Hello all, this if my first post here, but I already posted the same thing in herphabitats, so if you're reading this for the second time, sorry. but anyway....

I am looking to get my first snake in the next week or so. I had originally planned on getting a ball python, but I have been considering other options. I would like a snake a that will eventually be a little bigger than a bp, but not quite as big as a Boa. I would also like one that would be a more active and curious than a ball when being handled. I was at a pet store a few days ago and handled a juvenile bull snake and thought that this kind of snake might do the trick. It was by far the most active and curious snake I have ever handled. I was just gonna see what you all thought of the various pros/cons of these snakes or any other suggestions you might have. I also get the impression that a bull snake would probably easier to care for than a ball, considering heat and humidity requirements, and the possibility of balls going off feed or having other health problems. Thanks in advance to any advice or possible suggestions for other breeds of snake I might want to look into. I think a Hogg Island Boa would be great for what I want, but they're just a little out of my price range for now Thanks, Cody.

Hey! Welcome to the Herpcenter! Glad you made it over here. Are you looking for a more active snake or something that will be willing to sit still?

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http://dragcave.net/user/manhirwen

Hi, and welcome to the HCN! Have you thought abotu getting a corn snake? They are curious and active, they require low humidity and temps that are easily maintained.

There is a variety of options out there, for beginners it's good to start with something like a Ball python or a corn snake. I don't know if Bull snakes are any different in care or needs than corn snakes but with any animal you buy you should be dedicated to it's needs.

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http://dragcave.net/user/manhirwen

Yes I had thought about corn snakes but I'd like something a little bigger, and yes I would like a more active snake than a ball. I can assure you that whatever I get will receive the best care I can possibly give it as far as habitat requirements go. I know a lot of people consider bulls to be a difficult beginner snake because of their temperaments but I do plan on handling any snake I get regularly and I wouldn't mind the challenge of having to "tame one down" in the first few months. And because I plan on handling it a lot, that's kinda why I have been considering something other than a ball, cuz I'd like something that is active and doesn't just sit there. Thanks!

Hi Cody!

Welcome to Herp Center! Good luck on your venture!

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Smile and the world will think that you are up to something!

Steve

Hi Cody and welcome to HCN!
An adult bull snake can gert about 7-8 ft long so they are a bit larger than cornsnakes.
Tempermentwise they do come off as a bit more aggressive. When I was very young I had a 6 footer that I caught wild. In the cage it would coil up, hiss and strike, and do the darndest imitaion of a rattler you ever saw. Outside the cage I could easily handle it and walk around with it hanging around my neck. However anytime my younger brother got near it it would hiss and act like it wanted to bite him. Since I was very young I thought this behavior funny. My mother did not agree and decided the snake had to go away!

I have also caught babies out in the wild to show my kids who allowed themselves to be picked up with no problem. I suspect that if aquired and handled from an early age they should settle into handling easily.

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

Welcome to HC Network.....Enjoy yourself....Lyn

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Warmest Regards from Lyn