I know this sounds silly -.- but how do you hold a snake?

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GTP's and RSP's are out of the equation for the OP as both are specialist permit animals in SA. As for everyone trying to talk her out of a coastal, I think it's more for her mums benefit not hers. Mums obviously not a snake fan and would more likely be open to something that's not going to end up 8ft long.

+1 that is what I was going to write.

Yes coastals, bredli, etc make great beginners, but her mum is the one that has to be pleased. I don't think it is good for a yearling coastal to be kept outside in a SA winter. Surely her mum would be more likely to let her keep a cute little hatchilng in a click clack inside. If not then maybe getting a cold blooded animal should wait until the OP no longer lives at home.
 
A few people have mentioned we are talking her out of it and we (well I think it' most of us) aren't doing that. We are suggesting other options which may be more suitable for the way she's living at the moment - eg) Mum's maybe not keen on a huge snake, has to live indoors, not much experience at the moment blah blah blah.
That being said, I encourage her to go for something she wants however I also encourage her to understand that some snakes do grow big and you have to be comfortable with this (as do the parents) and accommodate it.

I'm not trying to talk her out of this when I say this but there are some bonus' when it comes to keeping any antaresia, particularly in your case. Firstly cost will inevitably be cheaper when you take into account smaller cage = less money, smaller feeds = less money. Then you've got the size = most likely happier parents & you feel more comfortable (then again, a hatchie coastal is small and takes a while to grow.

Just to point out, I saw a coastal in a petshop the other day and it was just almost 10ft. (a decent sized specimen but nonetheless) It had a massive girth and the bloke said it's temperament wasn't one to be messed with. Although it's unlikely that your coastal will get this big (especially if it's a male) they are a large snake. And most likely you wont have a nasty coastal if you have it from quite young. Just thought I'd add that. Oh and it's cage would've been about 1500Wx2000Hx600D

In brief, do a heap of research on lots of the pythons, get together an estimated cost, talk with your parents about what they're comfortable/happy with, think about whether you really can do it, find some breeders or any of the shops I listed before in the thread, get some hands on experiences again from the shops. Finally, pick a snake you want and can manage. No point buying a stimmie because we told you to. They live a long time...

And a lot of the time you will see an add go up for a snake that maybe you didn't plan on getting but you fell in love with. (and if you research all the pythons you'll know how to keep it. most have very similar husbandry except cage dimensions)
make sure the add is legit though. check out the for sale section on here and reptilesdownunder and herptrader.
 
J-A-X mum will let me keep the snake food in an old fridge that we don't use anymore. The fridge still works and they have put complete faith in me to look after a snake. We have seen many dead mice around our area so..... mum wouldn't be suprised if she saw mice/rats thawing out in the old fridge(lol). But I am being serious, I can easily get dad to convince mum (which takes 5 seconds :p) to let me use one of our old fridges that still work.
 
Not sure which part of SA you are in but there are some good reptile shops both North and South of the city perhaps if you visited one with your mum and she was able to see an adult snake of one the species you are interested in she might warm to the idea. The guys in these shops only deal in reptiles and are very knowledgeable and can help you in making an informed decision.
 
GTP's and RSP's are out of the equation for the OP as both are specialist permit animals in SA

Exactly what I meant! :)

Cazza, you'll need a freezer for the mice. I don't think keeping them in a fridge will work :? (Don't quote me on that though :p)

If she says let it live in the shed, take the offer!!!! With some work you can turn it into your reptile house ;)
 
I will use the freezer part of the fridge. Nah the shed was an option but she agreed with letting it live in the house as long as I don't let it out on the floor in carpeted rooms. (I can let it out on the lino).
 
They got up their themselves!
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With two hands.. very loosely. Just let the snake do what it wants. My womas like to wrap around my arms and usually make their way up as high as they can. My favorite boy usually ends up with his head resting on my head. :facepalm: As long as you are evenly supporting the snakes weight there should be no problem. Also avoid touching a new snakes head or tail tip... sometimes they are sensitive and get a littler jerky when you touch them in those areas. If he is not crawling around try to keep him somewhat level and support in his front and rear end. My big black heads pretty much need to go instantly around my neck in order for me to support them or else I am holding their weigh all awkward and I can tell they really don't like it much.... So I put the middle on there body on my neck and let the rest lay on my arms... and again they will move around and wrap all weird around my body but eh thats what snakes do.

I also do not see why everybody is commenting on the size of the snake the OP wants. The larger the species, the calmer and more placid they are. It's not like she wants a snake that will not be manageable and handleable by one person. I understand a snake that requires multiple handlers at once not being a good beginner snake, but a costal is manageable. As long as she has done her research, has the space to house the snake and has the money for food and heat supply I don't see the problem. I would much rather have a large snake I want to keep forever, than a smaller "good beginner" snake I really didn't like much, that I just got for the experience... that would probably end up for sale soon after I got bored with it.

If you are considering other species - get what you want. BUT do hours of research first because aside from looks every species has its pros and cons. Also most species care differs to a degree. Take into consideration what lengths you are willing to go to, or what adult size vivs you want. If you can't house a big viv cut out the big species from the start.... if you don't have a lot of height for a cage cut out arboreal snakes. If you are going to be busy keep a easy keeper. Some snakes require constant attention to their humidity levels. Some snakes are prone to be picky eaters... are you willing to try a variety of food or possibly need to assist feed in the future? Some snakes just poop an annoying amount! All these are big aspect new snake owners over look... okay maybe not the pooping part but hey.

For me the only two species I keep are Womas and BHPs. They are my absolute favorite, and they happen to be extremely easy keepers however I would have been willing to go to any length to keep them because I am in love with their beauty, size and quirky personalities. Yes snakes have personalities, and in my opinion the Womas and Black Heads have the biggest personalities. Again, that is something else to consider. Do you want a active snake, a chill snake that will hang out with you on the couch, or a snake mostly for looking at? Some snakes are known to be nippy, some are known to be aggressive eaters, some seem a lot smarter than others. I love my Aspidites because they seem to always want out, and they are always up and moving around. If they see me they come to the opening of their vivs and "beg" to get out. They will rub their noses along the sliding door and follow me as a I walk by. Once they are out the genuinely enough being held. They love it when I carry them around they they get to smell new things and go exploring. They also do weird little things like they bob their head up and down when they are "hunting" and they wag their tails when they are excited to get fed.

I pretty much think the best first snake ever is a woma, but thats just my opnion. They are easy to care for, not picky eaters, very forgiving with husbandry, they are active when in their homes and very calm and placid when out. They are stunning to look at and just overall fun snakes. Again though get what you want and to a degree don't let price influence you because you will end up spending a lot of money on caging, heating and most of all food so you might as well invest that into a snake you love even if you have to save up for a while.

Also Womas are very affordable and stay at a moderate size....
 
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