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Very new to this community - going to expo Saturday

diggityDawg

diggityDawg

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I've always wanted snakes and lizards, but never imagined my wife would ever, in her entire life, agree to such a proposal. Well, to my great shock, she handled a boa last weekend and told me that she thinks she wants a snake! Luckily, we've got the Sacramento Reptile Expo here this weekend, so I've been spending the last few days learning everything I can about snakes to prepare for the show. We're all going (our 5 y.o. son too), and may come home with a new friend if all the stars align...

So I'm open to suggestions, recommendations or advice. I'm thinking we'd want to start with something that is relatively calm, doesn't get too big, and can be tamed down to be a good family snake. Maybe a Ball Python, or a Corn? I saw a picture of a beautiful albino Blood Python yesterday, but I'm not sure it's a beginner snake...? BTW, I've owned lots of other animals and wouldn't just jump into this without understand the serious commitment I'm making to caring for this snake for potentially the next 20-25 years. I take that very seriously. So, I'm a sponge right now, trying to soak up all the info I can... I have to say, I'm SO EXCITED about this show Saturday!
 
Hey Eddie , welcome to fauna. alot of good people here and im sure you will find your self a good beginning snake for you and your family.

Enjoy the site and good luck finding that new family pet
 
Welcome to Fauna Eddie :wavey:

A Corn or Ball would be your better choices for a first timer. A Blood python is NOT. While the Bloods looks very similar in appearance to the Balls, their attitude may very well have been the cause for their name as they will very likely shed some of yours. :eek:

I would suggest researching both Balls and Corns prior to the expo so you have somewhat of an idea what you are looking for. Enjoy the expo and update us on your purchase.
 
Welcome! I agree with Dave; certain reptiles/herps are NOT for the beginner! I know that Balls (from experience) & corns (from research/word of mouth) are great for beginners. I've had bps for years & am just now gettting to the point where I would even entertain the notion of getting a blood. You also need to know that the bloods have come a long way since the days of wc imports.
Glad to hear you are researching your options first!
I know you'll enjoy the show--I go to them sometimes just to see what everyone 'higher up' than I am (on the reptile level) has...I nearly always walk out with something!
 
Thanks for the advice! I'll steer clear of the Bloods until I've had some experience handling the tamer snakes for a while. I'll let you know what I end up with after the expo!
 
Almost forgot - if anyone knows some of the breeders who will be at the show and can make any recommendations, that would be really helpful. Thx again!
 
Well, I went both days and ended up getting a beautiful male Dumeril's - about 10 months old. I'll post pictures once he's relaxed a bit. I do have a couple questions though:

The breeder said he just needs an under tank heater, some substrate, a hide box and bowl of water. He said if you spray him down a couple times a week he should be fine. So my questions are:

1. Is that right? He doesn't need an overhead heat source?
2. If true, then how do I measure the temp on the warm side? I have a temp gage in the cage, but it's mounted on the wall and says pretty much the same thing the other side says...
3. How long should I wait to try to feed him? I've read a week, the breeder told me just a day or two, since he's a little older and more comfortable with human interaction.

Any other tips specific to Dumeril's is appreciated. I understand they're pretty hearty animals, and this one (haven't picked a name yet) seems to be doing fine so far, but I just want to make him as comfortable as I can...

Thanks!

eddie
 
Yeah, dont do the blood. They arent for beginners by any means. Personally, I think either a small ball python or some sort of milksnake of your choosing may be best suited. Otherwise.. yeah...
Anyhow.. welcome aboard!
 
diggityDawg said:
1. Is that right? He doesn't need an overhead heat source?
2. If true, then how do I measure the temp on the warm side? I have a temp gage in the cage, but it's mounted on the wall and says pretty much the same thing the other side says...
3. How long should I wait to try to feed him? I've read a week, the breeder told me just a day or two, since he's a little older and more comfortable with human interaction.
Click to expand...

An overhead heat source would only be needed if the UTH is not enough to maintain a high enough temperature.

You may need to get another thermometer and place it in the bedding (remove it after you get a reading) to get a more accurate reading.

While some critters get used to being hauled to shows I'd still wait the week to feed it (better safe than sorry).
 
One last question (I guess I should start moving this to new threads) - should I leave the UTH on 24 hours a day? It's the only heat source there is in there right now... I thought I read somewhere that people were using the UTH as a night-time only heater...? Thanks again!!
 
diggityDawg said:
One last question (I guess I should start moving this to new threads) - should I leave the UTH on 24 hours a day? It's the only heat source there is in there right now... I thought I read somewhere that people were using the UTH as a night-time only heater...? Thanks again!!
Click to expand...

It all depends on what the temps are. If the temps are warm enough where you are located during the day then you obviously wouldn't need it.
 
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