I want to get a reptile. Suggestions?

Azzarth · 06-08-10, 05:14 PM

Hello everyone

As you read in the title, I want to get a reptile of some sort. I've never owned one before, but let me explain why I think I'm ready.

I have plenty of room in my home for the...container? Cage? Well you hopefully know what I mean. I have a very large aquarium tank, with rubber seals around the lid, and several small holes in the top. I took it to my local pet store and the person that examined it said it was escape-proof for any reptile they sold. So I have the habitat taken care of.

I have other pets in the house, (4 dogs and a cat) but they shouldn't be a concern because I have a large walk-in closet that I've cleared out to use for storing the new pet. Safety is also taken care of.

The pet store I mentioned earlier sells everything that is needed for reptile-care, including frozen pre-killed mice in case I decide on a snake.

I have money that I've saved for a while just for this purpose, so I'll be able to get everything the new pet needs to live healthily and comfortably.

I think I'm pretty much ready to get a new pet, but I was wanting some suggestions on any varieties that are good for beginners. I've read lots online, but you all are real pet owners, so i want your real input before making my choice.

Thanks in advance for all the help everyone

infernalis · 06-08-10, 06:22 PM

I would recommend either a garter snake or corn snake as a first time pet reptile.

Garter snakes remain rather small with 18-20 inches being about the largest to expect.

(PM me if that is your choice, I can set you up with a captive bred captive born disease free animal with nice manners)

Corn snakes are also well known first time pet snakes, and are widely available.

Azzarth · 06-08-10, 06:45 PM

Thanks for the input Infernalis, Ill keep your Garter in mind. I've had my eye on the corn snakes at Pet Cove for a while, they have some really colorful varieties, all yellow and orange-ish.

**Aaron_S** · 06-08-10, 06:49 PM

I would agree with the corn snake or garter. If I were you though I would go do more research after you've chosen the species.

infernalis · 06-08-10, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

I would agree with the corn snake or garter. If I were you though I would go do more research after you've chosen the species.

And keep those questions flowing

anyone here is usually happy to help.

infernalis · 06-08-10, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azzarth

Thanks for the input Infernalis, Ill keep your Garter in mind. I've had my eye on the corn snakes at Pet Cove for a while, they have some really colorful varieties, all yellow and orange-ish.

I can do that with garters too, but they get expensive when you want color morphs.

Azzarth · 06-08-10, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

I would agree with the corn snake or garter. If I were you though I would go do more research after you've chosen the species.

Yeah, you can never learn enough about your pet.

What is the average length of mature corn and garter snakes? I don't want to get anything too overwhelmingly large, something around 2-3 feet to start is good, right?

is there anything special that they need in a habitat? Do corn snakes need corn?

And omg Infernalis, that snake looks amazing! I would love to have one, but if they get expensive, I might want to wait and see if I am able to take care of snakes first.

infernalis · 06-08-10, 07:39 PM

Corn snakes don't eat corn.

They got that name because the first settlers to the new world always found them in the corn fields and corn storage bins looking for mice to eat.

infernalis · 06-08-10, 07:41 PM

I will post some pics of a good garter setup, my corn setup is just adequate, so I prefer others who spoil their corns to show off their setups.

and corn snakes can get 3-4 foot long no problem.

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/thamn...res-added.html

Azzarth · 06-08-10, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by infernalis

corn snakes can get 3-4 foot long no problem.

That sounds good. I don't want to get a snake that turns 10 feet long

Is there a recommended gender for starter snakes? What kind of traits do the different genders have? I would prefer an active, but still friendly (docile?) snake.

Azzarth · 06-08-10, 07:48 PM

Infernalis, how much would one of these cost?

"Axanthic (blue phase) Thamnophis Radix"

I absolutely love the black/blue combo, the picture of Sky made me smile

**Aaron_S** · 06-08-10, 08:31 PM

If you're looking for active then corns, garters, kingsnakes are the way to go.

infernalis · 06-08-10, 08:46 PM

baby snakes like that one are around $45 + shipping.

With the radix being far more relaxed and easy to handle, while the Puget (Sky) is a nippy species that bites a lot.

The Radix in general are very laid back and tolerate handling.

Azzarth · 06-08-10, 08:53 PM

:O that's well within my price range! Thanks for all the quick responses everyone.

Is there any difference in gender traits? I'm assuming that males would be more colorful than females, to attract mates and such.

I don't think that Mom would like me having a nippy snake, just for the fact that most people have a ridiculous fear of them.

If you read in my first post, I have a 30 gallon aquarium with rubber seals on the edges, plexiglass lid with lots of tiny, tiny holes (less than 1/8") I could easily add a locking mechanism. Would that be sufficient for a Garter?

infernalis · 06-08-10, 09:05 PM

Yes that would be plenty, most of mine are in 20 gallon tanks.

Gender wise, Males are a bit smaller than females, and females kept without a male present are likely to "throw jelly beans" meaning give birth to unfertilized eggs.

Temperaments are about the same.