New to snakes :)

[boogidus]

the other thing is, i saw on a site that if you have a big tank as long as thier are alot of hiding places that it would be ok.

[blb]

Have you looked into seeing if there are any herp shows near you? I got my ball python there and was only $20. I think they are healthier than at most pet stores and most are captive bred which to me is important.

[Purrrfect9]

the other thing is, i saw on a site that if you have a big tank as long as thier are alot of hiding places that it would be ok.

one of the main reasons why we suggest against getting large enclosures, tanks especially, is that it is so hard to try to maintain proper temperatures and humidity in them, which will only cause a lot of stress and frustration on your part. If your husbandry is 100% perfect and you do have multiple hides, then it is possible to keep a full grown female (or really large male) in a 55 gallon tank.

As far as other good beginner snakes, there are always corn snakes, which tend to get very long but stay pretty lean and they move pretty fast when compare to Ball Python's. For a baby, a 55 gal will still be too big for them though. For a bigger snake, Red Tail Boa's are pretty easy to care for, but they have the potential to get 8 to 10 feet long. Generally most people suggest only getting these snakes if you have had some experience with keeping reptiles/ snakes before, but if you do your research and know what your getting into, I think that you should be fine. The temperments of any of these snakes can vary, some may be very nippy, while some can be as calm as puppy dogs.

What ever you do decide to get, research research research!!!

[JohnNJ]

never for any reason should any 2 snakes be together unless for breeding purposes!

Never keep two snakes together in the same tank unless you are cycling them through for breeding.

Could someone point me to an authoritative source or proven research that supports this view that two BP's cannot successfully inhabit the same tank.

Thanks.
JohnNJ

[starmom]

what about a 29 gallon tank... dimensions are like a 20 gal tank except it has more height

Ball pythons are, for the most part, terrestrial snakes and so do not require height. In fact, the higher the tank the trickier it will be for you to control humidity.

or is there a snake that would fit my tank? samthing calm that rarely ever bites and is for begginers? I would like a pet that i can hold

Any snake can bit at any time Ball pythons are good because they are very timid and don't require or particularly enjoy a lot of holding. Have you looked into a male Bci (boa)? One would fit your tank (before outgrowing it) and they are more interactive than a ball python, and they are also a good fist larger snake.

Bottom line: Sounds like you would benefit from *really* searching around various sites and discovering about the different snake species and then making your determination about what snake species is good for you

the other thing is, i saw on a site that if you have a big tank as long as thier are alot of hiding places that it would be ok.

Yeah- not necessarily. Snakes have their own little quirks and some might be okay while the majority of others would not be okay. I really strongly urge you to hear this: Ball pythons typically do not do well in a 55g tank!

[starmom]

Could someone point me to an authoritative source or proven research that supports this view that two BP's cannot successfully inhabit the same tank.

Thanks.
JohnNJ

I don't think there are any empirical studies regarding keeping 2 ball pythons in the same enclosed environment. We recommend against doing so given the inherent problems involved: Health concerns (one gets sick, they both get sick); dominance issues over hides and spaces within the environment; male fighting; unintended breeding; etc etc

[boogidus]

ok thanks!!! ill look into some other snakes but if i decide to get a python i will use the 29 gallon tank i have or get a new one that is smaller in height!

[JohnNJ]

dominance issues over hides and spaces within the environment; male fighting

OK. Is there anecdotal evidence of dominance issues or males fighting available?

JohnNJ

[starmom]

Oh jeez John, there's tons

Ever seen two snakes that are together (like for breeding) all snuggled up together over the warm side? Yeah- snakes don't snuggle. They are competing for the warmth.

Then there is the trick of putting two males together so that they will fight in order to get their engines revved for breeding.

There are so many valid reasons NOT to keep snakes together; what is a reason for doing so???

[boogidus]

ive been looking at a boa.... it seems similar to a python attitude wise but they are a bit bigger? does anyone have experience with those? would it fit in a 55 gallon tank. many websites says thats a perfect size...

and any one know a herp show going on in the massachusettes area