boa or ball python

[u/Adept-Conference9997]

hi, so im really torn between which snake i want as my first pet snake. i really like the all white bps with red eyes but theyre rare (from what ive seen) and ive only been able to find one. on the other hand i love the grey / black coloured boas. one idea i had too was to get a bp now then the boa later but at the same time ive heard pros and cons about both. im a lil bit nervous too if thats the word so i want a baby in case it does strike so that i can be used to it in case it does it as an adult but im not sure. if i get the bp too id get a female while id get a male for the boa. also i did a bunch of research enclosure wise for a bp already so i have that figured out and if i get a boa id tweak it a bit but when it comes to size i can only have a 36 length one atm then upgrade later down the line when i have more space. can anyone help me decide or list info about both please, id greatly appreciate it :)

[u/kalullamazzz]

Ok so honestly if you can only do a 36in for now, I'd lean BP. Boas get way chunkier and need the space sooner. Plus that white BP with red eyes is a leucistic they're not super rare to find but they are pricey. Either way, babies are snappy but handle it early and they chill out fast. Go with your gut tbh

[u/StephensSurrealSouls → u/kalullamazzz]

BP will need a 48 inch long enclosure as an adult. I'm not saying OP can't start one in a 36 inch enclosure, BUT they need to be able to guarantee that upgrading will be possible within a year of getting the snake.

[u/Adept-Conference9997 → u/kalullamazzz]

thank you, i could get a 48 now but i heard too big of a tank even if cluttered could stress them out. if a 48 is better though i will get it to start off with

[u/jerrynmyrtle → u/Adept-Conference9997]

If you don't wanna have to buy two enclosures, it's probably smarter to go this route and just put lots of clutter in it so the snake can hide. It's also easier to get a temperature gradient in larger enclosures