Still trying to decide which snake...

[Conner]

So I've come to a point where I keep flip-flopping on what kind of snake to buy.

I've got 3 options, all of which have there pluses. Here they are:

Western Hognose
Ball Python
Brazilian Rainbow Boa

I like the first two because they stay smaller and can be kept in something the size of a 30g aquarium for life.

I really really like western hognoses ever since I saw a pic of one on here, but I have yet to find anyone local to me, where I could see the snake in person before buying (I have a guy who may put me in contact with a breeder he knows, though).

I like ball python's, because they don't get too big, are fairly calm and are pretty easy to take care of.

I like the Brazilian Rainbow boa because, well, they're just freakin' awesome looking! One of my lfs' has a locally bred specimen that is very nice. But they get a little bigger, needing something like a 55g tank or so (right?).


So my question is, what is a good snake for a beginner? I want something that doesn't get too big (still considering the brazilian though), is calm enough for me to handle regularly, feeds easily, and doesn't have too demanding of care requirements.

Which one do you guys think fits that bill the best? Or is it just a toss up, and I should get whatever the hell I want?

 

[Conner]

Oh, I like smaller, because I have a 10g, a 20L, and a 29g (36x12) that I can use for a snake. I also have a 55g, but it currently has a turtle in it, and I may end up selling it anyways in a month or two.

 

[RedDwarf]

I say go with the ball python, with the color variations that are around now, you can get a really outstanding specimen. You can't beat their temperament and they don't tend to strike as much as the hognose. I think the rainbow would be better served in a tank larger than a 55.

 

[Bighurt]

Oh, I like smaller, because I have a 10g, a 20L, and a 29g (36x12) that I can use for a snake. I also have a 55g, but it currently has a turtle in it, and I may end up selling it anyways in a month or two.

This has come up quite a bit over at kingsnake.com regarding aquariums as adequate housing for reptiles.

IMO they have their place however for Snakes and other basking Reptiles an Aquarium is more of an oven than an enclosure. To add to the misery the toppers stores sell to convert these, really promote the ovenesq of the enclosure. The screen top does nothing to keep in moisture and heat for that matter.

There are so much better enclosures both DIY and in the trade that are designed for each species.

To each their own of course but if it were me and I had to use an aquarium designed for fish I'd turn it on it side and build a custom front to aid in both temperature control and access to the animal.

After all many Herps fear the monster from above however when placed at equal levels they seam to be better off.

 

[dragonsong]

I say ball python . As said there are so many different colors and some are pretty affordable so theres a good chance you'll be able to find a snake you like.

 

[Brooklynella]

This has come up quite a bit over at kingsnake.com regarding aquariums as adequate housing for reptiles.

IMO they have their place however for Snakes and other basking Reptiles an Aquarium is more of an oven than an enclosure. To add to the misery the toppers stores sell to convert these, really promote the ovenesq of the enclosure. The screen top does nothing to keep in moisture and heat for that matter.

There are so much better enclosures both DIY and in the trade that are designed for each species.

To each their own of course but if it were me and I had to use an aquarium designed for fish I'd turn it on it side and build a custom front to aid in both temperature control and access to the animal.

After all many Herps fear the monster from above however when placed at equal levels they seam to be better off.

This is a thread derail but could prove useful to the OP so here it goes...
I started a thread a while back regarding heating tubs and didn't get any good answers as to how one can keep a tub in a northern climate warm without using a heat lamp. Right now, 1' above the UTH is ROOM TEMP, which means 68-70 degrees tops. Add a heat light and I can easily make the warm side 85+. 68-70 degrees is not enough for any BP or Boa, so I'm curious what you suggest as you are stating tanks are not ideal.
How can the OP maintain a temp in the 85 range without using a heat lamp?

To the OP, The Brazilian gets just a tad too large for a 55 but it's doable for a long time. Of the 3, the Hognose will be most challenging and not the best choice for a beginner. Good choices though; you can't go wrong with any you mentioned.

 

[snakeguy101]

i am partial to the rainbow boa but it would need the 55gal.

 

[Conner]

I would probably just start the snake out in the aquarium, as I am pretty good with carpentry and could easily build a tank out of plywood and glass/acrylic.

I just want to start out small and simple, and worry about upgrading and doing things more complex later on. I do like the idea of turning the aquarium on its side and rigging a front screen/window, rather than leaving it upright. That's an interesting use of the tank.


I also would like opinions on basking lamps for these snakes, as I've read that an under tank heater is all that is needed usually, but a basking lamp may be required to get the temps up to where the boa's need it.

 

[Conner]

This has come up quite a bit over at kingsnake.com regarding aquariums as adequate housing for reptiles.

IMO they have their place however for Snakes and other basking Reptiles an Aquarium is more of an oven than an enclosure. To add to the misery the toppers stores sell to convert these, really promote the ovenesq of the enclosure. The screen top does nothing to keep in moisture and heat for that matter.

There are so much better enclosures both DIY and in the trade that are designed for each species.

To each their own of course but if it were me and I had to use an aquarium designed for fish I'd turn it on it side and build a custom front to aid in both temperature control and access to the animal.

After all many Herps fear the monster from above however when placed at equal levels they seam to be better off.

Turning the tank on the side, is an under tank heater going to be sufficient for heating the tank to the required basking temps, or would a basking lamp be needed as well? If you need a basking lamp, wouldn't it need to be inside the tank to be at all effective? Putting it inside of a tank turned on its side seems like a bad idea...

 

[Bighurt]

Turning the tank on the side, is an under tank heater going to be sufficient for heating the tank to the required basking temps, or would a basking lamp be needed as well? If you need a basking lamp, wouldn't it need to be inside the tank to be at all effective? Putting it inside of a tank turned on its side seems like a bad idea...

Seeing as it was mentioned that my post was a thread derail send me a PM.

Back to the initial question...you mentioned you have carpentry skills and are willing to build the proper enclosure.

With that said, buy whatever you want, not just what you can house for life in what you have. I am a firm believe in you shouldn't buy an animal just because you have space for it, you should buy an animal you want and make the space for it.

On the other end you do need to make sure you are capable of housing the animal in the end, so I don't recommend a Burmese, Reticulated, or Scrub Python, unless you are prepared to house a Monster Snake.

So if limited to your three choices, I'd pick the Rainbow, beautiful animal I know a breeder they are very hardy animals. Although they don't display the best, you won't find quality at your local pet store though...there are other sources...