Next step up?

[Jessica Dring]

In a couple of weeks (when My new hognose has settled and is feeding and doing ok) I will probably be looking to get a another snake. I definately want a boa in the future but won't be getting one for quite a while, I just wanna hear any suggestions which would be the next step up from a hognose.. yet also being an interesting snake to keep. Definately Don't want a royal at the moment I know that (had one before). Do want something thats a little handleable. Space and setup is not a problem, when I have decided what snake I want I will aquire everything I need. It's just an idea I want So if you have any please put ya ideas forward Thanksyooo

 

[dougefresh]

Hmm you've got a lot of options.......are you looking for a colubrid or a boid more?

I say you get a blood bython........

 

[Jessica Dring]

Probably a colubrid. I do like the bloods, but they have a reputation for being quite snappy don't they

 

[dougefresh]

Probably a colubrid. I do like the bloods, but they have a reputation for being quite snappy don't they

Yea they can be......but I've also seen a lot of people who are quite happy with theirs because they are quite docile..........I guess it determines on how aggresive the snake is really.......

Hmmm colubrid.......what about an asian beauty snake?

 

[Jessica Dring]

hmm they are quite nice, I've just seen some soft shell turtles I really like, I'm gonna look up some care sheets see what size they etc they get too lol.
I think I'd end up getting a borneo blood rather than the asian

 

[elevatethis]

Do your research on bloods and get the set up going before you have him.

They are not as forgiving of husbandry errors as the other species you've kept and with them, the "margin of error" as far as their temps and humidity is concerned is quite slim.

If you are serious about a blood....FORGET about using an aquarium to house it. You will absolutely need a plastic enclosure that will retain heat and humidity for them.

Also, as far as their temperment, I wouldn't call them snappy...more like "unpredictable." Most species I've worked with usually calm down after a few minutes of handling; my Blood on the other hand, he gets annoyed after 5 minutes or so and the story usually ends with him striking at me as I try to put him back in his cage.

Once fully grown, it is my understanding that they do calm down significantly, its just whether or not you are willing to take a few bites here and there in the mean time. Hopefully mine gets there soon...he's growing a lot, and so are his teeth

 

[Jessica Dring]

Hi elveatethis
Thanks alot for that. Of course, I would do loads of research before getting a blood, I though aquariums would be better at retaining humidity and heat..

 

[elevatethis]

Hi elveatethis
Thanks alot for that. Of course, I would do loads of research before getting a blood, I though aquariums would be better at retaining humidity and heat..

No way...glass has very poor insulating properties, compared to that of glass. Also, most people use screen lids to top glass tanks, so any heat that is in there just rises right out, leaving the floor temperature significantly cooler than areas above - and the floor is where the snake will be spending 100% of its time.

 

[Jessica Dring]

Did you mean plastic lol? I can see where plastic would be better. But then what are you sopposed to use for the lid...

 

[elevatethis]

Yeah sorry i meant plastic...its that time of the day...lol...

I don't want to tell you glass tanks can work...because they take a lot of "tweaking" to get right.

I once had a glass tank in a cold room that I had rigged to work for a boa constrictor. I had 3 sides insulated with Reflectix insulation, 20cm of substrate, and rigged the screen lid with more Reflectix and contact paper...it was a crazy looking tank but I didn't have a choice for placement, and even then it barely got the job done.

So yeah, my stance on housing for Blood Pythons is NO GLASS.