'm in a 'faster' mood.

That basically covers it.

This post has a lot of good info in it, check it out.
http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=73509

Also make sure if you decide to get a ball python to read up on the caresheet.
Here: http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules....warticle&id=59

Or if you decide to get a corn read up on the caresheet as well.
Here: http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules....warticle&id=12

[madmax1]

I would like to THANK EVERYONE! for your replies and help. I have a week to research and decide on the first snake. I'm sure I will eventually end up with a few in the long run. I am some what familiar with the time and effort that goes along with taking care of reptiles. I currently take care of 4 RED EAR SLIDERS 1- pastel,1- albino, 1- caramel and 1- regular res. I keep 3 in a 200 gallon tank . and 1 in a 100 gal tank. The snakes came about when I took my son who is 6 and daughter who is 8 to the Staten Island ZOO, to the new reptile wing and they had a corn snake out that you can pet and hold and my son was hooked -as was myself! my daughter will take some work to get her involved this was the look on her face when she saw the snake outside its inclosure. .
Here are a few pics of OUR Turtles and set up! Enjoy and will posts pics of my snake set up and snake I guess by next week.

MY CARAME SLIDER- E.T


MY PASTEL- LITTLE DUDE

MY ALBINO- CASPER

MY REG.-CHARLEY

THERE SETUPS
100 GAL TANK

200 GAL TANK


THERE BASKING TOP still a work in progress. Did away with the gravel as u see in previous pics. gravel not good for the turtles they can get impacted if ingested.