Contemplating getting a snake

[spideyspinneret78]

For about the past year or so, I've been contemplating getting a snake. Many years ago I cared for snakes and other reptiles as a zookeeper, but I want something that's beginner-friendly, relatively small in size, colorful, and easy to care for. The species that I'm thinking about are: Rosy boa, Sinaloan Milksnake, Pueblan Milksnake, and Arizona Mountain Kingsnake. If I decide to get one of these animals, I want to make it a priority to do everything correctly. I've been researching various setups and enclosures. It's a little out of my budget at this time, but I'm thinking about going to a reptile expo next month to have a look around and see what's out there. I also have a reputable breeder that lives in my town that I may contact. I understand that getting a snake is a big commitment and I want to do my research and make sure that I'm 100% invested to take care of a reptile that may live for 15-30 years. In terms of resources, what additional forums would you recommend? What are some reputable online breeders? Also, what are the most important things to consider when first getting a snake, especially for a beginner?

 

[Frogdaddy]

Don't leave the underrated corn snake or California King off your short list.
If I were buying a snake I would probably find a trustworthy vendor at a local reptile show.

 

[Tarantuland]

Get a hognose, they’re the best. More interactive and personality than many other snakes.

 

[kingshockey]

dont forget a wide water dish so the snake you chose can soak itself before an upcoming shed. if your in the los angeles area i know a shop owner who breeds the majority of his stock for sale

 

[viper69]

For about the past year or so, I've been contemplating getting a snake. Many years ago I cared for snakes and other reptiles as a zookeeper, but I want something that's beginner-friendly, relatively small in size, colorful, and easy to care for. The species that I'm thinking about are: Rosy boa, Sinaloan Milksnake, Pueblan Milksnake, and Arizona Mountain Kingsnake. If I decide to get one of these animals, I want to make it a priority to do everything correctly. I've been researching various setups and enclosures. It's a little out of my budget at this time, but I'm thinking about going to a reptile expo next month to have a look around and see what's out there. I also have a reputable breeder that lives in my town that I may contact. I understand that getting a snake is a big commitment and I want to do my research and make sure that I'm 100% invested to take care of a reptile that may live for 15-30 years. In terms of resources, what additional forums would you recommend? What are some reputable online breeders? Also, what are the most important things to consider when first getting a snake, especially for a beginner?

ballpythons.net

Arizona’s are gorgeous so are the morphs

Cal kings normal phase

Always use a thermostat to control heating

No hot rocks!!!!!!!

Radiant Heat Panels
Ultratherm UTHs

Never ever feed a live mouse to a snake, more so juvi mouse or adult mouse!!!!

 

[Jaycooks1]

2nd the Hognose i had one in high school and loved it.Much more personality compared to my ball python.

 

[JonnyTorch]

I don't have snakes but after going to the super show and looking at everything last week those ball pythons with color morphs and the Pueblan Milksnakes were the prettiest there, to me anyway. The person I went with got a Pueblan and it looks gorgeous and they apparently don't get too big compared to the Honduran or other snakes. Update us with what you get.

 

[Frogdaddy]

Oooh yeah Pueblans are really really pretty. I don't get into all those man made morphs. Natural animals as designed by Mother Nature are pretty enough. Why does man feels he has to play God and improve upon something that is already perfectly designed?

 

[Ian14]

Of the 4 you have listed, I would suggest that the mountain king is the least suitable for a first snake. They can be very finicky to get feeding. The 2 milk snake species are both the same in terms of behaviour and care. Skittish and quick, they don't like handling.
Rosy boas are ok, but again, they can be difficult feeders to begin with. Once established feeders on unscented defrost they are dead easy.
Hognoses? They are a mildly venomous rear fanged species who need different care to what is often cited. Much higher temperatures, and fed smaller but more frequent meals. They are capable of causing very nasty bites.
The absolute most important factor in choosing a snake as a new keeper is its feeding history. Only buy a snake that has had, as an absolute minimum, 6 consecutive defrosted and unscented feeds on pinks.
For resources, reptileforums.co.uk is probably a good starting point. It's UK based, however you will get excellent advice. Just like this forum is US based, but is considered the leading arachnid forum.

 

[spideyspinneret78]

Of the 4 you have listed, I would suggest that the mountain king is the least suitable for a first snake. They can be very finicky to get feeding. The 2 milk snake species are both the same in terms of behaviour and care. Skittish and quick, they don't like handling.
Rosy boas are ok, but again, they can be difficult feeders to begin with. Once established feeders on unscented defrost they are dead easy.
Hognoses? They are a mildly venomous rear fanged species who need different care to what is often cited. Much higher temperatures, and fed smaller but more frequent meals. They are capable of causing very nasty bites.
The absolute most important factor in choosing a snake as a new keeper is its feeding history. Only buy a snake that has had, as an absolute minimum, 6 consecutive defrosted and unscented feeds on pinks.
For resources, reptileforums.co.uk is probably a good starting point. It's UK based, however you will get excellent advice. Just like this forum is US based, but is considered the leading arachnid forum.

Thanks for the advice. I'll be sure to take this into account.

 

[Dry Desert]

Thanks for the advice. I'll be sure to take this into account.

African house snake.
Lovely calm snake that stays small.

 

[me and my Ts]

Amazon tree boas are the only snakes I’d ever keep

 

[Ian14]

Amazon tree boas are the only snakes I’d ever keep

Not for a first snake though. While they are very easy to keep and breed, and even handle once you know how to approach them, I would not recommend them to a completely new keeper.

 

[me and my Ts]

Not for a first snake though. While they are very easy to keep and breed, and even handle once you know how to approach them, I would not recommend them to a completely new keeper.

I don’t have any experience with them. I’d just like to keep them because I could keep them in a planted vivarium and they seem somewhat similar to an eyelash viper but without the venom

 

[Arthroverts]

Rosy Boa all the way!

One of the easiest snake species, if not the easiest, in my experience to keep, and very forgiving of mistakes (which is nice when new to snake keeping). I've had mine for 13 years.

I would also agree with @Frogdaddy that getting your specimen in-person so you can inspect it is the way to go if possible.

Thanks,

Arthroverts

 

[Westicles]

Corn snakes, Cal kings, Honduran milk snakes would be my recommendations. Hondurans definitely get bigger than other milks, but care wise they're not much different. A decent sized, absolutely beautiful species in my opinion that's easy to keep.

 

[Westicles]

Not for a first snake though. While they are very easy to keep and breed, and even handle once you know how to approach them, I would not recommend them to a completely new keeper.

Completely agree, definitely not suitable for a new keeper.

 

[Westicles]

Any updates or still deciding on which species?

 

[spideyspinneret78]

Any updates or still deciding on which species?

I'm still giving it some thought. Going to a reptile show next weekend and I'm going to have a look at what's there. Not planning to buy just yet. At the next show I might actually get a snake once I've done more research and have everything set up beforehand.