Just so you know- I worked at a retail pet store for five years- so I can guarantee when people say a hamster is a good "beginner" animal, they literally mean its disposable. People would say with no effs given "At least we won't have to deal with it for long since it only lives a few years." or parents saying to their kids "I won't be taking care of it- so its your fault if he dies." and comments that are even worse. The truth is- there is no beginner animal. If you don't have the research, money, time, and compassion- the animal- no matter how "Easy"- will not thrive. Thank you for the informative video for the new peeps!
Jeez, if they want a short lived species they'd be better off going with a bonded pair or trio of rats than a hamster. Hamsters are little jerks. Only people who REALLY REALLY LOVE HAMSTERS, and are able to give them the species appropriate care they need, should have hamsters. Foster a dog! Foster a cat! Put out raw shelled peanuts until the local corvids adopt your household!
I don't know. There's species that are emphatically *not* for beginners, which implies that some species are better for beginners. I think it's a lot more variable than "get a corn or ball" but I wouldn't recommend, i.e, a Fea's viper or dragon snake or red tailed green rat.
It’s so sad how people treat hamsters. They’re delightful little pets full of personality and not disposable at all. People see something small and decide it has no worth because of its size.
@CandiceLemonSharks lol, hamsters definitely can be a little moody and nippy, but with proper care and handling they’re delightful. Only drawback (and the reason I stopped keeping them ultimately) is how short lived they are.
I started with the snake I wanted. A corn snake. I think they are just beautiful, the perfect size and temperament. They are forgiving with care. I’m 71 and always wanted a corn snake and was on my bucket list. I’ve had Topaz for about 6 months. She’s a youngster and growing like a weed. I love her and so happy to have her.
My first snake was a corn snake a friend of mine was rehoming and can confirm you cannot for wrong with a corn snake! She’s the best and I love her so much, but now that I want to expand my snake family I realized a male hognose or rosy boa or Kenyan sand boa are even better suited to my lifestyle because they can stay in smaller enclosures (I’m in a 1000sq ft apartment) and don’t have high humidity requirements ☺️ I also learned ball pythons aren’t for me (as much as I love them and your videos about them!) but the space and humidity requirements they have (along with how much more expensive it is to feed them vs a hognose or corn snake) doesn’t match my particular lifestyle. So important to reflect on what pet best matches with the life you want to live and care you want to give 😄
I just got my first a few months ago, a Pueblan Milk. He's actually been great, doesn't need quite the space that a Corn does and only needs 2 hoppers a week (the one caveat to milks vs kings, milks have little heads and usually take a smaller size mouse than you'd normally feed a snake their size), you maybe have to watch his head a little more when handling or working around him due to the legendary king/milk "food mode", but he's never actually struck at me or my wife. We would love to get a hognose to add to the collection, but alas we can't have em in Colorado.
@@mrvwbug4423 I would love a milk snake! My hognose causes so much stress because of his picky eating and hunger strikes, so I think a milk or corn snake is a better choice anyway 😅
My first choice was a ball python. I've been fascinated by them since the 2nd grade when a local snake keeper came into class with a few of their snakes for a learning experience. Owning one was something I had to put on hold till I was in a place where I could afford the upkeep and had good space for the enclosure. Then it was research, research, research. I annoyed my friend who'd kept bp's for 20 years. I scoured all the videos I could find on youtube (largely this channel and Snake Discovery). I haunted all the forums I could find. And yeah, I had the enclosure up and running for at least a month before I got my guy so that his transition would be as smooth as possible. And so far, it's been a really great experience. He eats and sheds really well. He spends a fair amount of time in the evenings out and cruising around or curled around my headset while I'm on the computer. I lucked out to have such a chill snake to learn and grow with and I'm very glad I waited till I was ready before I dived into snake ownership. I'm already planning for the next one for the later half of the summer.
Spent a yr and a month prior to buying my first Ball Python, Izzy. Here’s where it got to be a bit of a challenge me, she had stuck shed on her & was very underweight for a baby Ball Python. So I listened to my gut instinct to feed day after I had brought her home. Under normal circumstances I would have waited til she had gotten settled in. She took her food like a champagne & I was doing more research on this particular situation that I had bot done research on, but I love animals as much as I love life so of course I found what I needed & I was doing it correctly. I give a big shout out to Snake Discovery, Clint’s Reptiles, Nerd for all their knowledge I have gained from the videos and I hope I get to meet them in person so I show them the life they helped me save. And I give a huge THANK YOU to you, Bob for guiding me to my to my first Ball Python, Izzy-Ivy, who once weighed in at under 100grams now weighs close to 400 grams! Thank you❤
Watching this video like I don't already have 17 reptiles. My first reptile was my sister's leopard gecko who is now around 15 years old then a rescued corn snake named Ramen who has since passed. From there I now have 3 boa constrictors, a dwarf retic, a leachianus gecko, crested geckos, hognoses, amongst others. I can confidently agree that the best 'beginner' reptile is the one that you want, within reason. I never thought I'd ever be comfortable keeping large, humidity-loving species but now they're my favourite to keep
Rosy Boas ... they can sometimes be difficult to find, but have the temperament of ball pythons (maybe even better) and similar care requirements (temp/humidity), and more reliable feeding.
Interesting, with Rosy Boas, people are either "they're scale puppies like a Ball Python" or "they're super cantankerous and bitey". I think Rosys are probably easier care requirements than a Ball, they're from the southwest so prefer low humidity. I know not having the humidity perfect on a Ball can cause a hunger strike. I've heard Boa species in general have an appetite like a colubrid so rarely go off food.
I love your thoughts on "starter pet" often meaning "disposable pet". I definitely think there are some snakes that no amount of research will get you ready for if you're starting with zero snake experience, but there are waaaay more species that are completely reasonable for people that do their homework before purchasing. My "starter snake" story - I was originally going to get a ball python (a rescue) but I realized I wanted a snake that would be more active in their enclosure. I got an adult yellow rat snake instead, set her up with lots of climbing branches, etc. She decided she's actually a fan of hiding, not climbing, so I never see her. Still love her, but if I wanted a snake that stayed in a ball all day I would have just gotten the dang python. At least the python would help me with dishes (apparently?).
Completely agree about beginner/starter animals! Before I got my ball python I was told that they’re more of an intermediate species because of their humidity requirements and their tendency to go off food. But if you do your research, I think pretty much any snake can be a “beginner” snake.
For me I made the choice more than a decade before I had the means to start snake keeping. All it took was seeing one normal corn snake in a pet store and I knew I needed to have one. Also, one thing I didn't hear you mention in this video (if you did I just missed it) that I think can be helpful for people to consider is looking into subadults instead of hatchlings. It was more of a coincidence how I picked mine, I just wanted to hold one to show my wife what they're like, and he was so friendly that I fell in love and put a deposit on him then and there. But the snake I was holding was a subadult corn snake and because of that I didn't have to tame him down because he was used to handling, and I already had a good idea of his personality before he came home with me. Plus, with him being larger it was less of a worry making sure I could keep his enclosure escape proof. It made my life easier and I think the ease of caring for him was part of what made my wife fall for snakes as quickly as she did. Another big bonus to starting with a subadult is that you can handle them more often and for longer. Now that my wife has a baby ball python I realize I would have had a hard time with the amount of space a hatchling needs while they get comfortable with people. Plus you have to keep track of them more when they're out for handling. Slick Mister isn't even 2 feet long yet, if I put him around my shoulders he doesn't have to move very much to slide off, while Doc is 4 feet long and once I have him secure on me I know he'll be perfectly capable of hanging on himself. So I'm definitely happy I started with a snake that was old enough and big enough for me to enjoy the full adult snake experience from the start (at least after he had his week of settling in and taking his first meal).
So I had a 20 year EXTREME phobia of snakes (like go-into-shock-phobia). Well….. my daughter, as a toddler, decided snakes were her favorite animal 😵💫 so I worked hard for 4 years to overcome my phobia and then we spent 6 months researching WHAT snake we should get, and then a year looking for the right individual. We chose a male leopard ball python (his name is Snake Fang). He’s a fantastic little dude and definitely the easiest pet I’ve ever owned lmao (way easier to take care of than Guinea pigs or chinchillas … or puppies or adult dogs lol). We picked a ball because I figured out their head shape and body proportions scared me the least. They aren’t generally as fast as corn snakes, less bitey than bulls and kings. I have small daughters so I needed snakes who don’t look at movement as automatically food lol. I knew we wanted a male for the size (because there’s a huge chance the snake will live with me when my kids grow up and go to college lol). I also didn’t want to worry about egg issues. We’ve had him now for 10 months and he is freaking FUN. We adore him.
Love this! My first snake was not, until recently, on many so called Beginner Snake lists. Black African House Snake. It's a relatively TINY snake known to be difficult to get eating steadily, then to move off live and onto FT. But I had experience being stubborn and persistent in animal care, so I decided I was ready for the challenge. it took almost a year and half but my shoelace boy is eating well and an angel to handle. I wouldn't have gone for it if I hadn't been sure I was okay with a serious bit of work and persistence.
Thank you for this video, great information. I love corn snakes and I get a lot of, its "just" a corn snake. Like they are less than for some reason, probably because they are considered "beginner". But she is awesome! and very enjoyable to keep while still allowing me opportunities to further my husbandry and push myself in several aspects of her keeping as I progress.
There's something to be said about how cute the big googly eyes on Corn snakes and other American rat snakes are haha. It's like the cute faces on Ball Pythons.
I was originally thinking of getting a corn snake, but my partner was concerned about handling mishaps with a darty first snake. We got a ball python instead! Initially felt him a little lacking in activity, but I've come to really appreciate the way he moves and interacts with the world. He's also grown so much in both size and confidence since we first got him! With Clementine, I've had to learn to slow down and observe more, which any and all of my future critters will benefit from. :)
Man i been putting off on my snake cause everyone keeps saying this one, or that one! Ypu talked me into it, a Gaboon Viper it is!! Thanks brother ill keep u updated
I was advised against getting a pine snake as my first snake because they can have a difficult temperament but I am stubborn and guess what ? she's awesome. Absolute sweetheart that loves chin scratches and to sleep around the neck of my mates. Her è_é face can be intimidating but she's great. I love her. I would love to own a python but I'm so glad I chose a pituophis. Pythons refusing food mae me so anxious. my snake eats like a garbage disposal and I love that about her
I actually saw a video on a local herping group where a guy picked up a wild Bullsnake that was about 5ft long and it actually climbed up onto his hat and decided it was going to be a hatband and coiled up around his hat haha, then calmly slithered back down when he extended his arm for it. Also saw a juvenile wild caught Bullsnake (in Colorado, you can only keep wild caught Bulls and Hognoses) at the last expo I was at that was surrendered to a rescue and was very happy to be handled and calm as could be. So the reputation of Bulls/Gophers/Pines of being cantankerous is a bit overhyped, if they feel safe they're chill as can be, if they feel threatened then the attitude comes out.
I must admit i did get my bp on a whim..i saw him and fell in love holding him , he also had been born on the same day as me!!! It was meant to be in my eyes❤😊...but ive owned reptiles so im not necessarily a beginner. i do my research and he is definitely loved...i am that person" i suppose. Ive been spending a majority of the past couple weeks every day researching things... actually watching you has been most of it! Thx Bob
My first snake was a rosy boa. Then I got a ball python, rainbow boa, another rosy, a Sumatran short tailed python and a corn snake. I lost my job and sold them all. Now I have a ball python again 20 years later. Rosy boas don’t seem to be mentioned too often, but they are great first time snake. Easy to handle and care for, great size and temperament.
I spent all last year obsessively learning about the care and keeping of all kinds of snakes, and ended up with a whole handful of species I really want to have 😅 Tragically I'm not made of cash, so I just kept an eye out for the first perfect opportunity once I'd gotten together everything needed to take care of a snake. That opportunity ended up being a ball python 4 months ago, and I've been over the moon in love with her ever since! She's absolutely perfect 🥰 I still plan on getting another snake or two in the future, because if there's one thing I've discovered about reptiles, it's that once you've met one, you become lowkey obsessed with how incredibly unique and marvelous their energies and personalities are, and just want to experience ALL OF THEM! So my next choices are a Japanese rat snake, a hognose, and an African house snake (I could easily go insane wanting to collect all their gorgeous morphs and localities, omg) although I'd also love a few garter snakes! ...And a carpet python.. and a sand boa... and a solomon island tree boa... and and and-
I knew I wanted a ball python as my first snake and so many people tried to convince me of starting with a corn snake. Well I didn’t listen and now I have two happy ball pythons!
I just got my first snake, he’s a Banana Ball Python, and I’d like to thank you for your videos and how educational and helpful they are to someone who’s just getting started. I’ve wanted a snake for the longest time and once I saw Artemis I just knew he was the one for me. It was the look I saw in his eyes.
My first snake was going to be a Miami phase corn snake. I did months of research before I learned that they are illegal to keep as pets in my state 😢. So ball python it is. I have 6 now and couldn’t be happier. Also, Rosy boas would make great “beginner” snake. Manageable size, mild temperament, good appetite, and they come in a bunch of beautiful localities and / or morphs. Thanks for the video Bob, always a pleasure.
We got our son a ball python for his first snake, we were told it was a good one for a first snake. He had his first vet check up and had a good bill of health. He also finally ate for the first time for us. He is picky and only likes small live rats. Your videos have been so helpful for us.
I originally was going to get a Black Racer, realized what they needed and the fact they couldn't be tamed down, needed a snake hook and couldn't free hand, very fast moving I decided that's not a good starter. So I decided a slow moving ball python was the best choice and here I am with a happy ball python and couldn't be happier. Someday I plan on getting a racer for the fun of having a fast moving snake species.
Maybe a Mexican Black King? They're as easy to care for as any other king or milk snake but have that really cool irridescent black color (probably a good alternative to an Indigo snake for most people).
Humidity varies considerably in the wild, especially Africa. Dave Kaufman has a video on this. It is good to not only research pet snakes, but their wild cousins to see how they live. There are a lot of misconceptions about some of the most popular snakes, one is huge enclosures that some YT creators push for snakes that live in holes in the ground. It is one of the biggest reasons ball pythons stop eating because they do not feel secure.
@@walkingwolf8072 The main thing I've been told with BPs by actual BP breeders, is the enclosure needs to grow with the snake, you don't start them in an adult sized enclosure. A 4x2x2 is probably appropriately sized for an adult BP, but too big for a juvenile.
I definitely recognised myself in the getting a corn snake instead of a boa. I initially wasn’t into corn snakes but really wanted a boa imperator, so I went to get one but when I got there I saw a full grown one and was immediately intimidated. So I went for a corn because it’s a more manageable size. He made me realise that snakes definitely were my thing, and a month later, it was clear that I absolutely wanted a boa. I got a baby online and when he arrived it was love at first sight. Eventually I unfortunately ended up rehoming the corn snake because I was clearly giving more attention to the boa, so yeah definitely do the research and go with what you want instead of going for a “beginner/starter” species.
My "starter snake" was Nixy, my Rosy Boa! I spent a full year researching them and fell in love with everything about them, absolutely fascinating little guys. The thing that fully sold me on them was their potential lifespan, I absolutely dread saying goodbye to my animal companions after a short few years. If I care for her right, and she stays healthy I can have her as my companion for over 30 years. I am looking forward to growing old with my precious oreo spaghetti by my side.
I think any of the king snakes are a good “beginner” snake. They are hearty, relatively easy to care for, usually handleable (mine never bit me ever) and affordable by comparison. I currently keep both a boa imperator and a SD retic. I think the term “know your limits” applies to reptiles as well as recreational activities. I wanted the interactivity and intelligence factor of a retic but knew that an eventually 8ft enclosure and costly frozen prey items that I could only obtain online hit the wall of my personal limits. A super dwarf was the perfect solution.
Originally I wanted a diamond python, until I realised I needed quite a large enclosure. I'm now a proud owner of a baby Stimson python. I couldn't have picked a better snake if I tried. I did all my research first. I can't wait for her to move from her container to an enclosure. Thankyou for your videos, they have been a great help
I like reptiles. I have a couple of dragons and a crestie. Always fascinated with snakes……just couldn’t feed a live fuzzy creature. When I was looking a breeder told me that was too bad, that’s what they eat. I saw a green tree python. I fell in love!!! What an amazing creature! She was rescued, had to have the tip of her tail amputated. Her rescuer is a zoologist. I asked, he said not a good pet…..and they have big teeth. She only allows him to handle her. I learned about frozen/thawed…..but that wasn’t enough. I researched how…CO2. That, I can do. More research. Finally came down between a Ball Python and a Boa. Fell for a little Ball Python girl. Morphs don’t matter to me. Your channel is instrumental in my education. Thank you for taking the time and doing the videos. Incredibly helpful. Don’t suppose you could up production to two a week….?
Ever since I found out why they are called royal pythons in some parts of the world, I knew I wanted a ball python as a pet. The idea of a snake that is calm and placid enough to be worn as jewellery by royalty really appealed to me. However it took a couple of decades before I was in a life position for this to be practical, and it is in a large part thanks to Bob and his very useful information that I realised I was finally at a point to move forward with this. My initial interest was sparked long before the days of RUclips and tiktok videos with fancy morphs, and the royal pythons I saw were typically normals featured in wildlife videos, so I wanted a normal as my first snake and that is exactly what I got. Ambassador Noodle is an absolute treasure, and I wouldn't change her for the world!😊
Your channel is awesome! Recently a breeder withheld some snakes and another dirtied my name because I had no prior experience with the species I'm head over heels for. I do keep advanced exotics and I'm a cocky MF. I was and still am confident in my keeping abilities that I found other breeders to sell to me. I found even better breeder and more gorgeous animals. Thank you for such priceless information!!
I sadly can't answer your last question, since I was asked if I want to adopt a ball python before I decided for myself to get a snake. It's likely would've been a ball python tho, since they're so common and you just can't resist the puppy face!
I originally wanted a Hognose, but they can be a bit feisty and nippy and stop eating randomly...you convinced me to get a bp, so I'm getting my enclosure and everything else ready before i buy the right one!☺️ Thanks Bob!
While a ball python is less likely to be feisty they can go off of feed for a couple months sometimes. They can be known to be picky eaters if their husbandry parameters are not right. However they are docile, personable snakes and good starters in my opinion.
@@ReleasedHollow If they can remain calm on the feeding strikes they are not concerning. Unless it is a baby ball, they can go a long time without eating, though it is still annoying. My mistake was letting my wife push me too soon to upgrade his enclosure, immediately stopped eating. Put him back, and issue was gone. A year later and I finally got him into a 40 gallon with a cave, and a smaller hide. He will eat from the cave, which is sorta how they eat in the wild.
Great video as always. Any (almost) snake can be the right first snake if the person does enough research and is prepared to provide the necessary care. I was pretty set on getting a Coastal Carpet or Burm as my first snake but eventually pivoted to an Olive. I spent a solid year or more just researching and interacting with as many snakes as I could. Of course, I've learned so much more since getting her.
@@GreenRoomPythons For sure! I could still see having a Carpet or something else in addition. I've realized a second snake might not be the worst idea so I'd be more likely to have one that isn't in shed/just ate/not in the mood to come out.
Bob...you are the reason why I have my 2. You offer the best videos on these that I found and gave me rhe confidence to get my BP over a US domestic snakes that I handled from the woods as a kid.
Almost got a blood python since that’s what my brother had but he had a lot of problems with her and she passed away. Ball pythons are a little easier to find and your channel convinced me to do it. Now I’ve got two haha
Doing the research before getting my first BP is the reason I came across Green Room Pythons in the first place! I feel like doing so much research before hand put me in a much better place for the things that "could" happen with BPs. Currently I have a fire, and Super Orange Dream that both are happy and healthy thanks to the information you and the community put out!
Wanted to get a ball python as a first snake, ended up getting a corn snake first, I now have said corn snake, a ball python, a milk snake, a children's python, and a carpet python. While I also have lizards and I love them dearly, I enjoy my snakes justa bit more.
I first wanted a ball python. But i looked into a other snakes that are suitable aswell so i did my Research on the other snakes to. but couldnt decide which one will be my first snake. After a few thoughts i said my self lets go to the snake i want the most. Aaand that was a ball python. I took my focus on the Research for my "future" ball python.(this is also how i ended up here) Now i have a little ball python in my livingroom and i love him. ❤
My first snake was a rough green snake, and he definitely died due to keeper error. In hindsight he was a poor choice for me because I wanted a handleable buddy. 😢 Now I’m all about new world rat snakes. They are perfection to me and fit into my life perfectly.
I've heard rough/smooth green snakes are almost impossible to keep alive in captivity. It's super tempting too since the wild ones will usually let you pick them up without much fuss.
Another great video. We did our research after we saw a very cool snake at the pet store. We were determined to get it and put a deposit on the snake so they could hold it at the store while we built it's enclosure and gathered equipment. We also read, watched videos, and asked several snake keepers for advice and information. Our "starter snake" is a Red tail green rat snake. He is awesome.
I actually was thinking of getting a corn snake for my first reptile. But Clint convinced me that a slow moving snake like a ball python was better due to the over pets I have in my house. Your channel helped me prep for getting my first snake, which is a ball python. I have more confidence now that faster moving snakes like corn snakes would be just fine. Glad I got a ball python though, I'm absolutely in love with her and the species.
From the very beginning, when I was 11 years old, I wanted a green smooth or rough grass snake. But they were not available and very fragile. Most of them then all died in captivity. I also couldn't keep a snake at that time, because I still lived with my parents. But unfortunately I also lived for years in places where I could not keep a snake. Also eventually forgotten. Until I lived where I live now. Unfortunately, the green smooth or rough grass snake is still not an option. So I was thinking about rosy boas. But unfortunately also very rare to find here in the Netherlands. So that didn't work either. Unfortunately, there is very little choice here in the Netherlands. So I bought my first cornsnake in August 2021. And this year, January 2, my first ball python. A male ball python and a pair of garter snakes will be added in May😄
Hi Bob when our daughter started to want to get a snake, we made her do the research (we did too) and we made her be patient as it is a lifelong decision. Biggest knowledge I feel you must have is the laws in your area. Not just the state but your city and county laws as well. Otherwise, you are just setting yourself up for heartache. Most of the snakes my daughter were interested in are illegal in our area (hognose, boa constrictors, bull snakes...), so that had us having to change our mindset. Unlike you she didn't want a ball python due to possible feeding issues, at least not for a first snake. After 2+ years of research we gave in and got her a corn snake and for us he is perfect. When I hear parents mention "starter" pets these are pets normally those that can't/won't or are less likely to harm the child. However, I would also let them continue to make sure that was their reason for the phrase. I used to deal with parrots a lot in the past and my eldest bird is 44 years old. No pet to me is disposable, but I have some birds that may leave a welt or small cut and some that have sent people to the hospital for stitches. Biggest thing about pet selection is knowing your own limits then finding the pet that best suits that. Also, I hate the term exotic as it has multiple meanings and it's basically a moot point. Most people would consider my grey exotic but a finch or a dove as common. Heck many people aren't qualified to give care to a cat or dog (which are the two biggest invasive species in the world hands down) but as someone that worked in the pet trade you do the best to vet out the owners you don't feel can handle it and move on. And yes, I have on many occasions refused to sell a bird to a home I wasn't sure of being right for the bird's needs.
Sounds like Colorado with the restriction on Hognose and Bullsnakes, can only have wild caught Hogs and Bulls in Colorado. The only local restriction I knew of in CO is no Burms, Retics or hots in Aurora, but Boas are ok.
When I first started mulling over getting a snake 3 years ago, I immediately thought of corn snakes and ball pythons...then realized that everything my ex-b/f (15 years ago) "knew" about husbandry was incorrect, and my tiny house didn't have room for the enclosures adults would need. So....I poked around on the internet, and discovered that garter snakes would be a better option for me. I currently have 2 adult males (a valley and a checkered) living happily in a 29-gallon bioactive tank. I've sinced cleared out and organized the spare bedroom into an office / reptile room - with 3 geckos, a pacman frog, a praying mantis and....a BALL PYTHON (because now that there's not a bed sucking up space, I have room for a big enclosure)!
Well I have wanted a snake since the late 80's, in the 90's I fell in love with ball pythons. I had been doing research on snakes since I fell in love with them. I finally decided to get one this past year and did research for about 3 months before I got my first bp back in November, I focused on them specifically though I did watch channels that have other species. I am so glad I went with a bp for my first snake he is super pastel, clown, pinstripe or killer clown blast so I named him Jack Napier see who gets that reference. There are other species I want now but waiting on those in favor of breeding bps to help supplement my growing snake addiction. 😂😂 Btw great video Bob and glad to have this one to help with the news you shared earlier on Patrion.
This a fantastic comprehensive breakdown of this topic, I resent the term “starter” in this context because it implies that in all use cases of the term, the person purchasing that animal is eventually going to graduate from that animal into keeping more complex species, I understand collection is a large part of herpeteculture but I think we fail to consider that most people are looking for a pet, not an entry into a hobby, And I think when you break that down, it’s more important to inform the public on what snakes make good pets, not which snakes are inherently “easier” to care for. That being said, my first was a corn, my second was a rescue ball, and my latest and possibly last is a hog island boa, and in that time I think if I had to pick one to recommend to people that are looking for a definitive snake that will be there only snake, it’s gotta be the boa, Most people I think can manage a small locality boa, and they’re incredibly interactive and engaging. They bridge that gap of challenging you to keep up with their enrichment without being unmanageable
My first snake I chose is a beautiful deep rust-colored hypo hognose and he makes me smile every day… that I see him. I will gladly sing the praises of one of Wyoming’s native species and the benefits for ease of care for those of us who live here. On the flip side, my coworker’s… 8 or 9 year old really wants one and I told him flat out that they can hunger strike, so if that’ll be a problem, probably pick a better eater. If not, go for it because they’re awesome
I'm one of those people who hard core fell in love with asian ratsnakes when I saw them the first time in person and from that moment it became my dream to own one. However because of their shy bitey reputation I didn't dare to get it as my 1st reptile. Like many others I started with a corn snake, then fell in love with puppy faces of ball pythons, figured out it is not too scary to house feeding insects for a leopard gecko either, had a bunch of buyers remorse with my choices of color morphs for my snakes, brawled it out with a feeling of guilt when in the end I rehomed my original snakes and took more time to get myself the colors I actually liked the most. All of this happened within the first 5 years of my reptile keeping and during the 6th I finally got myself that baby taiwanese ratsnake and noticed I could have just started with her all along 😂 However I do love my current corn snake and 2 ball pythons to bits and I dont regret having them💚 Only regret I have is my lack of patience at the beginning since even tho it has been years since I rehomed the original 2 snakes, I still think about them and worry how they are doing despite my best effort to find them good, responsible homes. It's a hard pill to swallow when you want to be a good pet guardian but "fail" to commit to an animal from the start to finish so I absolutely agree with your statement, the best beginner snake is the one you really do love the most - within safety reasons ofc. Do not start out with something like a cobra or an adult snake who is big enough to cause serious harm by accident 😂
House snakes make great beginner snakes, imo. They're active and curious little snakes, they tend to have a good temperament, have great appetite and are easy to care for. On the downside, if they're still young they're rather small, which makes them a bit harder to handle while they can also be a bit flighty. I can also see rhino ratsnakes making good beginner snakes.
Nobody tell Kent about the mojave green rattlesnake. It could be outside. In his corner. **Right now**. 😅 I'd planned on getting a hognose (couldn't get the permit in time), or a ball python, but my ability to maintain their temperature and humidity in an enclosure I could afford at purchase, with periodic upgrades, was just not there. Also, I cannot with feeding strikes. I ended up with a rosy boa (mountain locality), which thrives an arid environment, (I also thrive in an arid environment,), tolerates a wiiide range of temperatures, grows very slowly, and looks neat. Going on four years old and she's only just getting close to 30". Now I have a rule about new snakes and that rule is that if it isn't a native North American boa or NA boa convergent evolution dupe (* cough * Calabar burrowing python, which is actually a boa), it has to be stripey going long ways. This seriously trimmed down my "big list of species I Want" though I'm keeping an eye on the gorgeous shadow dorsal stripe supercond hognoses that snake discovery has been producing.
Don't know if I should watch this video, I heard "snakes you should look into". I'm already having trouble figuring out what I want! 🤣 At first I was dead set on a ball python. Good size, nice temperament and not as fast moving as say cornsnakes. I even bought one, but he was on the other side of the country and I couldn't get him to me.. And right now I cant find a BP I really like, so I've decided to see what's coming up in this years clutches. Then I saw an ad for variable kings, researched a bunch and they got me interested. I'm also kind of tempted to buy a hognose. But for right now, I REALLY want a Brazilian rainbow boa 🥰 And yes, I think almost every snake could be a beginners snake as long as you've done your research and have a big interest in that kind. And yes, whatever I choose in the future, it would be my first (buuuuuut I'm pretty sure it won't be my last 😂)
I’ve been watching your videos for about 3 months now to learn as much as I can I’ve also been watching a few others as well but mostly you and today I just put a deposit down for my first snake. He is a coral dream, spinner, pastel ball python and I’m going to name him dreamer.❤❤❤🐍
Great video! When I was shopping for my beginner snake I knew I wanted a good sized snake (but not more than 10 ft). Boas were at the top of the list due to their size. I started researching boas and found that I didn't love the look of them. The videos I watched also indicated they weren't the brightest. Then I briefly considered ball pythons (because boas weren't beginner snakes). I didn't like their chunky appearance. They also didn't seem very interactive or intelligent. And they were nowhere near the size that I wanted. Then I came across retics and fell in love. I loved the way they looked (for some reason, the head and body shape of a retic was the quintessential snake image I had in my mind). I loved how curious and interactive they were. I knew I didn't want a 15-20 ft snake that might outweigh me. Then I discovered super dwarf retics! I got a male lavender sd and don't regret it! He took to target training very quickly. I did sustain a few bites during feeding time early on, before I learned to take precautions (longer tongs and a glove), but I haven't had any issues since. He's 7 ft long now and just got upgraded to a 6 ft tall enclosure (he loves to climb!). I love that he's big enough that I can let him explore in the backyard without worrying about him getting lost. I love to watch him discover new things. Watching him is like a form of meditation for me (it's seriously so relaxing). If I had gotten a "beginner" snake I would have been settling. If you're going to get an animal that lives 20+ years, get the one you actually want to have around for that long!
My daughter who's autistic fell in love with reptiles and wanted a hognose as her "Starter" snake. My wife and I decided against that as her 1st mainly due to the fact she wanted an expensive morph (Snow). We instead got her a corn snake(we also got one for myself) both her and I watched tons of videos, asked friends that owned, and knew the breeder(Paul's cool scales) ahead of getting it. We bought baby it was doing great eating well and was a really good curious snake. Sadly it passed away after spitting up a meal. It was my daughters 1st time dealing with a loss. After some time passed we got her a ball python who is the sweetest snake i've ever seen and we also got that hognose. All the animals are doing well and are good eats besides the ball(champagne-lavender-luc-named spirit) who is sometimes afraid of his food. I definitely recommend researching the snake you want plus maybe a few others, you may found the one you really want is something unexpected.
My first was an albino cornsnake named Cory! Now I'm looking into BPs which is how I found your awesome channel. A snake I decided against was a parrot snake. After researching it seems like they're best left in the wild and not in captivity. Still love them though they're so beautiful 🥺 Thank you for all your work!
I originally was thinking about getting cornsnake but I liked ball python better for their slower movement:) now im trying to learn as much as I can and Im having a great time while watching this channel! :D thank you for your work
I originally wanted a hognose as my first snake. I went to an expo and my hands were really warm and every time I held one they kept checking out my hands like they were about to have a feeding bite. A few even opened their mouths. So it made me kind of nervous because at the time I didn’t know why they were acting like that. I know their venom is usually not an issue but I’m one of those people who is paranoid. I didn’t buy any and went home. I decided to look for/research a different first snake that I wouldn’t have to worry about having any reaction to if it were to bite me. That way I could also learn about their behavior without any nerves. I got a corn snake instead. Eventually, I would still like to get a hognose. I feel confident about reading their body language and I can always tell when my corn is in feeding mode now. I also want to say I love my corn snake and I’m really glad I started with him instead.
My first and second snake was a BP. They're wonderful and have such different personalities. I originally wanted a Brazilian rainbow boa, but humidity is really hard to maintain in a landlocked mountainous desert state if I don't want to use bins. So maybe not now.
It would be cool if you made another channel or a series dedicated to lizards or amphibians and if you do decide to do that I would suggest starting out with a Chinese cave gecko they’re pretty cheap and really easy to take care of and they’re really good beginner pet lizards. I have a whole bunch of reptiles and I would say Chinese cave geckos are easier to take care of then crested geckos, ball pythons and leopard geckos. also you should make some videos for more experienced reptile keepers. Anyway it was a great video I enjoyed it.
I've just gotten my first rainbow boa and it's an absolute dream come true. I've got a proper substrate in a plastic container right now, with plenty of moss to hold all the humidity she needs. She's only 2 and a half months old but she seems to be very calm and curious when she's being handled. Im a little unsure about how often I should clean her enclosure but I'm sure you have a video somewhere!
Love you're videos! I first-day started with my western hognose waffle. Now I have a corn snake and a brown african house snake. Totally adore all of them! I'd like to get a ball python in the future.
A friend has a ball python and I fell in love with it. So, I did my own research and got my own ball python. Penny, she’s a pied. Once I saw her I fell in love. I have had her 7 months now and she is so great. Next, I want a BEL. 🙂
We have a children’s python named Ramón Noodles, he’s our first, and we got him around 10-11 months of age last Sept. He’s the sweetest most chill snake. We had researched bearded dragons, but decided to look into Antaresia after handling a couple. So glad we did.
I started with a corn snake about a year and a half ago when I made the jump into keeping snakes, and I got my ball python last September as he was an adult male on frozen thawed rats. I absolutely love both of them! The snake I want to get, but can’t due to space constraints, is a Dumeril’s boa. Not to say that I won’t ever get one, it just isn’t in the cards for the foreseeable future.
I'm going for a corn snake. The heat and humidity of a ball python might be a bit much for me, plus my wife doesn't like thicker bodied snakes. Plus I have space for a corn snake. I originally wanted an egg eater, but didn't have access to anything smaller than quail eggs.
Everyone says BP are good beginner snakes, but honestly any snake with heat pits will be harder to feed, not to mention the humidity! Its simple enough to figure out but can be a problem for new owners. Most colubrids will be easier in most ways
My first choice was a Ball Python but, for me they get too big. Even the males. Then I discovered the Western Hognose and fell in love. Hoping on getting one this year. For my needs they are smaller and just love their silliness. After watching almost all of your videos I knew the importance of research and have done a ton of it. Thanks, Bob, for helping me go from being afraid of snakes to actually wanting one. I never miss a video. ❤
Really thought I'd get a ball python as a first snake. But read how boas were reputed to be a little more interactive....so started researching boas that stay on the smaller side. Ended up with a boa amarali. I think she's fascinating to watch---and a joy to handle. Love her to bits.
This is such a great video on the best beginner snake! Research will lead you to what that species is for you! It lead me to my island locality retics! They’re not for everyone, but anyone who researches and loves them can do it! Great stuff!!! 💛
I started with wanting a California king snake but found a love for black headed pythons. Still doing months of research on plenty of snake species 😅. Very indecisive😂
My starter snake was a Boa, then went on to a columbian rainbow boa, then a Brazilian. I jumped the gun and got an Anaconda, and quickly realised that I bit off more than I can chew... kept him for a few months and made a decision to re home him to an experienced keeper. After that I got myself a ball python. I'm on my 3rd year of being a keeper. I would like to add a carpet python to the family one day.
My first snake is a Ball Python. I was looking to get a carpet python wanting something that would get a bit larger and be a little more arboreal but one of my friends who breeds bp's on occasion had a clutch hatch on the same day my god daughter was born and one of them was a gorgeous female enchi champagne so getting this one has some deeper meaning for me. 5 months in and very happy with the decision. P.S. I love your videos and you're one of my first go to's for info.
I've done so much research and this video sums everything up more eloquently than anything else I've seen or read! Thank you ❤ Agreed 100% - my belief is that the animal should suit you and your lifestyle. Deep dive into the breed and make sure you know all the possible cons. If you're not willing to deal with potentially getting an animal that has the worst aspects of that breed, then it's probably not for you. At least, that's really worked for me and helped me be as prepared as I possibly can. I ended up with the best doggo and kitty (they're also besties) this way! I'm getting my first snake in the next few weeks and she's an adult corn snake. I initially fell in love with snakes because of an albino Cali King I handled when I was little, but decided the bitey-ness and musking is something I'd rather avoid as a beginner. Same with Hognoses - the potential to go off food and their venom causing a severe reaction (I know it's unlikely, but still) made me take pause. I still really want those, but I would only want to actually take care of one when I'm more experienced and comfortable. Landed on corns, and I'm really excited for my new girl Moose!
Your point about getting what you want is spot on. A very very sad thing is, that with SO much information available, you can think you have done your homework, and start seeing the same info over and over seeming to confirm you have-and you haven’t. (Not you-me… you know what I mean…) I started with a gorgeous, lovely ball python, and do still want one, but really wanted a boa imperator. We heard they were the better starter option, and stop eating sometimes, that it’s no big deal, just be ready for it. :/ don’t freak out even if it’s a couple months… We moved to a new home and she stopped eating. We had her striking and constricting, but she wouldn’t ever finish them. But that was after weeks of not even striking. By the time we started reacting and changing things because “that’s normal” and then seeing her seem to try and not finish we were hopeful she was okay but really just didn’t want to eat. She’d spend a lot of time chewing on feet and being silly about it like she used to (always her thing…) and made us think that the advice we were given must be true-she was just doing “what ball pythons do”. And she died. That scared us with ball pythons quite a bit. Hearing your info MAY convince us to take another chance pretty far in the future-but now we have a boa imperator. Have had for a few months. Have the humidity and temps solid. Eats like a champ, sheds no problem, seems to enjoy (you know what I mean lol) interactions-no signs of stress or being defensive, very curious and relaxed-she’s even stooped to take drinks before leaving me when I return her to her cage. I’m still learning a lot, especially now that I’m aware that better information is out there than the run of the mill stuff-but at least I feel like I have a good grasp of how to tell if she’s healthy and not stressed-and she is healthy and not stressed. And I spend a lot of time with her just in awe of what a wonderful animal she is. I guess my main point is that your advice to research really requires a good authority on where to research and who to trust. There is a lot of incomplete info. Like I heard you say in another video-it may be common behavior, but it’s not natural or normal, and there is a a reason behind it that needs found out and corrected quickly-THAT angle needs disclosed to people researching to get a snake. I would say especially if they don’t want to share my regret.
I had narrowed it down to the usual for my 1st snake: corn snake. I had the enclosure and everything ready but when I went to a local expo I found myself so much more drawn to the ball pythons, so I just went home. I rethought everything, did more research on ball pythons and a few weeks later got my BEL boy!
the first snake i ever saw that made my jaw drop and my hands itch to hold it was a brazillian rainbow boa, and the only reason its a "not yet" is because 1 i Also want a ball python as well and Those are a lot more available in my area. 2 space for an enclosure the size a brb needs. i'll have that in a couple of years once the youngest spawn is better about hands don't go on enclosures without permission. in the meantime the reptile room is a no kid zone but its a Much smaller room-plenty of space for an enclosure that doesn't take up more than half a wall though :D i've been biding my time for a brb since high school, i'm in my 40s now, a couple more years to do it up right is fine.
I did what I thought was a lot of research before getting mine but when I got them I definitely realised there was so much I didn’t know and there’s also so much conflicting information around. I’m still learning but I’m glad I picked ball pythons and so far they’ve had healthy sheds, eat consistently, and are great to handle so I think I’m doing ok 🤣
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Just so you know- I worked at a retail pet store for five years- so I can guarantee when people say a hamster is a good "beginner" animal, they literally mean its disposable.
People would say with no effs given "At least we won't have to deal with it for long since it only lives a few years." or parents saying to their kids "I won't be taking care of it- so its your fault if he dies." and comments that are even worse.
The truth is- there is no beginner animal. If you don't have the research, money, time, and compassion- the animal- no matter how "Easy"- will not thrive.
Thank you for the informative video for the new peeps!
Jeez, if they want a short lived species they'd be better off going with a bonded pair or trio of rats than a hamster.
Hamsters are little jerks. Only people who REALLY REALLY LOVE HAMSTERS, and are able to give them the species appropriate care they need, should have hamsters.
Foster a dog! Foster a cat! Put out raw shelled peanuts until the local corvids adopt your household!
I don't know. There's species that are emphatically *not* for beginners, which implies that some species are better for beginners. I think it's a lot more variable than "get a corn or ball" but I wouldn't recommend, i.e, a Fea's viper or dragon snake or red tailed green rat.
I'm so0 with ya..
It’s so sad how people treat hamsters. They’re delightful little pets full of personality and not disposable at all. People see something small and decide it has no worth because of its size.
@CandiceLemonSharks lol, hamsters definitely can be a little moody and nippy, but with proper care and handling they’re delightful. Only drawback (and the reason I stopped keeping them ultimately) is how short lived they are.
Thumbs up for Kevin wearing a top hat and monocle.
I agree!
Now I wanna see that 😭😅
Anyone who remembers the Monopoly man wearing a monocle is a visitor from a different timeline.
“What size fish tank do I need to keep a monkey?” 🤣🤣
I have multiple fish tanks that keep this monkey (me) fairly busy and entertained. 😂
I started with the snake I wanted. A corn snake. I think they are just beautiful, the perfect size and temperament. They are forgiving with care. I’m 71 and always wanted a corn snake and was on my bucket list. I’ve had Topaz for about 6 months. She’s a youngster and growing like a weed. I love her and so happy to have her.
My first snake was a corn snake a friend of mine was rehoming and can confirm you cannot for wrong with a corn snake! She’s the best and I love her so much, but now that I want to expand my snake family I realized a male hognose or rosy boa or Kenyan sand boa are even better suited to my lifestyle because they can stay in smaller enclosures (I’m in a 1000sq ft apartment) and don’t have high humidity requirements ☺️ I also learned ball pythons aren’t for me (as much as I love them and your videos about them!) but the space and humidity requirements they have (along with how much more expensive it is to feed them vs a hognose or corn snake) doesn’t match my particular lifestyle. So important to reflect on what pet best matches with the life you want to live and care you want to give 😄
I just got my first a few months ago, a Pueblan Milk. He's actually been great, doesn't need quite the space that a Corn does and only needs 2 hoppers a week (the one caveat to milks vs kings, milks have little heads and usually take a smaller size mouse than you'd normally feed a snake their size), you maybe have to watch his head a little more when handling or working around him due to the legendary king/milk "food mode", but he's never actually struck at me or my wife. We would love to get a hognose to add to the collection, but alas we can't have em in Colorado.
@@mrvwbug4423 I would love a milk snake! My hognose causes so much stress because of his picky eating and hunger strikes, so I think a milk or corn snake is a better choice anyway 😅
My first choice was a ball python. I've been fascinated by them since the 2nd grade when a local snake keeper came into class with a few of their snakes for a learning experience. Owning one was something I had to put on hold till I was in a place where I could afford the upkeep and had good space for the enclosure. Then it was research, research, research. I annoyed my friend who'd kept bp's for 20 years. I scoured all the videos I could find on youtube (largely this channel and Snake Discovery). I haunted all the forums I could find. And yeah, I had the enclosure up and running for at least a month before I got my guy so that his transition would be as smooth as possible. And so far, it's been a really great experience. He eats and sheds really well. He spends a fair amount of time in the evenings out and cruising around or curled around my headset while I'm on the computer. I lucked out to have such a chill snake to learn and grow with and I'm very glad I waited till I was ready before I dived into snake ownership. I'm already planning for the next one for the later half of the summer.
Sounds like you did it the right way!
Spent a yr and a month prior to buying my first Ball Python, Izzy.
Here’s where it got to be a bit of a challenge me, she had stuck shed on her & was very underweight for a baby Ball Python. So I listened to my gut instinct to feed day after I had brought her home. Under normal circumstances I would have waited til she had gotten settled in. She took her food like a champagne & I was doing more research on this particular situation that I had bot done research on, but I love animals as much as I love life so of course I found what I needed & I was doing it correctly.
I give a big shout out to Snake Discovery, Clint’s Reptiles, Nerd for all their knowledge I have gained from the videos and I hope I get to meet them in person so I show them the life they helped me save.
And I give a huge THANK YOU to you, Bob for guiding me to my to my first Ball Python, Izzy-Ivy, who once weighed in at under 100grams now weighs close to 400 grams!
Thank you❤
That's fantastic!
One of my favorite things about your videos, Bob, is how clearly your enthusiasm for these animals comes across.
Thank you so much, that's a really nice compliment!
Watching this video like I don't already have 17 reptiles. My first reptile was my sister's leopard gecko who is now around 15 years old then a rescued corn snake named Ramen who has since passed. From there I now have 3 boa constrictors, a dwarf retic, a leachianus gecko, crested geckos, hognoses, amongst others. I can confidently agree that the best 'beginner' reptile is the one that you want, within reason. I never thought I'd ever be comfortable keeping large, humidity-loving species but now they're my favourite to keep
Rosy Boas ... they can sometimes be difficult to find, but have the temperament of ball pythons (maybe even better) and similar care requirements (temp/humidity), and more reliable feeding.
Interesting, with Rosy Boas, people are either "they're scale puppies like a Ball Python" or "they're super cantankerous and bitey". I think Rosys are probably easier care requirements than a Ball, they're from the southwest so prefer low humidity. I know not having the humidity perfect on a Ball can cause a hunger strike. I've heard Boa species in general have an appetite like a colubrid so rarely go off food.
I love your thoughts on "starter pet" often meaning "disposable pet". I definitely think there are some snakes that no amount of research will get you ready for if you're starting with zero snake experience, but there are waaaay more species that are completely reasonable for people that do their homework before purchasing. My "starter snake" story - I was originally going to get a ball python (a rescue) but I realized I wanted a snake that would be more active in their enclosure. I got an adult yellow rat snake instead, set her up with lots of climbing branches, etc. She decided she's actually a fan of hiding, not climbing, so I never see her. Still love her, but if I wanted a snake that stayed in a ball all day I would have just gotten the dang python. At least the python would help me with dishes (apparently?).
A ball python would definitely help you with the dishes ;-)
Completely agree about beginner/starter animals! Before I got my ball python I was told that they’re more of an intermediate species because of their humidity requirements and their tendency to go off food. But if you do your research, I think pretty much any snake can be a “beginner” snake.
For me I made the choice more than a decade before I had the means to start snake keeping. All it took was seeing one normal corn snake in a pet store and I knew I needed to have one. Also, one thing I didn't hear you mention in this video (if you did I just missed it) that I think can be helpful for people to consider is looking into subadults instead of hatchlings. It was more of a coincidence how I picked mine, I just wanted to hold one to show my wife what they're like, and he was so friendly that I fell in love and put a deposit on him then and there. But the snake I was holding was a subadult corn snake and because of that I didn't have to tame him down because he was used to handling, and I already had a good idea of his personality before he came home with me. Plus, with him being larger it was less of a worry making sure I could keep his enclosure escape proof. It made my life easier and I think the ease of caring for him was part of what made my wife fall for snakes as quickly as she did.
Another big bonus to starting with a subadult is that you can handle them more often and for longer. Now that my wife has a baby ball python I realize I would have had a hard time with the amount of space a hatchling needs while they get comfortable with people. Plus you have to keep track of them more when they're out for handling. Slick Mister isn't even 2 feet long yet, if I put him around my shoulders he doesn't have to move very much to slide off, while Doc is 4 feet long and once I have him secure on me I know he'll be perfectly capable of hanging on himself. So I'm definitely happy I started with a snake that was old enough and big enough for me to enjoy the full adult snake experience from the start (at least after he had his week of settling in and taking his first meal).
So I had a 20 year EXTREME phobia of snakes (like go-into-shock-phobia). Well….. my daughter, as a toddler, decided snakes were her favorite animal 😵💫 so I worked hard for 4 years to overcome my phobia and then we spent 6 months researching WHAT snake we should get, and then a year looking for the right individual.
We chose a male leopard ball python (his name is Snake Fang). He’s a fantastic little dude and definitely the easiest pet I’ve ever owned lmao (way easier to take care of than Guinea pigs or chinchillas … or puppies or adult dogs lol).
We picked a ball because I figured out their head shape and body proportions scared me the least. They aren’t generally as fast as corn snakes, less bitey than bulls and kings. I have small daughters so I needed snakes who don’t look at movement as automatically food lol.
I knew we wanted a male for the size (because there’s a huge chance the snake will live with me when my kids grow up and go to college lol). I also didn’t want to worry about egg issues.
We’ve had him now for 10 months and he is freaking FUN. We adore him.
That's great, I'm glad it worked out!
Love this! My first snake was not, until recently, on many so called Beginner Snake lists. Black African House Snake. It's a relatively TINY snake known to be difficult to get eating steadily, then to move off live and onto FT. But I had experience being stubborn and persistent in animal care, so I decided I was ready for the challenge. it took almost a year and half but my shoelace boy is eating well and an angel to handle. I wouldn't have gone for it if I hadn't been sure I was okay with a serious bit of work and persistence.
Thank you for this video, great information. I love corn snakes and I get a lot of, its "just" a corn snake. Like they are less than for some reason, probably because they are considered "beginner". But she is awesome! and very enjoyable to keep while still allowing me opportunities to further my husbandry and push myself in several aspects of her keeping as I progress.
Corn snakes are great for any level keeper
There's something to be said about how cute the big googly eyes on Corn snakes and other American rat snakes are haha. It's like the cute faces on Ball Pythons.
I was originally thinking of getting a corn snake, but my partner was concerned about handling mishaps with a darty first snake. We got a ball python instead!
Initially felt him a little lacking in activity, but I've come to really appreciate the way he moves and interacts with the world. He's also grown so much in both size and confidence since we first got him! With Clementine, I've had to learn to slow down and observe more, which any and all of my future critters will benefit from. :)
Man i been putting off on my snake cause everyone keeps saying this one, or that one! Ypu talked me into it, a Gaboon Viper it is!! Thanks brother ill keep u updated
Do it!! 😉
@@GreenRoomPythons I was on the fence, but u convinced me! I'm done listening to Debbie downers. I'm on morph market now!
I was advised against getting a pine snake as my first snake because they can have a difficult temperament but I am stubborn and guess what ? she's awesome. Absolute sweetheart that loves chin scratches and to sleep around the neck of my mates. Her è_é face can be intimidating but she's great. I love her. I would love to own a python but I'm so glad I chose a pituophis. Pythons refusing food mae me so anxious. my snake eats like a garbage disposal and I love that about her
Pine snakes are really cool
I actually saw a video on a local herping group where a guy picked up a wild Bullsnake that was about 5ft long and it actually climbed up onto his hat and decided it was going to be a hatband and coiled up around his hat haha, then calmly slithered back down when he extended his arm for it. Also saw a juvenile wild caught Bullsnake (in Colorado, you can only keep wild caught Bulls and Hognoses) at the last expo I was at that was surrendered to a rescue and was very happy to be handled and calm as could be. So the reputation of Bulls/Gophers/Pines of being cantankerous is a bit overhyped, if they feel safe they're chill as can be, if they feel threatened then the attitude comes out.
I must admit i did get my bp on a whim..i saw him and fell in love holding him , he also had been born on the same day as me!!! It was meant to be in my eyes❤😊...but ive owned reptiles so im not necessarily a beginner. i do my research and he is definitely loved...i am that person" i suppose. Ive been spending a majority of the past couple weeks every day researching things... actually watching you has been most of it! Thx Bob
My first snake was a rosy boa. Then I got a ball python, rainbow boa, another rosy, a Sumatran short tailed python and a corn snake. I lost my job and sold them all. Now I have a ball python again 20 years later. Rosy boas don’t seem to be mentioned too often, but they are great first time snake. Easy to handle and care for, great size and temperament.
I was imagining Kent staring in the new flim: Snakenado!
I spent all last year obsessively learning about the care and keeping of all kinds of snakes, and ended up with a whole handful of species I really want to have 😅 Tragically I'm not made of cash, so I just kept an eye out for the first perfect opportunity once I'd gotten together everything needed to take care of a snake. That opportunity ended up being a ball python 4 months ago, and I've been over the moon in love with her ever since! She's absolutely perfect 🥰 I still plan on getting another snake or two in the future, because if there's one thing I've discovered about reptiles, it's that once you've met one, you become lowkey obsessed with how incredibly unique and marvelous their energies and personalities are, and just want to experience ALL OF THEM! So my next choices are a Japanese rat snake, a hognose, and an African house snake (I could easily go insane wanting to collect all their gorgeous morphs and localities, omg) although I'd also love a few garter snakes! ...And a carpet python.. and a sand boa... and a solomon island tree boa... and and and-
I am currently in the middle of researching Asian Rat Snakes, and I think my favorite so far is the Bamboo Rat Snake, Thai variety.
I knew I wanted a ball python as my first snake and so many people tried to convince me of starting with a corn snake. Well I didn’t listen and now I have two happy ball pythons!
That's fantastic!
I just got my first snake, he’s a Banana Ball Python, and I’d like to thank you for your videos and how educational and helpful they are to someone who’s just getting started. I’ve wanted a snake for the longest time and once I saw Artemis I just knew he was the one for me. It was the look I saw in his eyes.
Congrats on your new snake! I'm glad the videos have been helpful:-)
My first snake was going to be a Miami phase corn snake. I did months of research before I learned that they are illegal to keep as pets in my state 😢. So ball python it is. I have 6 now and couldn’t be happier. Also, Rosy boas would make great “beginner” snake. Manageable size, mild temperament, good appetite, and they come in a bunch of beautiful localities and / or morphs. Thanks for the video Bob, always a pleasure.
We got our son a ball python for his first snake, we were told it was a good one for a first snake. He had his first vet check up and had a good bill of health. He also finally ate for the first time for us. He is picky and only likes small live rats. Your videos have been so helpful for us.
I originally was going to get a Black Racer, realized what they needed and the fact they couldn't be tamed down, needed a snake hook and couldn't free hand, very fast moving I decided that's not a good starter. So I decided a slow moving ball python was the best choice and here I am with a happy ball python and couldn't be happier. Someday I plan on getting a racer for the fun of having a fast moving snake species.
Maybe a Mexican Black King? They're as easy to care for as any other king or milk snake but have that really cool irridescent black color (probably a good alternative to an Indigo snake for most people).
So many people don’t understand how humidity works and therefore can’t ever get it right in the enclosure.
Humidity varies considerably in the wild, especially Africa. Dave Kaufman has a video on this. It is good to not only research pet snakes, but their wild cousins to see how they live. There are a lot of misconceptions about some of the most popular snakes, one is huge enclosures that some YT creators push for snakes that live in holes in the ground. It is one of the biggest reasons ball pythons stop eating because they do not feel secure.
@@walkingwolf8072 The main thing I've been told with BPs by actual BP breeders, is the enclosure needs to grow with the snake, you don't start them in an adult sized enclosure. A 4x2x2 is probably appropriately sized for an adult BP, but too big for a juvenile.
I definitely recognised myself in the getting a corn snake instead of a boa. I initially wasn’t into corn snakes but really wanted a boa imperator, so I went to get one but when I got there I saw a full grown one and was immediately intimidated. So I went for a corn because it’s a more manageable size. He made me realise that snakes definitely were my thing, and a month later, it was clear that I absolutely wanted a boa. I got a baby online and when he arrived it was love at first sight. Eventually I unfortunately ended up rehoming the corn snake because I was clearly giving more attention to the boa, so yeah definitely do the research and go with what you want instead of going for a “beginner/starter” species.
My "starter snake" was Nixy, my Rosy Boa! I spent a full year researching them and fell in love with everything about them, absolutely fascinating little guys. The thing that fully sold me on them was their potential lifespan, I absolutely dread saying goodbye to my animal companions after a short few years. If I care for her right, and she stays healthy I can have her as my companion for over 30 years. I am looking forward to growing old with my precious oreo spaghetti by my side.
I think any of the king snakes are a good “beginner” snake. They are hearty, relatively easy to care for, usually handleable (mine never bit me ever) and affordable by comparison. I currently keep both a boa imperator and a SD retic. I think the term “know your limits” applies to reptiles as well as recreational activities. I wanted the interactivity and intelligence factor of a retic but knew that an eventually 8ft enclosure and costly frozen prey items that I could only obtain online hit the wall of my personal limits. A super dwarf was the perfect solution.
I'm so glad I've found your channel. So much information packaged in an entertaining, funny, enjoyable package.
Thank you so much, I'm glad you enjoy the channel!
Originally I wanted a diamond python, until I realised I needed quite a large enclosure. I'm now a proud owner of a baby Stimson python. I couldn't have picked a better snake if I tried. I did all my research first. I can't wait for her to move from her container to an enclosure. Thankyou for your videos, they have been a great help
My first snake is a BP. Great information to think about when adding a new family member!
I like reptiles. I have a couple of dragons and a crestie. Always fascinated with snakes……just couldn’t feed a live fuzzy creature. When I was looking a breeder told me that was too bad, that’s what they eat.
I saw a green tree python. I fell in love!!! What an amazing creature! She was rescued, had to have the tip of her tail amputated. Her rescuer is a zoologist. I asked, he said not a good pet…..and they have big teeth. She only allows him to handle her.
I learned about frozen/thawed…..but that wasn’t enough. I researched how…CO2. That, I can do.
More research.
Finally came down between a Ball Python and a Boa. Fell for a little Ball Python girl. Morphs don’t matter to me.
Your channel is instrumental in my education.
Thank you for taking the time and doing the videos. Incredibly helpful. Don’t suppose you could up production to two a week….?
I'm glad you enjoy the videos! You can order frozen rodents and do they come shipped to your house. You don't have to deal with CO2 :-)
Ever since I found out why they are called royal pythons in some parts of the world, I knew I wanted a ball python as a pet. The idea of a snake that is calm and placid enough to be worn as jewellery by royalty really appealed to me. However it took a couple of decades before I was in a life position for this to be practical, and it is in a large part thanks to Bob and his very useful information that I realised I was finally at a point to move forward with this.
My initial interest was sparked long before the days of RUclips and tiktok videos with fancy morphs, and the royal pythons I saw were typically normals featured in wildlife videos, so I wanted a normal as my first snake and that is exactly what I got. Ambassador Noodle is an absolute treasure, and I wouldn't change her for the world!😊
She's lucky to have found you Keith!
Your channel is awesome! Recently a breeder withheld some snakes and another dirtied my name because I had no prior experience with the species I'm head over heels for. I do keep advanced exotics and I'm a cocky MF. I was and still am confident in my keeping abilities that I found other breeders to sell to me. I found even better breeder and more gorgeous animals. Thank you for such priceless information!!
I daresay what constitutes a "beginner species" depends on how obsessive you are...but some species ARE much more forgiving than others.
Yes there are, I talk about that near the end of the video :-)
@@GreenRoomPythons Don't worry, I watched the whole thing!😉
Just binged a bunch of ypur vids, got a 3 yo male. My wife has a year old banna, I put a box in his hide and he loves it. Total game changer.
I sadly can't answer your last question, since I was asked if I want to adopt a ball python before I decided for myself to get a snake. It's likely would've been a ball python tho, since they're so common and you just can't resist the puppy face!
Boa Constrictor Constrictors are good too, so are Argentine Boas and Dumeril's Boas. Docile and durable.
Yes, Dumerils boas are one of the best!
I love the message behind this, well done sir
Thank you!
I originally wanted a Hognose, but they can be a bit feisty and nippy and stop eating randomly...you convinced me to get a bp, so I'm getting my enclosure and everything else ready before i buy the right one!☺️ Thanks Bob!
While a ball python is less likely to be feisty they can go off of feed for a couple months sometimes. They can be known to be picky eaters if their husbandry parameters are not right. However they are docile, personable snakes and good starters in my opinion.
That's great, congrats on your first snake!
@@ReleasedHollow If they can remain calm on the feeding strikes they are not concerning. Unless it is a baby ball, they can go a long time without eating, though it is still annoying. My mistake was letting my wife push me too soon to upgrade his enclosure, immediately stopped eating. Put him back, and issue was gone. A year later and I finally got him into a 40 gallon with a cave, and a smaller hide. He will eat from the cave, which is sorta how they eat in the wild.
Great video as always. Any (almost) snake can be the right first snake if the person does enough research and is prepared to provide the necessary care. I was pretty set on getting a Coastal Carpet or Burm as my first snake but eventually pivoted to an Olive. I spent a solid year or more just researching and interacting with as many snakes as I could. Of course, I've learned so much more since getting her.
Olive Pythons are super cool!
@@GreenRoomPythons For sure! I could still see having a Carpet or something else in addition. I've realized a second snake might not be the worst idea so I'd be more likely to have one that isn't in shed/just ate/not in the mood to come out.
Love love love how you emphasize researching before acquiring the animal!
Bob...you are the reason why I have my 2. You offer the best videos on these that I found and gave me rhe confidence to get my BP over a US domestic snakes that I handled from the woods as a kid.
Thank you so much! I appreciate the compliment. Glad these videos were helpful for you :-)
Almost got a blood python since that’s what my brother had but he had a lot of problems with her and she passed away. Ball pythons are a little easier to find and your channel convinced me to do it. Now I’ve got two haha
That's great!
I would love a Blood Python! But yeah they seem to be a bit more sensitive than BPs. Why/how did she die?
Love these vids makes me confident with my new child
I'm glad you're enjoying them!
Bob is up there in status with Clint, he treats reptiles as pets.
Doing the research before getting my first BP is the reason I came across Green Room Pythons in the first place! I feel like doing so much research before hand put me in a much better place for the things that "could" happen with BPs. Currently I have a fire, and Super Orange Dream that both are happy and healthy thanks to the information you and the community put out!
That's great, I'm glad this channel has been helpful for you :-)
Wanted to get a ball python as a first snake, ended up getting a corn snake first, I now have said corn snake, a ball python, a milk snake, a children's python, and a carpet python. While I also have lizards and I love them dearly, I enjoy my snakes justa bit more.
I first wanted a ball python. But i looked into a other snakes that are suitable aswell so i did my Research on the other snakes to. but couldnt decide which one will be my first snake. After a few thoughts i said my self lets go to the snake i want the most. Aaand that was a ball python. I took my focus on the Research for my "future" ball python.(this is also how i ended up here) Now i have a little ball python in my livingroom and i love him. ❤
That's great!
the best video on new keepers! Thank you, i feel less shame now.
I'm glad it was helpful!
My first snake was a rough green snake, and he definitely died due to keeper error. In hindsight he was a poor choice for me because I wanted a handleable buddy. 😢
Now I’m all about new world rat snakes. They are perfection to me and fit into my life perfectly.
I've heard rough/smooth green snakes are almost impossible to keep alive in captivity. It's super tempting too since the wild ones will usually let you pick them up without much fuss.
Another great video. We did our research after we saw a very cool snake at the pet store. We were determined to get it and put a deposit on the snake so they could hold it at the store while we built it's enclosure and gathered equipment. We also read, watched videos, and asked several snake keepers for advice and information. Our "starter snake" is a Red tail green rat snake. He is awesome.
I actually was thinking of getting a corn snake for my first reptile. But Clint convinced me that a slow moving snake like a ball python was better due to the over pets I have in my house. Your channel helped me prep for getting my first snake, which is a ball python.
I have more confidence now that faster moving snakes like corn snakes would be just fine. Glad I got a ball python though, I'm absolutely in love with her and the species.
Sounds like you made a good choice!
From the very beginning, when I was 11 years old, I wanted a green smooth or rough grass snake.
But they were not available and very fragile.
Most of them then all died in captivity.
I also couldn't keep a snake at that time, because I still lived with my parents.
But unfortunately I also lived for years in places where I could not keep a snake.
Also eventually forgotten.
Until I lived where I live now.
Unfortunately, the green smooth or rough grass snake is still not an option.
So I was thinking about rosy boas.
But unfortunately also very rare to find here in the Netherlands.
So that didn't work either.
Unfortunately, there is very little choice here in the Netherlands.
So I bought my first cornsnake in August 2021.
And this year, January 2, my first ball python.
A male ball python and a pair of garter snakes will be added in May😄
Those are all great choices!
Hi Bob when our daughter started to want to get a snake, we made her do the research (we did too) and we made her be patient as it is a lifelong decision. Biggest knowledge I feel you must have is the laws in your area. Not just the state but your city and county laws as well. Otherwise, you are just setting yourself up for heartache. Most of the snakes my daughter were interested in are illegal in our area (hognose, boa constrictors, bull snakes...), so that had us having to change our mindset. Unlike you she didn't want a ball python due to possible feeding issues, at least not for a first snake. After 2+ years of research we gave in and got her a corn snake and for us he is perfect.
When I hear parents mention "starter" pets these are pets normally those that can't/won't or are less likely to harm the child. However, I would also let them continue to make sure that was their reason for the phrase. I used to deal with parrots a lot in the past and my eldest bird is 44 years old. No pet to me is disposable, but I have some birds that may leave a welt or small cut and some that have sent people to the hospital for stitches. Biggest thing about pet selection is knowing your own limits then finding the pet that best suits that.
Also, I hate the term exotic as it has multiple meanings and it's basically a moot point. Most people would consider my grey exotic but a finch or a dove as common. Heck many people aren't qualified to give care to a cat or dog (which are the two biggest invasive species in the world hands down) but as someone that worked in the pet trade you do the best to vet out the owners you don't feel can handle it and move on. And yes, I have on many occasions refused to sell a bird to a home I wasn't sure of being right for the bird's needs.
Sounds like Colorado with the restriction on Hognose and Bullsnakes, can only have wild caught Hogs and Bulls in Colorado. The only local restriction I knew of in CO is no Burms, Retics or hots in Aurora, but Boas are ok.
@@mrvwbug4423 You're correct and my county has a ban on constrictors over four feet long as well.
When I first started mulling over getting a snake 3 years ago, I immediately thought of corn snakes and ball pythons...then realized that everything my ex-b/f (15 years ago) "knew" about husbandry was incorrect, and my tiny house didn't have room for the enclosures adults would need. So....I poked around on the internet, and discovered that garter snakes would be a better option for me. I currently have 2 adult males (a valley and a checkered) living happily in a 29-gallon bioactive tank. I've sinced cleared out and organized the spare bedroom into an office / reptile room - with 3 geckos, a pacman frog, a praying mantis and....a BALL PYTHON (because now that there's not a bed sucking up space, I have room for a big enclosure)!
Well I have wanted a snake since the late 80's, in the 90's I fell in love with ball pythons. I had been doing research on snakes since I fell in love with them. I finally decided to get one this past year and did research for about 3 months before I got my first bp back in November, I focused on them specifically though I did watch channels that have other species. I am so glad I went with a bp for my first snake he is super pastel, clown, pinstripe or killer clown blast so I named him Jack Napier see who gets that reference. There are other species I want now but waiting on those in favor of breeding bps to help supplement my growing snake addiction. 😂😂 Btw great video Bob and glad to have this one to help with the news you shared earlier on Patrion.
Sounds like you got an amazing first snake!
This a fantastic comprehensive breakdown of this topic,
I resent the term “starter” in this context because it implies that in all use cases of the term, the person purchasing that animal is eventually going to graduate from that animal into keeping more complex species,
I understand collection is a large part of herpeteculture but I think we fail to consider that most people are looking for a pet, not an entry into a hobby,
And I think when you break that down, it’s more important to inform the public on what snakes make good pets, not which snakes are inherently “easier” to care for.
That being said, my first was a corn, my second was a rescue ball, and my latest and possibly last is a hog island boa, and in that time I think if I had to pick one to recommend to people that are looking for a definitive snake that will be there only snake, it’s gotta be the boa,
Most people I think can manage a small locality boa, and they’re incredibly interactive and engaging. They bridge that gap of challenging you to keep up with their enrichment without being unmanageable
My first snake I chose is a beautiful deep rust-colored hypo hognose and he makes me smile every day… that I see him.
I will gladly sing the praises of one of Wyoming’s native species and the benefits for ease of care for those of us who live here.
On the flip side, my coworker’s… 8 or 9 year old really wants one and I told him flat out that they can hunger strike, so if that’ll be a problem, probably pick a better eater. If not, go for it because they’re awesome
I'm one of those people who hard core fell in love with asian ratsnakes when I saw them the first time in person and from that moment it became my dream to own one. However because of their shy bitey reputation I didn't dare to get it as my 1st reptile.
Like many others I started with a corn snake, then fell in love with puppy faces of ball pythons, figured out it is not too scary to house feeding insects for a leopard gecko either, had a bunch of buyers remorse with my choices of color morphs for my snakes, brawled it out with a feeling of guilt when in the end I rehomed my original snakes and took more time to get myself the colors I actually liked the most.
All of this happened within the first 5 years of my reptile keeping and during the 6th I finally got myself that baby taiwanese ratsnake and noticed I could have just started with her all along 😂
However I do love my current corn snake and 2 ball pythons to bits and I dont regret having them💚 Only regret I have is my lack of patience at the beginning since even tho it has been years since I rehomed the original 2 snakes, I still think about them and worry how they are doing despite my best effort to find them good, responsible homes. It's a hard pill to swallow when you want to be a good pet guardian but "fail" to commit to an animal from the start to finish so I absolutely agree with your statement, the best beginner snake is the one you really do love the most - within safety reasons ofc. Do not start out with something like a cobra or an adult snake who is big enough to cause serious harm by accident 😂
Love your channel! You have provided me with so much information as I’m getting into this hobby! Keep up the great work!
Thank you so much!
great points, and excellent shot of Dan climbing the rope
Thank you!
House snakes make great beginner snakes, imo. They're active and curious little snakes, they tend to have a good temperament, have great appetite and are easy to care for. On the downside, if they're still young they're rather small, which makes them a bit harder to handle while they can also be a bit flighty. I can also see rhino ratsnakes making good beginner snakes.
Omg... I'm still laughing at the thought of Kevin in a top hat with a monocle. Priceless! 😂😂😂
Nobody tell Kent about the mojave green rattlesnake. It could be outside. In his corner. **Right now**. 😅
I'd planned on getting a hognose (couldn't get the permit in time), or a ball python, but my ability to maintain their temperature and humidity in an enclosure I could afford at purchase, with periodic upgrades, was just not there. Also, I cannot with feeding strikes.
I ended up with a rosy boa (mountain locality), which thrives an arid environment, (I also thrive in an arid environment,), tolerates a wiiide range of temperatures, grows very slowly, and looks neat. Going on four years old and she's only just getting close to 30".
Now I have a rule about new snakes and that rule is that if it isn't a native North American boa or NA boa convergent evolution dupe
(* cough * Calabar burrowing python, which is actually a boa), it has to be stripey going long ways. This seriously trimmed down my "big list of species I Want" though I'm keeping an eye on the gorgeous shadow dorsal stripe supercond hognoses that snake discovery has been producing.
Don't know if I should watch this video, I heard "snakes you should look into". I'm already having trouble figuring out what I want! 🤣 At first I was dead set on a ball python. Good size, nice temperament and not as fast moving as say cornsnakes. I even bought one, but he was on the other side of the country and I couldn't get him to me..
And right now I cant find a BP I really like, so I've decided to see what's coming up in this years clutches.
Then I saw an ad for variable kings, researched a bunch and they got me interested. I'm also kind of tempted to buy a hognose. But for right now, I REALLY want a Brazilian rainbow boa 🥰 And yes, I think almost every snake could be a beginners snake as long as you've done your research and have a big interest in that kind.
And yes, whatever I choose in the future, it would be my first (buuuuuut I'm pretty sure it won't be my last 😂)
Oh and also - Thanks for the tip Kent! I will look into the Long-toothed deathrattler from Saharas! That sounds like a fun and exotic species 😁
I’ve been watching your videos for about 3 months now to learn as much as I can I’ve also been watching a few others as well but mostly you and today I just put a deposit down for my first snake. He is a coral dream, spinner, pastel ball python and I’m going to name him dreamer.❤❤❤🐍
That's fantastic, congrats!
Great video! When I was shopping for my beginner snake I knew I wanted a good sized snake (but not more than 10 ft). Boas were at the top of the list due to their size. I started researching boas and found that I didn't love the look of them. The videos I watched also indicated they weren't the brightest. Then I briefly considered ball pythons (because boas weren't beginner snakes). I didn't like their chunky appearance. They also didn't seem very interactive or intelligent. And they were nowhere near the size that I wanted. Then I came across retics and fell in love. I loved the way they looked (for some reason, the head and body shape of a retic was the quintessential snake image I had in my mind). I loved how curious and interactive they were. I knew I didn't want a 15-20 ft snake that might outweigh me. Then I discovered super dwarf retics! I got a male lavender sd and don't regret it! He took to target training very quickly. I did sustain a few bites during feeding time early on, before I learned to take precautions (longer tongs and a glove), but I haven't had any issues since. He's 7 ft long now and just got upgraded to a 6 ft tall enclosure (he loves to climb!). I love that he's big enough that I can let him explore in the backyard without worrying about him getting lost. I love to watch him discover new things. Watching him is like a form of meditation for me (it's seriously so relaxing). If I had gotten a "beginner" snake I would have been settling. If you're going to get an animal that lives 20+ years, get the one you actually want to have around for that long!
My daughter who's autistic fell in love with reptiles and wanted a hognose as her "Starter" snake. My wife and I decided against that as her 1st mainly due to the fact she wanted an expensive morph (Snow). We instead got her a corn snake(we also got one for myself) both her and I watched tons of videos, asked friends that owned, and knew the breeder(Paul's cool scales) ahead of getting it. We bought baby it was doing great eating well and was a really good curious snake. Sadly it passed away after spitting up a meal. It was my daughters 1st time dealing with a loss. After some time passed we got her a ball python who is the sweetest snake i've ever seen and we also got that hognose. All the animals are doing well and are good eats besides the ball(champagne-lavender-luc-named spirit) who is sometimes afraid of his food. I definitely recommend researching the snake you want plus maybe a few others, you may found the one you really want is something unexpected.
My first was an albino cornsnake named Cory! Now I'm looking into BPs which is how I found your awesome channel. A snake I decided against was a parrot snake. After researching it seems like they're best left in the wild and not in captivity. Still love them though they're so beautiful 🥺 Thank you for all your work!
I originally was thinking about getting cornsnake but I liked ball python better for their slower movement:) now im trying to learn as much as I can and Im having a great time while watching this channel! :D thank you for your work
I originally wanted a hognose as my first snake. I went to an expo and my hands were really warm and every time I held one they kept checking out my hands like they were about to have a feeding bite. A few even opened their mouths. So it made me kind of nervous because at the time I didn’t know why they were acting like that. I know their venom is usually not an issue but I’m one of those people who is paranoid. I didn’t buy any and went home. I decided to look for/research a different first snake that I wouldn’t have to worry about having any reaction to if it were to bite me. That way I could also learn about their behavior without any nerves. I got a corn snake instead. Eventually, I would still like to get a hognose. I feel confident about reading their body language and I can always tell when my corn is in feeding mode now. I also want to say I love my corn snake and I’m really glad I started with him instead.
Corn snakes are great!
Thank you so much for doing these
Glad you like them!
My first and second snake was a BP. They're wonderful and have such different personalities.
I originally wanted a Brazilian rainbow boa, but humidity is really hard to maintain in a landlocked mountainous desert state if I don't want to use bins. So maybe not now.
I've also wanted king/milk snakes, but don't want the trouble of having a snake that eats snakes around other snakes.
Another good one Bob!
Thank you!
It would be cool if you made another channel or a series dedicated to lizards or amphibians and if you do decide to do that I would suggest starting out with a Chinese cave gecko they’re pretty cheap and really easy to take care of and they’re really good beginner pet lizards. I have a whole bunch of reptiles and I would say Chinese cave geckos are easier to take care of then crested geckos, ball pythons and leopard geckos. also you should make some videos for more experienced reptile keepers. Anyway it was a great video I enjoyed it.
I've just gotten my first rainbow boa and it's an absolute dream come true. I've got a proper substrate in a plastic container right now, with plenty of moss to hold all the humidity she needs.
She's only 2 and a half months old but she seems to be very calm and curious when she's being handled.
Im a little unsure about how often I should clean her enclosure but I'm sure you have a video somewhere!
Congrats on your new snake. Spot clean everyday and do a complete change of the enclosure about once a month :-)
Love you're videos! I first-day started with my western hognose waffle. Now I have a corn snake and a brown african house snake. Totally adore all of them! I'd like to get a ball python in the future.
A friend has a ball python and I fell in love with it. So, I did my own research and got my own ball python. Penny, she’s a pied. Once I saw her I fell in love. I have had her 7 months now and she is so great. Next, I want a BEL. 🙂
We have a children’s python named Ramón Noodles, he’s our first, and we got him around 10-11 months of age last Sept. He’s the sweetest most chill snake. We had researched bearded dragons, but decided to look into Antaresia after handling a couple. So glad we did.
I started with a corn snake about a year and a half ago when I made the jump into keeping snakes, and I got my ball python last September as he was an adult male on frozen thawed rats. I absolutely love both of them! The snake I want to get, but can’t due to space constraints, is a Dumeril’s boa. Not to say that I won’t ever get one, it just isn’t in the cards for the foreseeable future.
I'm going for a corn snake. The heat and humidity of a ball python might be a bit much for me, plus my wife doesn't like thicker bodied snakes. Plus I have space for a corn snake. I originally wanted an egg eater, but didn't have access to anything smaller than quail eggs.
Yeah those egg eaters are tricky if they need to be eating finch eggs
Everyone says BP are good beginner snakes, but honestly any snake with heat pits will be harder to feed, not to mention the humidity! Its simple enough to figure out but can be a problem for new owners. Most colubrids will be easier in most ways
My first choice was a Ball Python but, for me they get too big. Even the males. Then I discovered the Western Hognose and fell in love. Hoping on getting one this year. For my needs they are smaller and just love their silliness. After watching almost all of your videos I knew the importance of research and have done a ton of it. Thanks, Bob, for helping me go from being afraid of snakes to actually wanting one. I never miss a video. ❤
I'm glad you enjoy the channel. Hognose are great choice!
As always bro great video and awesome snakes
Thank you!
Really thought I'd get a ball python as a first snake. But read how boas were reputed to be a little more interactive....so started researching boas that stay on the smaller side. Ended up with a boa amarali. I think she's fascinating to watch---and a joy to handle. Love her to bits.
Short-tailed boas are great!
This is such a great video on the best beginner snake! Research will lead you to what that species is for you! It lead me to my island locality retics! They’re not for everyone, but anyone who researches and loves them can do it! Great stuff!!! 💛
Thanks so much, I appreciate that!
I started with wanting a California king snake but found a love for black headed pythons. Still doing months of research on plenty of snake species 😅. Very indecisive😂
Black-headed pythons are the king snakes of Australia :-)
My starter snake was a Boa, then went on to a columbian rainbow boa, then a Brazilian. I jumped the gun and got an Anaconda, and quickly realised that I bit off more than I can chew... kept him for a few months and made a decision to re home him to an experienced keeper. After that I got myself a ball python. I'm on my 3rd year of being a keeper. I would like to add a carpet python to the family one day.
My first snake is a Ball Python. I was looking to get a carpet python wanting something that would get a bit larger and be a little more arboreal but one of my friends who breeds bp's on occasion had a clutch hatch on the same day my god daughter was born and one of them was a gorgeous female enchi champagne so getting this one has some deeper meaning for me. 5 months in and very happy with the decision. P.S. I love your videos and you're one of my first go to's for info.
I am looking for a Rosy boa as my first snake. Feels like a good first snake.
Same
Fun vid Bob! Not that I ever plan to get a "starter" shaker but good tips none the less. Love you!😉
Thanks Mom, love you too!
I've done so much research and this video sums everything up more eloquently than anything else I've seen or read! Thank you ❤
Agreed 100% - my belief is that the animal should suit you and your lifestyle. Deep dive into the breed and make sure you know all the possible cons. If you're not willing to deal with potentially getting an animal that has the worst aspects of that breed, then it's probably not for you. At least, that's really worked for me and helped me be as prepared as I possibly can. I ended up with the best doggo and kitty (they're also besties) this way!
I'm getting my first snake in the next few weeks and she's an adult corn snake. I initially fell in love with snakes because of an albino Cali King I handled when I was little, but decided the bitey-ness and musking is something I'd rather avoid as a beginner. Same with Hognoses - the potential to go off food and their venom causing a severe reaction (I know it's unlikely, but still) made me take pause. I still really want those, but I would only want to actually take care of one when I'm more experienced and comfortable. Landed on corns, and I'm really excited for my new girl Moose!
Your point about getting what you want is spot on. A very very sad thing is, that with SO much information available, you can think you have done your homework, and start seeing the same info over and over seeming to confirm you have-and you haven’t. (Not you-me… you know what I mean…)
I started with a gorgeous, lovely ball python, and do still want one, but really wanted a boa imperator. We heard they were the better starter option, and stop eating sometimes, that it’s no big deal, just be ready for it. :/ don’t freak out even if it’s a couple months…
We moved to a new home and she stopped eating. We had her striking and constricting, but she wouldn’t ever finish them. But that was after weeks of not even striking. By the time we started reacting and changing things because “that’s normal” and then seeing her seem to try and not finish we were hopeful she was okay but really just didn’t want to eat. She’d spend a lot of time chewing on feet and being silly about it like she used to (always her thing…) and made us think that the advice we were given must be true-she was just doing “what ball pythons do”. And she died. That scared us with ball pythons quite a bit. Hearing your info MAY convince us to take another chance pretty far in the future-but now we have a boa imperator. Have had for a few months. Have the humidity and temps solid. Eats like a champ, sheds no problem, seems to enjoy (you know what I mean lol) interactions-no signs of stress or being defensive, very curious and relaxed-she’s even stooped to take drinks before leaving me when I return her to her cage. I’m still learning a lot, especially now that I’m aware that better information is out there than the run of the mill stuff-but at least I feel like I have a good grasp of how to tell if she’s healthy and not stressed-and she is healthy and not stressed. And I spend a lot of time with her just in awe of what a wonderful animal she is. I guess my main point is that your advice to research really requires a good authority on where to research and who to trust. There is a lot of incomplete info. Like I heard you say in another video-it may be common behavior, but it’s not natural or normal, and there is a a reason behind it that needs found out and corrected quickly-THAT angle needs disclosed to people researching to get a snake. I would say especially if they don’t want to share my regret.
I had narrowed it down to the usual for my 1st snake: corn snake. I had the enclosure and everything ready but when I went to a local expo I found myself so much more drawn to the ball pythons, so I just went home. I rethought everything, did more research on ball pythons and a few weeks later got my BEL boy!
the first snake i ever saw that made my jaw drop and my hands itch to hold it was a brazillian rainbow boa, and the only reason its a "not yet" is because 1 i Also want a ball python as well and Those are a lot more available in my area. 2 space for an enclosure the size a brb needs. i'll have that in a couple of years once the youngest spawn is better about hands don't go on enclosures without permission. in the meantime the reptile room is a no kid zone but its a Much smaller room-plenty of space for an enclosure that doesn't take up more than half a wall though :D i've been biding my time for a brb since high school, i'm in my 40s now, a couple more years to do it up right is fine.
Brazilian rainbow boas are a beautiful snake!
I did what I thought was a lot of research before getting mine but when I got them I definitely realised there was so much I didn’t know and there’s also so much conflicting information around.
I’m still learning but I’m glad I picked ball pythons and so far they’ve had healthy sheds, eat consistently, and are great to handle so I think I’m doing ok 🤣