Justin Kace
Not so new Member
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2007
- Messages
- 26
- Reaction score
- 0
Hello all. I've been browsing and searching the forums quite a bit just to gather more general knowledge, but I've assembled a few questions that I'd appreciate direct answers to.
I've always liked snakes but always thought I'd live out my life in NZ, so I just appreciated them from afar and never bothered to learn more about them than 'Ooh, that one's big' or 'Ooh that one's pretty'. Now that I have the chance to realise a dream, I'm freaking out a little bit about the details and decisions.
First, I guess, is the decision of what type to get. I like the size of the black headed python, but realise that it is probably a bit big for a beginner. So as far as beginner suitable snakes go, what are the best options for a decent sized one, with a fairly easy temperament, and a pretty pattern? Priority is in that order. I don't really mind being bitten a few times, but of course, avoiding it would be preferable! Oh yes, terrestrial would also be preferred.
From looking at a recommendations I'm currently thinking that a bredli would be the go-er. Could someone please tell me why I'd be stupid to jump in with a black headed or jungle carpet python as my first snake?
I've noticed that people here seem strongly inclined to point people towards breeders over pet shops. Two pet stores in Melbourne have my interest. The one by QV markets and the one in Ballarat (pails for scales?). Would they be ok?
And I use public transport, so if I had to train/bus to Ballarat, is there anything I should know about transporting a newly acquired snake on the train or bus? Like primarily, is it allowed??
Finally (for now) could anyone give me a ball park figure on what I'm going to need to save up to set myself up from scratch? And recommend a good book that would give me all the basics and help required by a newbie?
Any info will be much appreciated!
JK
I've always liked snakes but always thought I'd live out my life in NZ, so I just appreciated them from afar and never bothered to learn more about them than 'Ooh, that one's big' or 'Ooh that one's pretty'. Now that I have the chance to realise a dream, I'm freaking out a little bit about the details and decisions.
First, I guess, is the decision of what type to get. I like the size of the black headed python, but realise that it is probably a bit big for a beginner. So as far as beginner suitable snakes go, what are the best options for a decent sized one, with a fairly easy temperament, and a pretty pattern? Priority is in that order. I don't really mind being bitten a few times, but of course, avoiding it would be preferable! Oh yes, terrestrial would also be preferred.
From looking at a recommendations I'm currently thinking that a bredli would be the go-er. Could someone please tell me why I'd be stupid to jump in with a black headed or jungle carpet python as my first snake?
I've noticed that people here seem strongly inclined to point people towards breeders over pet shops. Two pet stores in Melbourne have my interest. The one by QV markets and the one in Ballarat (pails for scales?). Would they be ok?
And I use public transport, so if I had to train/bus to Ballarat, is there anything I should know about transporting a newly acquired snake on the train or bus? Like primarily, is it allowed??
Finally (for now) could anyone give me a ball park figure on what I'm going to need to save up to set myself up from scratch? And recommend a good book that would give me all the basics and help required by a newbie?
Any info will be much appreciated!
JK