Hobby Starter - Need advice

[telmac]

Hi All,

I'm a new starter to the hobby. Looking to buy my first snake, enclosure etc. I want to make sure I have all the information I need so that any animal i get ends up healthy and happy, so I'm open to advise from anyone.

first of all is the breed of snake to get. I was looking at getting a Children's Python but I'm not 100% sure. I want a snake thats Small to medium size (no more then 2 meters) and will be open to handling. I read from snake Ranch that Children's Pythons are generally docile, friendly and very relaxed around people. Is this the best choice for a beginner? Does anyone recommend any other beginner snakes?

Secondly is the Started kit. Enclosures, heat mats, thermostats etc. I saw a package for first time keeps on Python1. "The Complete Beginners Package" for $340. Has anyone gotten this package, or know of any others?

Any help will be greatly appreciated

 

[1issie]

Childrens python are fine.Great to handle and don't grow too big.

 

[pythons73]

That package from Pythons1 would suit defiantly suit a new comer,everything you need for the little snake to start off with.Any of the Anteresia species would suit you..Childreni,Spotted or Stimson as there generally a small species,rarely exceeding the 4ft mark....

 

[sarah_m]

Stimsons and spotteds tend to have (and keep) a stronger pattern than childrens and grow to a similar size. Have a look on the snake ranch website for some idea of the variety of patterns out there.

 

[Snakeluvver2]

Hey I would recommend any python bar Scubbies and Olive due to there size.
You will probably want to stay away from Morelia spilota's (Carpet Pythons) bar Jungles and Bredi's.
Those two also have great colours.
Jungles range from white and black and also yellow and black.
Bredii's are generally natural red and black and you can get hypo's.

Any of the Antaresia are great too. Nice and small. I don't really like them though.

You'll probably end up getting a hatchy which is a good idea.

So you can house them in a click clack which is basically a small plastic container with a heat mat/ heat chord connected to a thermostate.
This is probably the cheapest and most effective way to start housing young snakes.
No it's just not for beginners everyone keeps there young ones in click clacks. Small spaces make the snake feel secure and safe.
Check out this thread.

http://www.aussiepythons.com/forum/general-discussion-42/guide-build-click-clack-dial-93266/

Also regardless of who you get the snake off (I seriously don't recommend buying from pet stores =over priced) try and keep a good communicative relationship with them. Not only will it allow you to know when you can buy more snakes of them but if you have any troubles they can hep you out.

Jannico

 

[Braidotti]

When you buy a python try and get one around 10 month to a yr old, that way you shouldnt have any drama with feeding.

 

[wiz-fiz]

I recogmend a bredli, mines heaps palcid and most grow to be placid by the time they are a year old, only thing is they grow to a reasonable size...
Will

 

[caleb96]

i think woma python's are very placid and would make a good first snake just are a bit crazy when it come's to feeding time but other than that there fine just dont get a SA woma they get huge

 

[Red-Ink]

Any snake mate, as long as your willing to put in the proper research and work then they'll be fine, having said that though some have easier care than others. Go with the one you like the look of and find out as much as you can about them and their care. If you like the childreni then go with that. They're care is quite easy and as people said don't get very big. They can easily fit in tubs if your that way inclined or a 3x2x2 enclosure if you want more of a display. You meet their basic requirements of food and proper heating then you can't go wrong. Ask specific questions and you'll get specific answers in regards to their care.