Children's or Stimson for first snake?

[Bozatron]

Hi All,

I am finally going to be getting my first snake, and was hoping to get some knowledgeable opinions on the best type to get. I am interested in either a Children's or Stimson, as I have heard they are relatively easy to maintain and are good natured snakes. I have also read that they usually only reach 1m in length, which is good for me as I only want a small snake to start off with.

So, I am interested in which one you think I should go for, and am also wondering if I should get a juvenile or adult one (I have heard the juvy's can snap a little, but I like the idea of rearing my first snake from a baby and watching it grow)?

Also, what size and kind of enclosure is best to get? Is it best to get a heat mat or lamp? If you know what prices are reasonable to pay for these, that would be great too!

Thanks all for your help. Looking forward to hearing your opinions!

One last thing, with the heating and buying of mice/rats, how much a month on average does it cost to look after your snake? Just want to make sure I am actually able to support it the best I can!

 

[sharky]

Wheatbelt Stimson Hatchie! I love those, have always wanted one and make a great starter. But both childrens or stimsons are great starters, it is up to you

Hatchies can be housed in a furnished 10l click clack (Plastic tub) on a heat mat. Heat mats are rather cheap, you will only need a 15watt for a click clack
I would house an adult in a 2x2x4ft (HxWxL) enclosure....design is up to you

It depends on what store you go to...prices vary from store to store Hopefully someone form VIC will be able to help you

EDIT: Welcome to the forum!

 

[sharky]

This should give a rough idea on food prices: DOA Rodents

 

[Bozatron]

Awesome, I will definitely have a look into a wheatbelt!

The heat mats won't burn the snake at all?

Also, what about when it gets bigger? What size melamine would I have to get for it?

Thanks so much for your help!

 

[stimigex]

Just sent you a PM....

 

[Becca-Marie]

They are both great i personally like childrens more so i would say childrens but it comes down to personal taste

Sent from my LG-P690f using Tapatalk 2

 

[ckps464]

Any snake from the Antaresia family is a great first snake choice. Personally, I've got a juvenile children's as my first snake.

Housing them in smaller cages is your personal preference as I've seen a lot of snakes get housed in a larger enclosure with no problem.

Putting them on a click clack is good if you're on a budget because they're cheap and you can get whatever your snake needs (hide, click clacks) at a cheaper price from cheap as chips, reject shop etc; while you build its adult enclosure.
s.

As for food, that's something you'll have to google extensively for

Hope that helps a little

P.s My adult Children's cost about $16 for 5 - 8 weeks to feed

 

[jacevy]

I got my first snake about 3 weeks ago.
I got a wheatbelt Stimson from the snake ranch. He is a hatchling.
He has never even looked like biting and I have never seen him in the s position.

We have him housed in a click clack with a heat cord.

He eats a pinky mouse every 7 days.

He has just shed for the first time.

I think he is awesome.

 

[Grogshla]

I think Stimmie would be a good choice.
I have both and both are great but Stimmie has been a better snake.

 

[dabigjhemzehh]

My first snake was a children's python, she's beautiful and may get a little moody around feeding time but is generally very well tempered.

As far as I'm aware Stimson's and Children's have pretty much the same requirements and even come to a similar size (being both from the genus Antaresia).

Something to consider is some smaller snake breeds may suffer from 'Everything is bigger than me' syndrome and may be a little nippy. But really it comes down to the individual snake and patience in handling. As I said, my little Children's is a little moody at times but she's generally well mannered, it just took time.