Decisions, decisions.

Angron

Arachnopeon
Joined
Jul 10, 2008
Messages
37
Greetings everyone,

After keeping inverts for some time now, I've decided to expand into herps and get a snake and/or lizard. I'm resonably well read on reptiles in general but I would appreciate some advice and information from those who have far more knowledge and experience than I. For starters I'm not really sure what species to get, so any suggestions would be welcome.

Thanks
 

Mack&Cass

Arachnoprince
Old Timer
Joined
Oct 14, 2007
Messages
1,574
Before we can suggest anything, we will need some more info. Are you looking for an animal you can handle, or for a display? Also, how much space do you have and how much are you willing to spend?
Mackenzie
 

Lucas339

Arachnobaron
Old Timer
Joined
Jun 28, 2009
Messages
448
Before we can suggest anything, we will need some more info. Are you looking for an animal you can handle, or for a display? Also, how much space do you have and how much are you willing to spend?
Mackenzie
X2

both lizards and snakes come in a wide array of sizes and temperments.
 

Angron

Arachnopeon
Joined
Jul 10, 2008
Messages
37
Well I would prefer something I could handle and interact with on a fairly regular basis. Space isn't really an issue but it would be best if it could be housed in a 20 gallon aquarium for awhile. I'm giving myself a limit of $500 dollars maximum. I'm leaning towards either a Ball Python, Cornsnake, or Kingsnake. I'm still open to suggestions, however.
 

Lucas339

Arachnobaron
Old Timer
Joined
Jun 28, 2009
Messages
448
ball pythons will be handleable sooner if you are thinking of geting something on the small size. Kings are poopers and crap all over you during the taming. $500 goes a long way with ball pythons as well. with that amount, you don't have to get a normal.
 

Angron

Arachnopeon
Joined
Jul 10, 2008
Messages
37
The Ball Python is looking more and more like the final choice. Everything I've read on them mentions them being difficult eaters, does anyone have any experience with this? Also, what is the best place to get one? I'm thinking a reptile show, as there I could view the snakes and talk with the breeders/sellers about them.
 

Mack&Cass

Arachnoprince
Old Timer
Joined
Oct 14, 2007
Messages
1,574
Our male ball only eats about once a month, but our female feerls like she should be eating every day. I've heard the biggest problem with them feeding is if you feed them something like a hamster or whatever,say as a treat, then they won't switch back to what you were feeding them. We've been having troubles getting ours to switch from mice to rats also. They're starting to get too big for adult mice, but still won't take rats, so we just gotta keep trying.

A reptile show would probably be your best bet. At shows there's always so many other places selling something as common as balls, so every one's prices just get lower as the day goes on. If you're looking for just a normal then if you wait until closer to the end of the show, you should be able to find one for a really good price...you may have to haggle a bit, but that's what shows are all about.

Cass
 

Angron

Arachnopeon
Joined
Jul 10, 2008
Messages
37
Thanks, I appreciate the help. Any other snake that would be good for the beginner-intermediate level? I know how I get at reptile shows and I have a feeling I won't walk out with just one.
 

Lucas339

Arachnobaron
Old Timer
Joined
Jun 28, 2009
Messages
448
none of mine are picky eaters. like said before, males can go off feed for a while but it is nothing to worry about. usually happens during breeding season.

another awsome animal would be a leucy texas rat. i have had a thing for those for a while.
 
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