What are some beginner snakes that would suit me?

Question

Hi, I am hoping to soon own a snake for the first time! I know the basics of caring for them, but now I need to work out which breed to get!

I am thinking of a Children's python, but am un-sure.

I would like a snake no bigger than 6ft (prefer 5ft or smaller) and isn't venomous at all.

I would also like one that doesn't mind being handled.

PLEASE MAKE SURE IT IS AVAILABLE AND ALLOWED IN AUSTRALIA!

So which should I get?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Well I think that you should get whatever snake that you want, you are going to have it for a long time so get one that matches your personality something you feel comfortable with not what other ppl think you should get, you have to raise it not them. Just do your research and you will find the perfect snake for yourself.

Answer 2

Ball pythons are probably the easiest

Answer 3

The typical beginner snakes seem to be king snakes, corn snakes, and ball pythons.

Check with a local pet store and see what is available.  Talk to someone who seems to know what they are talking about.  Read some books in the pet store.

I find it hard to believe that corn snakes or ball pythons are illegal in Australia given that you guys have practically every poisonous snake known to man living there.  As snakes go, they don't get a lot more docile than those two.

But you are going to have to do some local research to see what is acceptable in Australia and your state.

Above all else research this a lot before you get one.  Keep in mind many snakes can live in excess of ten years.  So you'll be looking after it for a while and feeding it dead or live mice (or similar).

You'll need to set up a habitat before getting it, and follow all the advice from the books you are going to have to read.

It's not like getting a hamster, you have to put some thought into snake ownership.  Remember that the snake will never love you or care for you.  If you upset it, it will bite you.  The best you are going to get is a snake that will tolerate you holding it, and may appear semi-interested in you.

Answer 4

you need a childrens python or a woma python for the woma it is legal and a great snake and mine is around 6 feet

Answer 5

Corn snakes are the best in my opinion. They don't get too big, 6ft is the biggest one I've ever had, they are easy to handle, and come in so many colors!

I hope this helped! & Also that you can have them in Australia!  

Answer 6

Hi,

I live in Darwin, NT and own two snakes.

When I was a beginner I got a children's python, he was snappy at first but got used to me. (he is now 1.6 meters)

My second is a NT carpet python, and she is so pretty she has never bitten me ever, and has amazing colours.

Carpet pythons are very tame and get very attached to you if you constantly hold them. They grow to about 3 meters. I know its a bit bigger but I'm only a beginner as well and I'm not finding it hard plus I really like it when you can hang them over your shoulders. its cool! :).

Hope you find the perfect snake for you.

Answer 7

Snakes are so scary..

Answer 8

Yes you are right Sugar, any exotic species are illegal in Australia - I wish people would read the question properly and learn the laws before they write ridiculous answers!

If you only want a small snake under 5 foot, you really only have three choices. All of the below usually have a very calm temperament, and have the same housing and heating requirements. Its really just up to you of what you like the look of more. The prices I have listed are if you buy from a private breeder, pet stores are dearer.

[ Childrens Python - antaresia childreni ] $150 - $200 AU

Average at about 3ft when fully grown. Patterns will fade dramatically as the python matures.

Normal :

- http://www.reedysreptiles.com/fullsize/f...

- http://www.vhs.com.au/assets/images/Chil...

[ Stimsons Python - antaresia stimsoni ] $250 - $400 AU

Also average about 3ft when fully grown. These animals tend to have the most bold markings throughout their lives depending on locality. Animals originating from Western Australia are often called the most beautiful of stimsons - often being patterned in very bright reds oranges and yellows. Northern Territory or South Australian animals are generally a brown / red with smaller blotching.

NT / SA locale :

-http://www.inlandreptile.com/galleries/f...

-http://www.premierpythons.com/pb/wp_8883...

Wheatbelt (WA) locale :

- http://www.snakeranch.com.au/images/stim...

- http://www.snakeranch.com.au/images/stim...

[ Spotted Python - antaresia maculosa ] $200 - $300

Get a tad larger than the others, some animals getting to about 4ft. They have larger, bolder patterns than the childrens which don't fade. There is the normal 'wild' type colouring to choose from or the more attractive in my opinion, 'blonde' phase animals.

Blonde :

- http://www.australianaddiction.com/MAC_M...

Normal :

- http://www.hiss-n-things.com/SnakesWe've...

Care sheet which can be substituted for all of the above :

http://www.tinypythons.com/caresheet_chi...

Good luck with your first snake, you will love it and they are very addicting! =)

Answer 9

Well I would get a children's python they are very small most topping out at 3 to 4 ft and they are legal.  For more info I would look up aussiepythons.com.

All lizards, snakes and turtles are protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act and it is against the law to take them from the wild. If you wish to keep reptiles, you must get a license from the Department of Environment and Conservation.

Currently, members of the general public can keep Children's Pythons in all states and territories apart from Tasmania and Western Australia. All states have different licensing laws and requirements. It is best to contact the Department of Environment and Conservation in each state to find out what you must do.

In W.A the approved species list is constantly under review and it is best to seek advice from the Department of Environment and Conservation.

In Tasmania, only native Tasmanian reptiles can be kept. The importation of native reptiles from other states is not allowed. There is no immediate plan by the government to change this.