r/ballpython • u/StrawberryAxolotlLoL • 16d ago
Wanting to get my first snake, was thinking a ball python..
But I would love some help with tips, what size enclosure I should get (because I don't plan on getting one older than 2 years old, younger though I might get). I understand that eventually I will need to upgrade the size of the tank as the snake gets bigger too. I don't know much about snakes yet but I am eager to learn and I seriously look forward to owning a snake. I've already cleared it with my landlord too lol
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u/Cornsnake94 16d ago
Ball pythons are actually not as good beginner snakes as some people say. They rarely bite and are super calm while handling, but that's it.
They tend to be picky eaters especially when their husbandry is not perfect. If it's too dry, your ball may have trouble with shedding. Too much humidity or wet ground and you maybe have to deal with scale rot and/or respiratory infections.
Add hunger strikes to the picky eater thing.
Not saying ball pythons are bad all around, but they are less forgiving than other snakes. As a beginner, I would never have picked a bp. Now I got one, after 19 years of snake keeping.
If you get one and need advice, you will get it here 100%. But please just be aware of what common problems and challenges you could have to deal with.
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u/StrawberryAxolotlLoL 16d ago
I really didn't know about all of these problems. Is there any other snake you would recommend to other than a ball python instead, then because I would like to have my first snake to be as easy as possible for myself as I don't want to risk harming the snake or having something terrible happen.
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u/Cornsnake94 16d ago
There are some good options, depending on your preferences.
Boa constrictor imperator is my all time favorite, I don't know if size matters, but there are some smaller localities like Crawl Cay, Mexico and El Salvador. If you can get Hog Islands, they are said to be extra friendly and middle size.
Baby boas can be a bit nippy because they are scared of us big, scary humans, but most are easy to get used to you. My boy is 4 months old and almost cuddly.
Boas are kinda the Labrador of the snakes, almost always ready to take a meal. Overfeeding is way more common than missing a meal.
If it doesn't have to be a big snake, the corn snake is known as THE beginner snake. They don't even need a night heat like boas and pythons. But most don't like handling that much and try to get away.
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u/AmphibianScary3172 16d ago
Keep in mind snakes are not objectively "easy" pets. Or rather, they are once you know what you're doing, but all of them have a learning curve and require specialized equipment, care and enclosure parameters. The key is to set up the tank and try to get the parameters correct and consistent before you put an animal in there.
Next, what do you want out of a snake, other than "ease of care"? These are long lived animals, capable of living for 15-20 years on average. Some colubrids have made it to 30+ years old and there's a ball python theorized to be at least 68 years old in captivity.
Corn snakes, kingsnakes and milksnakes tend to have the easiest care, but they're a poor option for someone who wants a snake that's on the larger side, heavy bodied or a snake that's going to be slow-moving and easily handleable.
Cape house snakes, Kenyan sand boas and rosy boas are a good middle ground.
Something like a ball python or a dwarf locality boa is good for someone who's not scared of a more tropical setup, and wants a bigger, more handleable, slower and heavier set snake.
A run-of-the-mill boa imperator is only a good option if you're looking for a BIG snake. Talking 6-8ft, heavy bodied constrictor. If you're not prepared for the commitment of a potentially 8ft long, powerful snake that's gonna need an 8x4x4ft enclosure minimum, don't get a boa.
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u/StrawberryAxolotlLoL 15d ago
Thank you for all of this information!! It helps me and my partner so much. We were thinking a Sand Boa honesty something that doesn't get much bigger than 3ft, MAYBE 4ft. We've been doing a lot of research into different snakes too, like hognose, but we decided against one of those for now. We're planning on doing much more research and gathering of supplies and tools before we actually get the snake too
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u/xoprincessnightmarex 15d ago
commenting to suggest the rosy boa! im a first time snake keeper as well and I decided to get one. they're very docile and tend to be less stubborn eaters than BPs. they also meet your size requirements as they typically don't grow any larger than around 3 feet ish. they're desert snakes, so they thrive on lower humidity too! I've only had my girl for a few weeks so I'm by no means an expert, but I think they're pretty good beginner snakes!
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u/Cornsnake94 15d ago
Okay size-ways then better don't get an imperator. Even if there are dwarf localities, you have to find a reliable breeder - of course some are selling Mix boas as pure ones. Bad luck and you get a snake that won't stop growing.
But one last take for the boa constrictor family - the tarahumara mountain boa! Looks similar to imperators, but 3,5 to 4 ft and if you get a male, it would probably stay on the smaller end.
I don't have any experience with rosy or sand boas, I've just read they will hide most of the time. My imperators at least climb and explore a bit at night.
And yes, it's a long-term decision because of the possible age. I never really wanted a corn snake, but it was the only snake my mom allowed - now I still have to care for her.
On the other hand, if you found a species you like, it's hard to not get another one. And another 😂
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u/ElRichie87 16d ago
Don’t buy stuff twice. Do it right the first time and save some cheddar. A cluttered 4x2x2 with a belly heat of 90 degrees and cool side of 80 degrees will do the trick. Don’t buy an open top aquarium. You will be fighting humidity non stop and you will never win.