Which snake to start with? | Leopard Geckos | Page 1

tacit sundial May 20, 2025, 3:01 AM

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I currently have a leopard gecko but have been wanting to get into snakes for as long as I can remember. I’ll be moving into my own place in a few years and want to get a snake a bit after that.
I understand that no snake is a ‘beginner’ snake and I’m willing to put as much time, money, and effort into a setup as I need.
I have a few species I really love and am considering, and I just want some input on what people suggest.

Firstly, a ball python. I love them so dearly and spent years researching their care. It’s the species I considered the longest.

Second, an eastern hognose. So freakin cute and take up less space as far as I’m aware. Main issue with them is that I’ve heard lots about them being picky eaters.

Third, Brazilian rainbow boa. Gorgeous and the ideal size, as I prefer a medium-large snake. Haven’t heard anything negative nor positive about them, don’t see them a lot.

And lastly, the Bredli python. I’ve loved these guys for a while and a lot of people have recommended them for their temperament. Bigger than what I was initially looking for, but I’ve heard nothing but good things and I’m willing to sacrifice some more space for a good snake.

What’s everyone’s advice? Be as blatant as you need, and feel free to make recommendations. Ideal size range is 4-6 feet but I’m fine going an additional foot or so in either direction. Nothing with a special diet please (fish, frogs, etc). I’d rather stick to frozen-thawed mice and rats if possible.

rocky nebula May 20, 2025, 3:05 AM

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I say go with the ball python tbh. That’s prob the most common first snake and you already have an interest in them so I think it’s a good fit!

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And you could probably get the others as you go, if you want to ofc

serene cosmos May 20, 2025, 3:08 AM

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I’m very biased towards bps

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They can be difficult at times but Cipher is my guy and I love him

rocky nebula May 20, 2025, 3:10 AM

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serene cosmos I’m very biased towards bps

Literally😭

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Most likely gonna be my first if not a sand boa lol

serene cosmos May 20, 2025, 3:10 AM

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Cipher’s a baby

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I’ve been having issues with my sand boa lately so having the stability of Cipher is good

rocky nebula May 20, 2025, 3:11 AM

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Ooh I didn’t know you had one bigeyes

serene cosmos May 20, 2025, 3:11 AM

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I’ve had her since April 1st

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She hasn’t ate since I got her but also it’s breeding season and she’s 2 so I’m just making sure she stays a good weight

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She’s chonky so I’m not that worried

rocky nebula May 20, 2025, 3:27 AM

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serene cosmos I’ve had her since April 1st

Wait let’s continue this in #reptile-chat so we don’t clog up their forum lmfao

chilly moss May 20, 2025, 12:16 PM

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Eastern hognose should be given a varied diet including amphibians so they should not be considered for your list imo. Of the options provided the ball python would be the most forgiving. Bredli wouldn't be a bad option either if you are comfortable with the size.

timid flame May 20, 2025, 8:37 PM

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im a bp owner and i agree they are very forgiving (obviously dont abuse them but. small mistakes can be made).
i feel like the reason theyre so common is also because theyre so hardy and tolerant of bad conditions but thats another topic lmfao

balmy pulsar May 20, 2025, 9:03 PM

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NQA: best advice I’ve found is to start with a well established adult. That way you get used to weird snake things without also having to deal with weird baby snake things.
Source: old man noodl

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All of my research points to Western hogs being the “easiest” of the two. They are bred more in captivity and have (hopefully) been breed to focus on good eaters. They eat frogs and toads in the wild so it can be hard to get past the instincts. I know shops like Reptilinks sells frog scent if you don’t want to keep a toad on hand to rub mice on.

A good breeder will have their stock on frozen unscented though.

#Which snake to start with?