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whats a good snake

X

xXBlueLipsXx

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currently when I get back from my vacation, my mom is letting me get a snake (im 16). I've been thinking about getting a Green tree python or a(n) Emerald Tree boa, but i've heard there aggressive and arent the handling type. but I dont know if its true because I heard of people touching and handling these two species about every few days (not just for maintanes). Anywho I'm just wondering whats a good first time snake (dont say corn snake or king snake because I dont really want those I'm kinda looking for some type of snake thats still exotic but can tolerate my handling and doesnt mind it too much) anyone know of some?
 
I also wanted an Emerald Tree Boa as my first snake, because they are really beautiful, but I am so glad now that I didn't - all those who keep them say that they are not good snakes for handling - and if the snake doesn't like to be handled, it will stress out and you won't like it either!

So, I think you are being very realistic, and doing the right thing by asking for advice. Everyone's will be different, but here is mine:

I did start with a ratsnake and a corn snake, and actually really enjoyed them and would have them again in the future. There are some really spectacular coloured cornsnakes out there, and they get pretty big in time.

However, I think you can't go wrong with a standard Boa - there are plenty of options as to pattern and colouration, there are plenty of responsible beeders and sellers on here who can guide you to a great snake without it costing a fortune, they get big but not too big, they have character and a great temperament for regular handling.

Some people will guide you towards Ball Pythons, and there are every many of those around, but in my opinion they aren't too much fun to handle - a Boa is more responsive to its owner (Now I'm going to be shouted at by Ball Python lovers, but I did say this was a matter of opinion :)).

I'd also go to your local pet store and see what kind of support there is in the area - get an address for a local reptile vet, food stores etc. You're going to need frozen mice to start with and rats later on.

Hope you have fun choosing - let us know what you get!. :thumbsup:
 
yeaa im thinking about going to the reptile expo where I live at, where there selling (last time i went there, there wasnt many babies yet only last years) but im not to big on boas anyways (unless there exotic like the emerald lol) nor corn snakes nor king snakes (i really dont know why lol), thats why I came here if anyone knew of a good snake thats not sold at petsmart or petco (ones at the expo there boas are waayyy more then I have money wise atm and there not babies or at least a juvinile). sorry for bad spelling, it sucks, i know lol
 
ETBs and GTPs are attractive, no doubt about that...but they are also fairly expensive, and not very forgiving of husbandry errors. In other words, they really aren't a good choice for somebody's first snake - of course, the same can be said for most of the "exotic" species because they tend to have specialized care requirements.
Since you seem to be set against "common" snakes; what is it you like about GTPs and ETBs? The color? The way they coil on a perch? Their size? The way a nicely decorated cage looks?
It would be easier to recommend something if you offered some basic guidelines, such as size limits, price range, etc; but I'll toss out the suggestion of carpet pythons to give you something to consider.
 
mainly I like how cool they look there patterns are unusual sometimes it really makes me interested in all up honesty and they just look cool. I dont mind a bit of hard work to take care of a snake (personally I like a little challenge) as for pricing it doesnt matter too much but nothing over $1,000 because thats just too expensive for me at the moment. also I like the size's they get to and just there look in general when there perched up on something and coiled.
price the snake has to be under $1,000
My size limit... I really dont have one, but I would prefer a snake to be big in all honestly
also I'd like for it to be colorful and beautiful really
 
ETBs and GTPs aren't big. Afrocks and retics are big.
This is a jungle carpet/diamond python cross
sydney.jpg

another one
otherchick.jpg

a "lower grade" more common looking version
ssboyfriend.jpg



And carpets are semi-arboreal, so they will make use of perches/branches
carpets006.jpg

and a jaguar, for good measure
carpets003.jpg
 
Honestly if I had up to $1000 to spend on a snake I would get a Burmese python because you can hold them when they're small but they're really fun to look at when they get older. I just don't know exactly how their personalities are when they're full grown (wouldn't want to get bit by one of those lol)
 
I think burmese pythons are illegal in my state or you need a liscence for it (i know some snakes are illegal in my state)
 
Oh haha well I'm in Oregon but I don't know what the guidelines are. I'm pretty sure reticulated pythons are illegal where I live
 
If you're want something somewhat unique and kinda large -generally topping out around 10' - you may want to consider a yellow anaconda. They're inexpensive and fairly easy to keep. It didn't take much more than a large tub of water to keep mine content.

Here's a cute little one:

powershot157.jpg


Here's one that's closer to fully grown:

powershot097.jpg
 
think I need a permit for a green anaconda (i assume its the same for a yellow one) I checked on my state for which snake needs a permit and not
 
xXBlueLipsXx said:
think I need a permit for a green anaconda (i assume its the same for a yellow one) I checked on my state for which snake needs a permit and not
Click to expand...
Since there's an itemized list of which snakes require the permit, if yellow anacondas aren't explicitly named, they don't require the permit.

Assuming that the following information isn't outdated, it seems to be a pretty simple process to get the required permit:

http://www.reptileexperts.com/Texas_Laws.htm

Texas has pretty lenient laws when it comes to owning snakes (minus city ordinances which need to be checked on a different level). If you keep one of the larger constrictors, if you keep any venomous that is not native to Texas, then you require a simple permit that you can consider as a tax stamp, that you may pick up anywhere hunting license are available. The permit is called a "Recreational Controlled Exotic Snake Permit" (RCESP) and is available to anyone in the State of Texas who is allowed to purchase a license. This permit must be renewed annually (august 15th) and cost the holder $20 a year.



Fortunately, when you purchase a snake on this list, you have 21 days from purchase to be able to obtain a permit. During this time the seller will provide you with a proof of sale that will act as a temporary permit. After which time you will no longer be protected under your proof of purchase, and you are required to obtain the proper permit. Sellers of these snakes also fall under a slightly different permit based system. Individuals who plan on breeding or selling any of the snakes listed under the RCESP will need to purchase a "Commercial Controlled Exotic Snake Permit" (CCESP) for $60 annually. On top of the purchase of this permit, sellers are required by state law to keep a documented record of the sale, and include the buyers full name and address. This list of names must be then submitted to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), as well as be retained for no less than 2 calendar years. Your CCESP will also take the place of your RCESP. You must be able to provide a copy of your CCESP at the request of any TPWD official.



Let's take a look at what species are considered under this permit system:

- African Rock Python (Python sabae)**

- Asiatic Rock Python, aka Indian Rock or Sri Lankan Python (Python Molurus)**

- Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus)

- Reticulated Python (Python reticulates)

- Southern African Python (Python natalensis)**

- All Non-indigenous (Native) Venomous snakes (Vipers, Elapids, Colubrids)

*Also included are ANY hybrids of these including Burmese x Ball Python, Burmese x Rock, Retic x Burmese, etc
Click to expand...
 
Carpets tend to be nippy babies - they're very motion and touch sensitive - but they settle down as they grow.
Yellow anacondas are great....but you'd have to find one in TX, because they cannot be shipped (or otherwise transported) across State lines.
 
- What's your budget for the snake AND the enclosure + equipment, such as heat tape or radiant heat panel, thermostats, etc? Some species require enclosures that maintain appropriate temperatures and humidity, and they can cost more than the snake.

- How large of a snake do you want to deal with once it's grown up?

- If you are 16 I expect you'll be headed to college in a few years. Most dorms don't permit pets. So, how large of a snake do your parents want to deal with in a few years?
 
- I already have the tank, bedding, water bowle, lights, thermostate etc...all of that bought only budget I have is the snake its self which is nothing over $1,000
- nothing thats pass 10' or so give or take (depends really on how big around they are)
- I'm going to a vet school (im assuming they'll allow animals sense you know snakes are animals and im moving out when I go to college and am taking the snake with me, might buy my own apartment or house or something besides living in a dorm)
 
I dont mind nippy babies really as long as they will out grow it or settle down after awhile and yeaa I wouldnt mind a yellow anaconda but, my mom ...yeaa...sense she knows what a anaconda is she's going to say hell no to that lol ...so a anaconda wouldnt do in her house too much while im living there
 
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