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Real Newbie, looking to get started

Postby arcadies » Thu Jul 13, 2006 5:51 pm

Hi, i am from cape town, and was wondering what boa/python you all would recomend for a first timer? something with a good personality, and doesnt frighten easily. and maybe a place to get the food, snake, and enclosure?
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Postby Sssnakebuster » Thu Jul 13, 2006 8:30 pm

i recommend the childrens python
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Postby Sssnakebuster » Thu Jul 13, 2006 8:30 pm

or some kind of a milk or ratsnake
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Postby froot » Thu Jul 13, 2006 8:54 pm

Hi and welcome arcadies. If you want a boid I would reccommend a redtial boa or a small python. I have heard of many situations where people get burmese pythons for their first snake. These animals grow to be huge 6 meter snakes and end up being palmed off to dodgy homes when the owner discovers that this is not what he wanted. It is unfair on the animal, unless you are fully prepared to commit yourself to that kind of responsibility. The first small python that comes to mind is a ball python (royal python).
I would not go for something expensive yet at this stage because they tend to be more sensitive to their environment. Once you are sure of your ability to keep boids successfully then go wild, there are many wonderful animals out there.
Look out for babies and grow with them, you will learn alot more. When you find something you want to buy, insist on seeing it feed, even twice. Ask to see the seller's setup and the general condition of their animals. You don't want to buy an animal from dodgy conditions as they are more susceptable to health problems and this could put you off a great hobby.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask ;)
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Postby arcadies » Thu Jul 13, 2006 9:22 pm

thx froot. i think a small boa would be great, i would like something bigish not something to big though, would you be able to tell me of any decent place to buy the critter and even a place to buy the habitat?
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Postby arcadies » Thu Jul 13, 2006 9:25 pm

oh ya and i would like something to look at aswell :D hehe
"But I put my life on the line to save animals. " Steve Irwin (1962 -2006)
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Postby Natal Black » Fri Jul 14, 2006 1:27 am

Without a doubt , the best boa for a beginner is a Rosy Boa.
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Postby arcadies » Fri Jul 14, 2006 1:31 am

Natal Black : why would u say so?
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Postby Sean » Fri Jul 14, 2006 8:19 am

Id say male red tail boa if you want something reasonably but not 2 big, the females can grow quite a bit wider and a little longer, they are placid either way but 4 the boid "feel" id say go for a female (nice and wide)

pretty placid if you choose the right one (dont go out and buy one that strikes and attacks you rather go for a more placid one.)

there are many of our members in cape area and im sure one of them will drop you a pm.
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Postby Gabi » Fri Jul 14, 2006 8:19 am

I've always believed as a first boid a Red Tail Boa would be the best bet. My personal choice. They're the easiest to look after. Yes they do get a bit big though. The females can grow up to approx 3m.
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Postby Bushbaby » Fri Jul 14, 2006 8:20 am

I would say that Red Tail Boas are quite a good beginner snake.

1. They are inexpensive.
2. They can be a little snappy at first, but settle down very easily.
3. Information regarding them is readily available.
4. They do not grow too big (around 2 meters sometimes bigger, but not the big ones are rare).
5. They are quite hardy animals in my opinion.
6. You can easily get permits for them.

Oh, and number 6 is that I breed them and can send you a nice one. hee hee
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Postby feri » Fri Jul 14, 2006 9:44 am

as suggested earlier
a boa wud be a good starter snake.

another one to look at would be a captive bred ball python
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Postby Gary » Fri Jul 14, 2006 11:10 am

Hi, I am also based in CT and I have Boas as well Ball Pythons and can maybe help. I will send you a PM with contact details.

Regards
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Postby arcadies » Fri Jul 14, 2006 1:28 pm

thx for all the info, looks like ill take your advice and get a Red Tail

thx
"But I put my life on the line to save animals. " Steve Irwin (1962 -2006)
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Postby Sean » Fri Jul 14, 2006 2:09 pm

no prob, come yell or do a search thru the forums if you have any Q's
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