Im looking to start owning my first snake and as I am unsure about a few aspects, I would like to buy the snake along with the viv at the same time (this way I can be sure I have the correct habitat).

Im not particularly keen on owning a mature snake and would like to start with something a lot younger, like a hatchling or upto 1 year.

I would also like to get this snake from someone who has knowledge of snakes and have reared them on thawed rodents instead of live food.

I live in the Liverpool area and have no transportation of my own so delivery is essential.

If you can meet these requirements then pictures or colours of the snakes would help.

Any advice anyone wishes to share for a first time owner would also be appreciated.

The most important thing when considering to buy a reptile is research. Research all the different types of snakes that there are out there then decide which species you want to keep. Ask yourself if your prepared to care for a snake that may live up to twenty years (depending on species) and find out how big the snake will grow to and if you will have the space to keep it. Speak to as many people as you can who have kept snakes and ask there opinion as you cant beat first hand experience. Think what you want from the snake whether you want something that is nice to look at or if you want a snake that you can handle. Once you have made a decision on the type of snake you want find out as much info as you can about the requirements that the snake needs i.e. temperatures, humidity, size of vivarium etc. Then when you think you know enough about the snake go out and buy eveything you need BEFORE buying the snake. That way you can get the viv set up and running for a while so you can the temps etc. correct before introducing the snake. Then you can go and buy your snake. Try and find advice on how to choose a healthy specimen so you dont end up with a troublesome feeder who is riddled with mites. Always make sure that the snake is feeding well before you purchase it as some snakes can be awkward. And try to but captive bred rather than wild caught.

Anyway sorry to go on but its a big decision taking on a reptile and the better prepared you are the more you will enjoy it!

Welcome to a fantastic hobby and I am sure you will become hooked if you do decide to buy a snake!

Thanks for the reply. Your advice helps alot.

Getting the viv on it's own and having it all setup was my first choice but someone mentioned to me that for first time buyers it may be better to go for the whole setup with the snake, as this way you know the snake is in the correct viv when you get it. Im also a little wary as I am know expert in defining the sub species apart and know that some can be a little picky on thier homes.

However I will keep researching on the exact snake that I want and my mind tends to pull me towards the ball python, which some say are good starters but others say they are not. The biggest problem here is everyone has thier own opinions and im trying to figure out what is best for me (and the snake that I choose).

Thats true. Ball pythons or royals as they are know in europe are sometimes classed as good beginner snakes but some peole say otherwise. they can be picky feeders and are quite timid snakes.i started with a spotted python which is a small australian python which will never grow too big and is relatively easy to keep.

my first snake was a royal.
good for temprament and size but my god can they be picky eaters.
I had three one was a monster with his food the other two seemed to be on a starvation mission.
If you get a royal try and see it eating before you buy it thats the best advice i can give. As if yiu get one that refuses to eat no matter what tricks you try you usually end up having to go back to the pet shop to get it assist fed.

If this is a porblem i would go for a corn/rat/king snake. they are little greesy pigs, there are some amazing morphs, don't grow to big and corns and rat snakes have good tempraments. Never had a king snake so can't comment on their temprament

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I have heard that the royals can be choosy about thier food, but I have researched a number of ways into coaxing them into eating. And at the end of the day if your not prepared to work on a pet (of any type) then there is no point in owning one in the first place.

I have also have manged to find a good vet within my area that deals with exotic animals so if worse comes to worse I can always go and give them a visit.

And thanks for your reply, you can never get enough information about anything.

you can read all you can about coaxing a royal to feed but like tazzyb says if it wont feed in the shop dont be tempted to take it home and try these out. For a first time snake keeper i wouldnt recommend it because these techniques can cause a lot of stress to an already stressed snake and can make matters worse. Its good you are doing your research and have found a vet but the worst thing you can do is buy a non-feeding royal for a first snake.

Like Tazzy says maybe a corn snake or something to start with so you get experience of looking after a snake and feeding it etc. I dont particularly like corn snakes so maybe your like me and want something a bit different. I ended up getting a Spotted Python because its

A)Relatively easy to keep
B)Looks really nice
C)Aren't known for being fussy eaters



Thats mine when he was about 3 mnths old he is a bit bigger now.

Sorry to go on but like I said before its a big decision and i hate seeing people getting ripped off or worse getting a snake and end up neglecting it.