Looking to invest in a snake (first time)

fox65

Searched the forums but can't find anything too recent

Never had a snake but am looking to invest in one.

been doing alot of reading up on it and the general concencious is a ball python or a corn snake are the best for begginers. Looking at a ball python as they have great longevity if cared for right and also seem to be nice timid snakes. also grow to a decent size.

where are there good stores in dublin or preferable north dublin for snakes. are there many vets that cater for them. bar food running costs are there many vacination annual costs etc.
Do many pet stortes supply feeder mice, how much do they cost, do many stock frozen mice. or do any companies ship them? etc

how fast do they grow, would it be better to go straight to a 25gal tank?

or any pointers or help

Busta Hyman

firs off have you kept ANY herps before?
and how much research have you done on the animal in question?

dlofnep

My friend has a snake, I think he had a corn snake at first but it died. He has some sort of pyhton now I think and it's going strong for ages. I'll ask him to take a look at this thread when I see him to give you advice.

fox65

spent time over the last few weeks researching them, habitat etc

most of the information is fairly consistant but just missing some info, particularly details about ireland. not much info there, as i mentioned above ; do many vets treat them, a good store to get info and housing before i get one, where to buy food for them, frozen or otherwise. trying to get as much info before i look to buy one.

don't want to be at the stage where i have a snake but the only vet is in offaly or something

iseethelight

Kinsealy pet shop just off the Malahide Road is a good place to start,knowledgable and friendly. I don't know if their prices are competitive though. I know nothing about pricing of these animals. A decent book on the subject is also an essential purchase.

Hellrazer

fox65 wrote: »

spent time over the last few weeks researching them, habitat etc

most of the information is fairly consistant but just missing some info, particularly details about ireland. not much info there, as i mentioned above ; do many vets treat them, a good store to get info and housing before i get one, where to buy food for them, frozen or otherwise. trying to get as much info before i look to buy one.

don't want to be at the stage where i have a snake but the only vet is in offaly or something

Nearly every pet shop selld feeder mice so you should be ok there.As for specialist vets the only one I know of is in Bray.
However if you buy your snake off a reputable shop then they are always willing to help if you have problems.My recommendation is Ben in Reptile Haven in Fishamble street in Dublin.Ive often brought him in a herp that Ive felt wasnt the best and hes always been as helpful as possible.

One more thing Id personally go for a corn snake since Ive always found Royals a bit harder to keep.For some reason that I cant figure out Ive had little success in keeping them.Ive lost 2 even though Im supposedly doing things 100% so Ive given up on trying to keep them.However my Corns are doing great.And now Im looking for a Cal King if anyones selling one.

Wolfsberg

Fair play for doing your research Fox65. Vet-wise I would reccomend John Bainbridge of Argyle and Bainbridge with practises in Fairview and Dundrum. I think John would have a bit more interest in the herps than the vet in Bray that Hellrazer mentioned. Although she is quite highly regarded too.

I'm not a snake expert so I won't comment on the species that you are interested in.

Depending on what you are feeding (pinkies, fuzzies, weaners) the food is really not somthing you need to worry about. A pinkie is about 75c or so and you don't have to feed them so often.

monty_python

i would second a corn snake. As royals are know to be troublesome feeders and ive heard there are some wild caught ones in some shops. Corn snakes are availiale in many many different morphs/colour patterns so you will definetly get 1 you like the look of.

alcon1984

Id go with a corn snake, there the best beginner snake as far as im concerned.
Royals can be fussy eaters and there are loads of wild cought being sold.Corns are as easy as you can get. You could go for a king or milk snake either.

http://www.reptile-community.com/smf/

This Irish forum will tell you everything you need to know from where to buy, size vivs and food and all that. Theres actually some1 on the forum in Dublin selling some baby corns at the min.

Good luck

dbrock

id go for a corn or a banded king snake myself, always found the kingsnakes to feed that little better when young,
royles can be a pain to feed and often end up needing to be force fed the f
frozen mice

the best reptile vet is john bainbridge by far,

shop wise ben in reptile haven will never set you wrong, with plenty of dif types of corns and kings, he is also amazing with after sales service, if you get out south side drop into fintastic aquatics in dun laoighaire, they have a few snakes there to and are very knowledgeable and help full to, good luck with it and make sure to pop back with some pics to,

January

I second John Bainbridge and Ben in Reptile Haven.

My dad breeds snakes (Mexican Black King Snakes mostly) and he uses Dr. Bainbridge and always goes to Reptile Haven.

Ben will tell you anything you need to know.

monty_python

fox65 wrote: »

Searched the forums but can't find anything too recent

Never had a snake but am looking to invest in one.

been doing alot of reading up on it and the general concencious is a ball python or a corn snake are the best for begginers. Looking at a ball python as they have great longevity if cared for right and also seem to be nice timid snakes. also grow to a decent size.

where are there good stores in dublin or preferable north dublin for snakes. are there many vets that cater for them. bar food running costs are there many vacination annual costs etc.
Do many pet stortes supply feeder mice, how much do they cost, do many stock frozen mice. or do any companies ship them? etc

how fast do they grow, would it be better to go straight to a 25gal tank?

or any pointers or help

just a quick word of warning mate, this is a very addictive hobby:P
i started 8 years ago with a corn snake and i now have a burm and yellow anaconda:D they are great and i love to interact with them,

Wolfsberg

monty_python wrote: »

just a quick word of warning mate, this is a very addictive hobby:P
i started 8 years ago with a corn snake and i now have a burm and yellow anaconda:D they are great and i love to interact with them,

What length are they now monty python? Keep them away from my new poison dart frog!

monty_python

Wolfsberg wrote: »

What length are they now monty python? Keep them away from my new poison dart frog!

lol and away from my baboon tarantulas too, especially the king:D:D

my burm is about 4 ft and the conda is 3ft,
do you keep any snakes your self mate??

Wolfsberg

Not exactly!

tallus

There are a few basics that apply to all reptiles OP.
Thermoregulation: The snake needs to be able to regulate it's own body temperature by having a cool spot at one end of the enclosure and a hotspot for basking at the opposite end as they can't control their own body temperature. Most reptiles will be ok with a temperature range of around 23C - 30C.
Always have a water dish large enough for the snake to climb into and soak especially when they are sloughing.
Always provide a place for the snake to hide in both the cool end and the warm end of the enclosure.
I'd definetly go for a corn snake too as Royal Pythons are notoriously bad feeders.
John Bainbridge is a very good reptile vet and has been around a long time.
I have never dealt with Bairbre O'Malley so can't really speak on her behalf.

aboutimeilogin!

try cornsnake caresheet or forum on yer search.
buy from a breeder or a shop that is supplied by a breeder
avoid wholesalers, to maney stresful shipping. go for royals way later and never from a shop!!!!!!!!!!breeders only

fox65

i'm gonna pop into reptile haven at the next opportunity i can. cheers all