The Worst Pet Snakes! 

Love that you are willing to say “no” to some beginner snakes. How refreshing to be told the truth! Thank you.

I really dislike that we've gotten to the point where we have to tell people its OK to disagree with an opinion. Should be a given. That said, great video, love your content.

As a boa bloke myself, I also find the boa and the retic way more aesthetically pleasing compared to the ball. Being so slender and elegant with the right personality and seemingly more intelligence. Gorgeous boa btw...

Totally agree with you on the ball pythons. I want a pied, eventually, but WHEN I have the patience for their possible feeding picky-ness hahaa. Glad you mentioned the retics and tree boas too. They all make fantastic pets, like you said though, WHEN you do thorough research to make sure you're fully dedicated to the animal. Every specie has their own specific needs, some easier while others not. Great job again Jason! ❤🐍🐍❤

I think you are right! Everyone I talk to asks my recommendation on pet snakes, and they ask about ball pythons. I always mention how finicky they are with eating. I always say corn snakes, milk snakes, or king snakes. the most advanced i recommend is a Boa, and that's only because my first snake was and is a boa. She is the best snake I have ever handled. I worked with snakes of all kinds, but i found a neglected boa in a petco and bought her, fed her and now instead of starved, she is a normal weight and in a proper tank.

You're the first person I've ever heard say ball pythons aren't great starters. I respect your opinion and you obviously know what you're talking about. I had a ball python for ~9 years before I had to donate him (to a good home) when I joined the army. He was captive bred and ate like a champ every week like clockwork. Great videos, keep it up!

I'm a boa guy also. I think it's so funny that you held that snake for this vid. Because my female motley boa is by far the most cage aggressive one I own. Great video brother.

So glad your back making videos regularly again. Thanks for taking time out of your day for us.

It's nice to hear someone with abit of common sense for a change that doesn't have his own agender regarding the snakes .

Thanks for another great video Jason! Please keep them coming!

This would be one of the hardest topics to answer for me cause the fluctuation of benefits and downs to each , my head would spin on this one

Gawd yes my first snake was a BP and I almost walked away from snakes after that experience. Definitely not a snake I would ever suggest as a first time snake. Gorgeous boa you're holding.

My first snake was a subadult ATB I got a couple years ago, and while I love and respect her as a really impressive snake I do regret getting her as a first snake at at a time I was unprepared. I'm in the process of transitioning her to a much better environment for her where I basically plan to leave her be and admire visually. My baby BI I've had for 6 months is fantastic and is so trusting of me it blows me away, I love this little guy so much. Your videos were part of the reason I chose to try a boa constrictor and I'm thankful for that

Ethics of breeding - yes! Good topic!! Looking forward to that one, this was good also but I already knew I couldn’t handle a retic, lol.

I really have to tell you that I have really enjoyed your content. I'm new to the world of Boidae and the more I learn the.more I'm finding myself drawn in. Certainly, moreso than other species in the past. Thank you, Jason! Hope you're well during these times.

You really sound sensible, conscientious and like you know what you're doing; you deserve more subs than some of these clickbait pettubers.

BALL PYTHONS! LITTERALY MY FIRST SNAKE AND WAS AND STILL IS SO SWEET

Sometimes I think people think too hard about ball pythons. I had trouble with mine for years, having him in a big 40 gallon. Always shedding problems, sometimes wouldn’t eat, couldn’t keep the humidity up. I switched him out to a big plastic storage container for like 20 bucks. And now he’s doing great. Always sheds good. Always eats super easy. Always chillin. Probably not the case with every ball python but I think less is more with them.

Gotta say it's great to see guy who REALLY cares and has a brain. Covers all topics in detail, 100% facts and truth

I have 2 ball pythons and so far not issues. Just off feeding at times but I've had them for awhile so I realized a pattern. They are really easy to handle.

Nice video. I just got my first snake, a two month old BP three weeks ago and he was being fed live. I had to laugh when you said how they wait for food, because on his second live feeding he missed and I think the mouse snipped back (I wasn't laughing then) but now he is in stealth mode waiting and the mouse is digging burrows hiding (for three hours), but happy to say on week three he took a frozen thawed with no problem. He was very defensive at first, but now he is a joy and likes being held...he is my little buddy.

Yes! I totally agree with the ball pythons eating habits dude! My first ball went through a stage of 2 months without eating in the winter, it drove me nuts throwing out rats every two weeks, she eats fine now and haven't done that in years but it was stressful at first

My retic is very docile. I tap trained her since she was 2 months old. The only time I worry is when I feed her. She has a very strong feeding response. Other that she's a sweetheart.

"Not gonna pull a Brian Barczyk..." - shots fired! Lmao

Nice video. We just got a ball python for my son as his first reptile and she is not liking the Frozen thawed. If we have to feed her live forever, that's what we'll do but, kind of a pain. She's cool though. Keep up the good work man.

I agree with this list. I love ball pythons but only my buddys lol dont own them myself. Im 34 and i have had pet and breeder reptiles alotta my life ive only added retics recently they are WONDERFUL but im glad i waited til i knew i was ready for sure

I thought your last category would be “anything venomous”, but maybe you found it too obvious to state :)

I’ve heard a lot about ball pythons being bad beginner pets which surprised me considering my 6yo F normal was my first. I’ve had virtually no problems but after more research on them I definitely understand how they could be bad for beginners.

My first snake is a ball python and she is amazing and doing really great :) but I totally understand your point of view though. It isn’t easy at all! Still very rewarding

I had serious issue with getting my ball pythons shed off in Colorado. I soaked the snake/ misted the cage. But always the eye caps got stuck. I felt like a terrible human being and like I was not taking care of the animal. Not to mention the snake would never submerge even though the water temp was perfect. I agree on the ball python issues.

Awesome thank you for the ball python bit. Everything makes so much sense now.

I love all snakes, but pythons are just never appealed to me on some personal level, don't know why. Boas, on the other side... pretty much always wanted one, and after so long, I finally got myself baby bci a two weeks ago, so far he's a sweetie, no hiss, no bite, allows me to handle him and a good eater (so far I fed him only once, but he munched his mouse like a champ). I'm totally a boa girl now. Before him, about a 6 months ago, I got myself a baby corn snake, and she's a sweetie too, haha. Guess I lucky that all my snakes a very docile, hope it stays that way! Love your videos!! Sorry if my English is weird, not my first language.

Great video!! Long story short I've been slacking on keeping up with RU-vid but couldn't have picked a better time to get back to it. I JUST bought a beautiful ball python, after watching your video I have decided to change his apartment completely!! Thank you for sharing! 😁❤

Jason, it seems like that time of year for my carpet python...How long would you wait inbetween feedings if a snake has refused 2 large rats already. I've been giving it about a month now. Thanks man!

I really like this video! I definitely feel like any snake can be difficult for anyone if they don't know what they're getting into. I always wanted a reticulated python, but it took me years of dealing with various other types of snakes, a ton of research, and knowing i had the space for them before I actually got one and now I absolutely love my experiences with them :) I'm super glad I didn't start off with one though haha

Hi! I appreciate your videos 🥰 I was wondering if you have a video on appropriate terrarium size or container size for different adult snake breeds?

Thanks for a good video. The boa you’re holding is a beauty!

Greeaat education video! Keep sharing your knowledge its spot on.

Love the content! I need as many vids as possible my guy lol

100% agree with the Retic. They’ve been my favorite all around snakes because of how tame and friendly they can be, but you definitely have to know how to turn that feeding response off

Boas hell yes,not enough boa love out there!!! Thank you for being honest and not being a salesman,haha love the Brian B comment

I have been researching for almost two months now, and I finally decided to get my first snake (green tree python). There are a lot of these videos about beginner snakes, I’ve probably watched them all at this point, and I considered going with an ‘easy’ or starter choice but, I have always been fascinated with aboreal snakes. I didn’t want a beginner snake, I wanted a specific snake that I’ve always dreamed of owning. After all my research, the only double edge sword I can find with my choice was that I won’t be able to handle him/her much, but that’s okay. Eventually I would like to get a second snake and I’ve read solomon island and madagascar tree boas are some arboreal species that are much easier to handle.

I couldn't agree more regards royal pythons but I don't necessarily agree regards retics. However, I agree wholeheartedly when it comes to mainland retics but for the super dwarf localities (Karompa, Kalatoa, and Madu's), with the proper research, understanding, and preparation, they could be a good first snake. Even the larger of the smaller species, such as Jampea and Selayer only really reach 8-12ft, not really much bigger than a female boa. On the whole though, it was another awesome video 👍🏻

So I've been keeping boas for about a decade. I've had a few burms as well. I recently have just fallen in love with a specific retic morph, and I reeeaaallly want this retic now. Would you recommend someone like me who would technically be a beginner keeper with a retic, but not with larger snakes in general, to go for it and get one?

I started with a ball python and still have her, she's wonderful about feeding, but most of the ball pythons I have had are big pain in the butts. I agree with you, they are great as far as handleability for new keepers. BUT they can be such a major pain. I love the honesty of your channel. Thanks for your content!

hello I have a corn snake that is not use to handling and he is always coming up to the top of the cage thinking there is food and when I open the lid he starts coming out of the cage striking for food because he is 2 years old and never been handled so what do you suggest I do to start handling and taming him

I stayed away from getting a Ball Python just b/c I don't really want to mess with monitoring humidity all the time, although I've read/heard they can be tolerant of poor husbandry. And that's why I bought a woma, and am thinking about getting a Bredls. Boas and balls look amazing, but I like not having to mist or keep anything damp lol

Another good vid Jason. Any chance of getting 1 of your Jason's exotics shirts,those are one of my favorites out there. Hell I'd take a couple

Only started with a ball python. So far so good. Thanks for sharing brother.

I’ve recently got a ball python I’ve got him to eat successfully once but the last few times he/she has gotten the fuzzy from the side and was un able to eat it after words any tips ? And also how can I find out the sex ?

What about a dwarf locality retic, I thought that they reach around about 6-10 feet or is that false? And if they really do get that big do you think they’d make a relatively good pet?

Awesome. I love my central American boa! Cant wait to see that video. May be one of my smaller snakes but has a big personality!

If I wanted to purchase a snake from your website. I have a few questions. Do you ship outside the USA? If yes what’s the farthest? And how much?

Great advice. Wondering what type of boa you're holding in this? It's gorgeous. Is it a morph? Thanks!

A video I'm interested in but not sure if youd want to do is going over recent changes to the hobby or our knowledge, like new methods of caging, morphs, BCI becoming BI, etc

Haha I knew the Retic was gonna make the list. That was my beginner snake I bought it out of lack of knowledge. But I did great had no issues. Great video great content

Great video Jason love that you mentioned ball pythons because. The majority of my collection is ball pythons and they definitely stressed me out in the beginning. Luckily I bought from people that were there to help me along the way. I only have one narmal Columbian boa but she is a pleasure to handle and feed because she never misses a meal. More Boas here at Hogtown Balls in the future for sure. 👍🐍

Jason, we appreciate your candor and expertise. As a Rhode Islander with a penchant for tank tops, I feel like I can trust you. Buddy the Ball Python says hi!

Excellent list, so glad you included pet rocks 🤟🏼

Love the videos buddy!

Whenever I hear a snake expert talk about the reticulated python they only mention how long it gets but they never talked about how heavy the snake gets can anyone tell me how heavy can that snake get? And out of all the pythons I always thought the Burmese was the heaviest some people say that the African rock can you tell me which is the heaviest and how long can these two snakes get?

Ball Pythons are a pain in the rear for some of us with many years of experience and I don't suggest them for beginners because they tend to be so lazy they won't thermoregulate their bodies temps and often have crappy sheds aside from being picky eaters but on the up side they have great personalities because they are too lazy to do much of anything ROFL I love my adult Ball Pythons but they do require more attention and care than lots of other snakes do. I totally agree on waiting to have experience to raise a Retic I raised a Mainland to 18 feet and he was social but so flighty and had more good days than bad days but when Jackyl had a bad day I was beginning to think he was Satan's spawn but I loved him nonetheless LOL Great video and information !!

I have a Boa that I’m having trouble figuring out exactly what he is I was told lavender albino and Miley but I can’t find any pictures that look like him

my first snake is a ball python and i totally agree with you when they have feeding strikes. as a beginner, i was paranoid that she wasn’t eating for a month and then i gave her live and now she’s doing well. if i knew that would’ve happened, i would’ve gotten a corn snake or boa lmaooo

I agree with the ball python when I was looking to get my first pet snake I wanted one for so long of a specific morph but the more I thought about it I realized I probably don’t want something that would go off feed. I know it would stress me out and also there are snakes out there with easier requirements. I ended up going with a Mexican black kingsnake

Had problems with my ball pythons feeding. Learned to just wait it out.

Especially baby Ball Pythons!! I've lost 3 in the past, due to not eating. I tried assist feeding them, but to no avail. My adults, and sub adults eat like a champ, every other week without fail. I'm keeping my collection under 10' for the reasons you stated. Boas are going to be my next snakes.

If I get a Carpet python that's been fed on fuzzy mice but I want to feed it fuzzy rats( the same food as my future Suriname boa) will it eat?

I am looking for a Boa that my child can handle and grow up with. She is 9 and it would be her first snake. What do you suggest?

any tips on keeping the humidity up in a habitat

Thanks bro for the useful information. I would start off with a corn snake.

Great video!! I breed ball pythons and I agree ball pythons aren't begginer snakes I think their more of a intermediate level hobbiest.

Excellent video - I've been in the hobby for 33 years, and the subject of feeding is not strictly related to royal pythons. Look on any forum or group and newbies will be reporting their Hognose has goon off food, or cornsnake has stopped eating... every species has it's biorhythm and depending what the season is (breeding / bermation) they will either stop eating or binge feed. It's also down to the individual snake. I have a royal that has an appetite of a retic and has hardly missed a feed (other than when gravid). The learning and research is all part of the hobby. I too love boa's, and my 8' Jungle Pastel male has just taken his first meal in nearly three months as he was otherwise focused on finding a female....so even boa's which are commonly referred to as dustbins (trash cans for you guys that side of the pond) go off food at times.

What's ur opinion on red tail boas?

Fantastic topic

I‘m a boa guy as well!

Please touch base on Rainbow Boas. I'm curious to hear your input. I have a 6 year old male I raised up as a pet.

What are green anacondas like to keep from your experience?

I’m a boa girl thru and thru lol, I’ll never have a ball python, just me 👐🏻 My BCI is my favorite of all my pets, period. Perfect snake 🐍💕💖

Thank you for this post. I have Ball Pythons, 4 hatchlings and two adults. Two of the little ones need forced and assist feeding. Not for the faint of heart. I am new to the hobby and learned about Ball Pythons before getting one.

I keep several different species, and almost everything is a better feeder than ball pythons. Boas demand more respect than a ball when it comes to handling, but I really enjoy their extra level of intelligence. Another great video Jason!

Great list I agree ball pythons and retics should be on the list! Love the pattern on that boa!

What type of boa were you holding in this video?

What morph of Boa are you holding?

I've got a blind bci rescue...she needs fatten up but isnt taking the extra meals I'm giving her...any ideas?

Retics and burns are probably the worst . Most ppl don’t even give them the right size enclosure so sad

It's rare to actually get a ball python that's not captive bred if any at all, I've never had anything but good luck with my ball pythons however my 3 boas are all snippy and super aggressive and I spend 4-5 hrs a week between the 3.. not sure what I'm doing wrong

Funny enough, I've had he WORST luck with corn snakes, and the best luck with my ball python. Sometimes it's just like that. I'm blessed that mine won't skip meals unless she's in shed. I do wish she would sit in my lap once in a while though, like others say theirs do. Mine constantly wants to be moving around when she's out, that I have to laugh when people call their BPs "pet rocks" or say they never climb. Mine apparently never got the memo.

thanks for talking about retics!!

What boa morph is this?

Lol I liked this one. I had a king snake as my first snake and as weird as it sounds I wouldn't recommend one as a first snake for a younger keeper. Just bcuz no one ever told me that they have a super strong feeding response. Everytime if take her out if get bite like 30 times. She just NVR would calm down

Greatful for this information 👩🏻🌸

Regarding Retics, you can get a dwarf or super dwarf retic if you are worried about their big size. SD retics are between 6-9ft and the karompa localities are the smallest! average size 5-7ft.

I think another channel said a ball python makes a great pet after you have a boa or two because then you don't have to worry about feeders going to waste when they decide they don't want the rat.

Our B. P. Had all the feeding issues it’s so true and frustrating. Now at two years old you learn to feed every two weeks and this has made a big difference. If they don’t eat wait a week. A big snake soon becomes a liability and not much of a pet.

This is the best Boa channel on RU-vid

I got my first snake ever last September. I decided to adopt one someone had to get rid of, I live in Canada so not a Lot to choose from at pet stores anyways. my GF really wanted a a ball python, I decided on a colubrid of some kind. I found a 6 year old Hypo Brooks Florida Kingsnake. The way the guy took the pics made him look like he was tiny. He's an easy 6 feet, I was blown away at how much bigger he was than what I expected. I did a bunch of research, upgraded pretty much everything he came in / with. He was supposed to eat the day i got him so the guy suggested I try, he ate like it was nothing. He's shed 2 times, he hasn't even hissed at me once even when I took him out a couple days after he ate for the first time. He is everything I could ask for in a pet snake. I joined the reddit snakes thread, and all I see is posts of people asking how and why their balls wont eat. If I had gotten a ball python I know i would be struggling right now with the humidity, its cold this time of year and the air is dry as F. The Kingsnake doesn't care bout none of that, has got a huge bowl that he soaks in before he sheds and after he eats, the aspen he burrows in all day keeps the humidity around 37 and i worried about it till he had a perfect shed on his own while I was sleeping. I can't think of a single reason someone would wanna get rid of the guy i got. but hes mine now till he dies. I thank the lucky stars i didnt get the pain in the ass trendy snake and got the one that is perfect for me.

Curious how many snakes u got

What about dwarf retics? They ARE out there as I understand it. I think it's based on locality? Not sure. I'm just catching up with what's hot in the hobby after leaving it for about 20 years. I never even heard of them until I saw some online. Curious now.

ball pythons called out live on stream