Wich breed of snake would be good for a first? and not 2 big!?

Question

Please help me i am lookin for a pet snake that will be handled wel and will be allways looked after, i need some help choosing them and the prices etc and it needs to be safe and not aggressave, please help explain about what the need to be fed, watered, cleaned out and the tempratures and the sort of "cages" they need. please help as i really love snakes and i have allways wanted one! please help!!! Thanks!

Answer 1

I KNOW!! A corn Snake is great they grow 32-42 inches and are easy to look after, they are cheap and really cute they hardly bite becasue they are constrictor snakes, but don't worry they only constirct things like mice and rats. they need to be feed hairless mice to start with then as they get older they start eating mice with hair, these are aviable at breeders and special pet shops that sell snake supplies. The snakes live from 15 to 20 years so be perparded for a nice long life with your snake. corn snakes do not have elaborate housing needs, but must be in an escape-proof enclosure. snake equipment in inexpensive!! Water is well just water hahaha. But like most reptiles they can go months without it... but always supply some!When choosing a snake, a captive bred specimen is the best choice and shouldn't be too difficult to find since corn snakes breed fairly readily in captivity. Look for a snake that is well fleshed with clear eyes, no cuts or scrapes, no signs of mites or ticks, a clean vent, and one that is alert and flicking its tongue. Picking a solid cage is a necessity for proper corn snake care. A 20 gallon long (i.e. longer, shallower version) makes a good sized cage for a corn snake. The most important part is to get a secure fitting lid that can be clamped down. Corn snakes will push at the lid with their noses looking for weaknesses so the fit of the lid is very important.

variety of materials can be used for substrate. Newspaper is the utilitarian choice - it is very easy to clean up, but the appearance in the cage leaves a little to be desired. Indoor/outdoor carpeting ("Astroturf") can be used, and if you cut two pieces you can rotate them by swapping the clean one for the dirty one at cleaning time, and thoroughly washing and drying the soiled one. Pine bark chips are another good choice - the chips soiled with f***s can simple be scooped out, and a thorough cleaning done as needed. Aspen shaving can be used in a similar manner, although it is probably a good idea to move the snake to a separate container for feeding so that the shavings are not inadvertently ingested. Sand, soil, corncob, pine shavings and cedar shavings are not good choices.

Hiding spots should be provided - a hide box (any closed in container like a cardboard box will do) should be provided that is just large enough for the snake to curl up in (if it is too large the snake will not feel as secure). Pieced of bark can also provide hiding spots if on a substrate that allows them to burrow under them. Ideally, a hiding place should be available in both the cooler and warmer ends of the enclosure. A branch should also be provided for climbing.

Water

A water dish will also be necessary, and the water should be kept meticulously clean. Snakes often defecate in their water, in which case it should be immediately cleaned. A heavy dish several inches in diameter makes a good water source. You may find you snake soaking in the dish, particularly before a shed.

Heating

Maintaining the cage at the correct temperature is vital to care of any reptile. A temperature gradient of about 70-85 F (21-29 C) should be maintained in the cage. Under tank heat pads or heat tape can be used, but place only under half the tank so there is a gradient from cooler to warmer. An overhead incandescent light can also be used to provide the heat gradient or as a supplemental basking spot. Corn snakes are from a temperate climate so they do not need tropical temperatures!

Lighting

There are no special light requirements for corn snakes.

Feeding

Corn snakes should be fed pre-killed mice or small rats (small rats are only suitable for larger corn snakes). Hatchlings are started out on pinkie mice for feedings and the size of the prey is increased as the snake grows. The prey item can be as wide or a little wider than the snakes head. Young growing snakes should be fed a couple of times a week, while adults need only be fed one appropriately sized prey item every week or 10 days.

It is not unusual for the appetite to decline around the time of a shed, so feeding frequency can be reduced if the appetite diminishes.

There i Hoped i helped heaps, i too want a snake so i previously have done alot of research!

Bye,

Answer 2

depending on where you live but i would recomend a childrens python, they grow up to 2-3 feet and are ver friendlyand love being handled. In NSW my one cost me $200 for a baby. You feed them on mice, day old pinkies to start with then graduate up in size but nothing bigger than their girth as they could choke, a small wooden box with glass lid and small vent holes is perfect you will need a heat mat, water dish and hide hole.temp should be around 30 degrees.

Best bet for keeping a snake heathy and happy is to choose the type of Snake you want then research as much info on the internet as you can before you buy it. Also make sure you have a REPTILE LICENCE

Answer 3

a rubber one!

Answer 4

Id go with a corn snake commonly known also as a {"Milk snake" or "Checkerd daddy:"  they are constrictors so be prepared to buy them  pinky mice when small and live  white mice when full grown! another great snake  is a King snake  I had one and loved it  (Also a constrictor so  mice is a must) A boa constrictor makes a wonderful pet as well but get large  and eat larger food when full grown (RATS)

Answer 5

get a childrens python there rly cool and interesting and easy to handle

Answer 6

I would go for the Ball/Royal Python they don't grow too big and are really docile I've owned 3 of these and am planning on buying 2 more in the near future.

Check out the below link for info on care and maintenance:

http://www.wnyherp.org/care-sheets/snake...

Answer 7

Id get a ball python or a childrens python! They are real easy and docile.

Answer 8

kk you might wanna small pythen 4 starters. they just hurt when they bite but if they are used 2 humans the most likely won't..... maybe a carpet one.....

Answer 9

If your new to owning a snake the first thing to consider really is the snake! Now I dont mean the kind of snake, more the kind of snake you can handle.

For people new to owning a snake its best to start small and work up to the larger more difficult to handle breeds. This will build up your confidence with snakes and allow you to get the most out of owning them as pets.

You could consider the following small ones to start off with;

Corn snake

house snake

ratsnake

milksnake

western hognose

Or if your slightly more advanced perhaps and want a larger snake, then maybe a  boa. Make sure you read up on them though.. they can be a handfull!!

Snakes are great pets providing you take good care of them.

Good luck with your first snake =]

Answer 10

ball pythons are gerat starter snakes and great around kids

Answer 11

Stimson's python's their

the best their not that big. all up for everthing like the cage,the heater and the snake it will cost about 500 to 700 dollars. they hardly bite if you handle them when there baby's. they need to be fed baby pinkie mice frozen or alive and when they get bigger pinkie rats. you only need to feed them once a week. so you can go on holidays and leave them home. they can not eat for three months.all they need is a 20 to 30 gallon aquarium.

Answer 12

child pythons are best for beginers

Answer 13

In Australia we are restricted to keeping native species only, just for the people who don't know this.

If you only want a small snake, you have three choices. All of these 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...

Hope this helps!

Answer 14

I can't help you with the cages and stuff, so chat to a local supplier or expert.

A carpet python might be too big first time though it is a good choice made by the person above.  Maybe try a children's python.

Answer 15

didnt i answer this question already?