Spotted Python ... or Another Ball?

Okay - i've been thinking about whether I should get two new boas, or a boa and a new python. I've decided to go with a python. As much as I would love to get a burmese or retic - I KNOW i'm not ready for an animal like that, nor do I have the space. Chances are, I probably never will get a snake that can grow to be in the 20" range. So, I was just wondering, does a spotted python get to be the same length as a ball python, or should I just go with another ball? I love the way the spotted pythons look, yet i've grown quite fond of ball pythons. If there are any other relatively small/medium pythons - i'd love to do some reading up on them. I considered a blood, but I don't think I could handle another large snake after I purchase my next boa. So, I suppose my question for you is - what would you go for?

Have you thought about carpet pythons? They're a great species, also, and get to about 5-8 feet max. (depends on what kind)
If you have the money, go with a super dwarf retic. I want one so badly as I love the look of retics, but I would never be able to keep such a large snake...

I agree with SR1234, Carpet pythons are wonderful snakes, and give you the freedom of choice in:

- Size (IJ's are generally the smallest maxing out at around 5-6 feet, with coastals being the biggest maxing out at around 9-10 feet)

- Colour and pattern

- Temperament (IJ's are generally the more docile of the three subspecies)

They certainly make wonderful display animals, are great to handle and aren't too expensive either.

It's always good to be diverse in what you keep, but there's absolutely nothing wrong with sticking with one species or only a few different species. Royal pythons are great, as I'm sure you know You know how to care for them, and how to handle etc. But if you were to get another Royal I'd get a different morph if you can afford it

Hope that helps!

David

Thats for the input you guys ! I will certainly look into the carpet pythons

WOMA! I just snagged one and I have been after a stripey serpent for ages. They are of good temper and easy care and get large enough to really display well.

I'd go for the Spotted!! I'm thinking about getting one myself in the future..

I'd go with a Spotted. Everyone and the dog has a Ball. And since Dave brought it up, Irian Jayans are awesome pet snakes. Looks and personality to boot...

Chris

We've had "George" here 6 years goin' on 7. As long as you stay out of the way at feeding time they are a real good first "big" snake. he's always a bit shy to handle, but it's just like holding an active corn.........if the corn was 6 and a half foot long (lil over 2 meters) and a good bit bigger 'round than a Heineken keg can

Aw hes beautiful! Well, I think i've made my decision, I think i'm going to go for a jungle carpet - though i have a lot more to read up on, if anyone knows any online breeders i would appreciate it if you could point me in that direction

I would stay away from Bloods until you become more experienced with snakes. Trust me, I have been doing this for years and go my first Blood last year and it was a challenge. They are very touchy due to their requirements.

There are a nice group of smaller pythons to get.
Children's
Spotted
Savu

Medium
MACKLOTT'S PYTHON
RINGED PYTHON
WATER PYTHON
WOMA
White Lipped

The list can be endless but so are the prices. It depends on how much you want to spend on a snake? Under a $100 or over $500 for a different species.

Now if you want to try something else different in the Boids. How about Ground Boas?
There are around 10 species of Sand boas, just a handful are common in the hobby and very affordable.
Next you have the American Ground boas, Rosy and rubber boas.

Heck even if you want a snake that reaches six feet in length, have thought about Gophers, bulls and pines? They are snake that you will never forget. They get to be a very good size and are easy to care for.
Other low end price snakes are Black milks, I own one that is over 6 feet in length and is docile as a kitten, or the Trinket snake, can get up to and over 6 easily.

But seriously before you buy any snake look at all their requirements and make sure you are comfortable with their needs. Some snakes require a special touch over others.
Don't listen to people on a forum, they may steer you wrong, it is up to you to do your own research by reading books and magazine articles to find your answers.

Which, is why i am doing my research on carpet pythons. I was just asking if any one knew of a breeder online if I happen to become completely fascinated with this snake after researching its needs.

:/ Chances are I will either go for another boa - or the carpet i've still got a lot to look up on

http://www.acreptiles.com/links.htm

http://www.proexotics.com/links.html

I do not have any first hand suggestions...here are a couple hepful links...
Good luck!

Taxidermy,
I'd say Spotted.

Granted when I went looking for a spotted I came home with a Childreni's and now I am looking for 0.2 childreni's!

BP's are great and although can be fussy eaters, have great temperments and top between 5 and 6 feet usually.

I have a Children's Python and he is awesome. I highly reccomend them!!

Get a carpet ...:lol:

You could look into getting a dwaft retic 13-15 foot, some even smaller,
or even super dwarfs 4-5 foot...might need to sell a liver tho